Ostrava at the Confluence of Four Rivers

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country historically known as Bohemia. It is bordered by Austria to the south, Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, and Slovakia to the southeast. Ostrava in the north-east is the third largest city sharing a border with Poland at the confluence of four rivers – the Oder, Opava, Ostravice, and Lucina.

Silesian Ostrava Castle dates from the 13th century and was built by a Tesin prince. One of its highlights is an amazing 16th-century tower. This fortress stood at a strategic position along the rivers and the border with Poland. Mining tunnels beneath it have caused the castle to sing 16 meters into the ground. Inside is a museum dedicated to the history of the city and the torture methods practiced in the castle dungeons.

The mining museum at Landek Park is the largest in the Czech Republic. It includes a mining museum which is an interactive museum about the city's mining and industrial history. Coal mines are on display and you can experience what it is like to work in a mine. Guided tours are available.

One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Dolni Vitkovice. This structure was originally one of the largest ironwork facilities in Central Europe. There is a museum and performing arts center.

Some of the highlights are the Bolt Tower which was built on a former blast furnace and the concert hall, a room that was once a massive gas-o-meter. Vitkovice hosts the Colors of Ostrava, a series of four-day music festivals.

The New City Hall houses a tourist information office. The tower here is the tallest viewing tower in the country. You can get a guided tour.

Masaryk Square is a pedestrian area and a great place to people-watch. In the main square, you'll see two monuments – the Marian Plague Column that commemorates the end of an outbreak in 1702 and a statue of St. Florian, patron saint of firefighters.

Michal Coal Mine is a preserved former coal mine that became a National Cultural Monument in 1995. You can take guided tours through control rooms and mine shafts.

Ostrava City Museum is housed in the converted Old City Hall and is a museum dedicated to the city of Ostrava. Here you can learn about the area's geology, view mining artifacts, and see the art and furniture donated by local families.

Antonín Dvořák Theatre hosts opera, ballets, and plays. The interior of the building is decorated in the neo-Baroque style.

The Ostrava Zoo is the second-largest zoo in the Czech Republic. There are many animals to see and the zoo contains the House of Evolution teaching the theory, plus a safari, an Amazon Hall, and a garden and play area for kids to meet with farm animals.

Sareza Aquapark is a fun water park for families. There is a lake-sized swimming pool, splash pools, and waterslides. The park also has a cafe, food court, and top amenities. You can find volleyball courts, mini golf courts, and walking trails.

Ostrava Brewery you can get a tour of the factory, see antique brewing devices, and sit at the tap bar to sample local brews. Beer is the national drink of the Czech Republic.

Ostravice River is a wonderful place to cool off and relax. There are walking and biking trails following the river out into the surrounding countryside. Benches on which to sit and just relax. There are canoes and rafts to rent to get out on the river.

Stodolni Street is the city's entertainment district and has more than 60 bars, clubs, and restaurants.

For shopping visit Forum Nove Karolina which is one of the largest shopping malls in the country.