West Bohemia, Historical region in western Czech Republic.
West Bohemia is a region in the western Czech Republic comprising ten administrative districts, including Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, and Cheb, situated along the German border. Mountainous terrain shapes the landscape throughout the area and defines its geographic character.
After World War II, the region experienced major demographic shifts as the German-speaking population was expelled, fundamentally reshaping its society. These changes left a lasting impact on the cultural and social foundations of the communities that followed.
The region carries a strong beer-making heritage rooted in Plzeň, where Pilsner-style lager was developed and perfected over generations. Today, local breweries remain important gathering places where traditional recipes and brewing methods continue to be passed down.
The region benefits from strong rail and highway connections that link major cities with Prague and destinations across the German border. Visitors typically use these transport networks to move between towns and access the wider region.
The abandoned tin mines near Rolava remain as remnants of the region's industrial past and are open to exploration by visitors today. These sites reveal how heavily extraction activities shaped the land and left physical traces across the landscape.
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