West Bohemia, Historical region in western Czech Republic.
West Bohemia is a region in the western part of the Czech Republic, stretching along the border with Germany and covering areas around cities like Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, and Cheb. The terrain shifts from forested hills and spa towns in the north to flat farmland and river valleys further south.
Until 1945, much of the region was home to a large German-speaking population known as Sudeten Germans, who had lived there for centuries. After World War II, they were expelled and many towns were resettled by Czech families or left largely empty for years.
In Plzeň, the Pilsner style of lager was created in the 19th century and is still brewed at the original brewery, which visitors can tour today. The brewing tradition shapes the identity of the city in a very tangible way, from its pubs to its festivals.
The main cities in the region are well connected to Prague by both rail and road, making it easy to arrive from the capital or cross into Germany. Smaller towns and rural spots are best reached by car, as local bus services can be infrequent outside major routes.
Near the village of Rolava in the Ore Mountains, old tin mines have been left largely as they were after operations ceased, and walkers can still find traces of the shafts and spoil heaps in the surrounding landscape. This area also sits at one of the highest points of the range, making the combination of industrial remains and open moorland an unexpected sight.
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