Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is cool for its fairytale castles (over 2,000!), world-leading beer consumption, the historic Prague Astronomical Clock, unique inventions like soft contact lenses and sugar cubes, and its deep tradition of puppetry, all set within a country known for safety and rich history.  Castle Capital of Europe: With over 2,000 castles and chateaux, the Czech Republic has one of the highest densities of castles in the world, including Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle complex, says Czech Universities and Amazing Czechia. Beer Paradise: Czechs drink the most beer per capita globally, and the country is the birthplace of Pilsner beer, with its beer culture deeply ingrained. Inventors of Everyday Items: Czech ingenuity gave the world soft contact lenses, the modern compass, the lightning rod, and even the word "robot."  Magical Marionettes & Clocks: The country boasts centuries-old traditions of puppetry, with marionettes being a popular art form, and Prague hosts the world's oldest operating Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410. "City of a Hundred Spires": Prague's stunning skyline is famous for its hundreds of spires, showcasing Gothic, Baroque, and other architectural styles, earning it this nickname and attracting visitors from everywhere.