Wild camping in the Czech Republic

Road traffic regulations
In the Czech Republic, winter tires are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March, irrespective of the actual weather conditions. If you are stopped with summer tires during this period, you will have to pay a fine. Also, you must drive all day with low beam or daytime running lights.

Toll vignettes
On freeways and four-lane expressways, vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons must have a digital vignette. You should only buy these at official sales points such as gas stations or at the border crossing, as there are many forgeries. The classic toll stickers are no longer available.

Electronic toll
If your vehicle has a total weight of more than 3.5 t, you must carry an electronic toll device (a small box called "Premid") with you. You can rent this box for a deposit at the following locations: https://www.mytocz.eu/. You should note that on Fridays between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. increased toll rates apply.

Be ready to leave and attentive
The Czech population likes to be out in nature itself, so controls can occur more frequently. If you decide to wild camp, you should be ready for departure at all times, and keep your eyes and ears open. If you are respectful of others and keep your place clean, you will usually not be fined and only be asked to leave.

Fact #1 - Last names
The surnames of Czech women always end in -ová. In news, foreign women's names are also given the suffix.

Fact #2 - Bribery
In Prague, you can visit a "Corrupt Tour," which takes you to places like ruins of new buildings or investment objects, for the construction of which bribes have been paid.

Fact #3 - West of Western Europe
In classical terms, the Czech Republic is usually considered Eastern Europe, and Austria Western Europe. Prague, on the other hand, is west of Vienna and most of the country is in the west.

Fact #4 - Lump sugar
The Czech Republic is the birthplace of cube sugar. The inventor is Jacob Christoph Rad, head of a sugar factory, who secured a patent for it in 1843.

Fact #5 - Hospitals
The Czech Republic has the highest number of hospital beds per inhabitant in the EU. Staying in a hospital is never nice, but at least there are free beds in case of emergency.

Fact #6 - The Oldest university in Central Europe
Charles University in Prague is the oldest university in Central Europe. It was founded in 1348 by Charles IV and today has more than 50,000 students.

Fact #7 - Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge in Prague is one of the oldest preserved stone bridges in Europe. The bridge was built in the 14th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Fact #8 - Speaking of Charles Bridge
At the eastern end of the bridge, you will find a stone called Bradáč or Bearded Man. In the Middle Ages, this stone served as a warning signal for impending floods. When the water reached the head, a flood was imminent.

Fact #9 - Nickname Prague
Prague is also called the "city of a hundred towers." This nickname was given to the city by the author Josef Hormayer in the 19th century when it had over 100 towers. Today Prague has more than 500 towers.

Fact #10 - Heavy language
Czech is one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. One reason for this is that it does not require vowels. Here's a Czech tongue twister: "Strc prst skrz krk."