Prague - Czechia
Zagan to Prague rail trip 6 hrs on the Baltic Express.
The Baltic Express
The "EC 261 Baltic Express" runs between the chilly sounding Baltic coast and Prague. We boarded at Wroclaw, enjoying 1st class comfort. The countryside got more interesting as we travelled into Czechia, then from our window, the Zdarski Mountains loomed, rugged and serene like Swiss foothills—at a much friendlier price I bet!
A scupture by a local Artist
Accomodation and getting around.
After staying for several enjoyable days, we can confidently recommend the VINCANTO APARTMENTS in Prague's charming old town. They offer spacious accommodation, friendly and helpful staff, and are situated in a peaceful area just a 20-minute walk from the iconic Charles Bridge. To get around, we purchased 3-day passes for buses, trams, and the subway on the state-run public transport system (including the Funicular) for only £12 each. Considering this is peak tourist season, the atmosphere around town remains wonderfully relaxed, safe, and pleasantly uncrowded. 25 Aug 2025.
Prague from Letenské Sady in the early morning.
So first task after checking into apartment was to forage for food. Following morning I was gasping for a cuppa. Poured ‘milk’ into mugs and it curdled straight away. “ Ewww”. It appears that I bought a yogurt drink and not milk. In my defence my Czech is not up to date and google translate as not working in the store so I could not double check. The carton had pictures of cows on it so it had to be milk right? - obviously NO!
Prague old station
With an empty stomach, we started exploring. First, we had coffee while looking at the map and Simon worked out the public transport. Then we went to the main station to buy tickets and decided to wait 45 minutes to learn which platform our train would use on departure day. Most trains use the same platforms, so we wanted to be sure. Prague station is big and confusing at first.
Weather for day 1 was mixed but rain held off until we had done enough. Despite havng travel cards and making good use of htem we still walked just under 15,000 steps. Nothing compared to what Oliver, Caitlin and Fraser stepped out on their expeditions as they were well into the 20K mark I believe. Good job its not a competition hey?
Charles Bridge
Walking over the Charles Bridge was an experience. You could not see the bridge for the humans. This together with an ‘animal rights activists’ rally crossing the bridge made a littel extra crowded if that was at all possible. But mid day in tourist season what can one expect - Do any of these people have homes to go to??? Still we enjoyed our wanderings, soaking up the atmosphere and awe inspiring architecture.
The apartment building has a code of ‘quiet hours’ between 10pm and 8 am. We were awoken at around 2 am with some drunk ramblings in a foreign tongue, coming from the hallway. “Bleurrgghhsss arrrguuureeee bleurrggahhhh'“ - snort, giggle. Seems that no matter what language you speak the one of drunkness is univerasal!. It was quite funny actually. The following morning whilst enjoying our morning coffee, sitting the public square outside the shops, we saw a rather hungover group of lads!
On one particular day we took a bus and not tram to our destination which was to find the place that was recommended for Chimney cakes. (The bus was incredibly bumpy. We should not have been surprised really considering that all the roads and pavements are cobbled. But there we have it. The cakes were rather delcious. The cake it self is cookd over an open flame and is crispy on the outside and soft and spongy on the inside. I, Carol, could not finish mine. When I reported this to my friend Jen who had recommended I try them she said ‘Well I wasn’t as piggy as you and didn’t have one filled”. I did mention that she failed to say that and was asked if I remembered seeing the photo she sent?? All I remembered were the words chimney and cake!
Charles Bridge from the boat
On our final day we took a 2 hour cruise along the river to see Prague from a different view point. Passed by many interesting buildings in a slow leisurely pace. This leisurely pace is our theme for this trip and so far we are smashing it!!
Staroptamen Brewey or not
Once off the boat we headed for the Brewery Staroptamen, which so far has been Simon’s favourite beer this trip. But alas it was closed! So to cheer Simon up we headed for a Botel which served his favourite beverage on tap. There are quite a few Botels along the river. They are basically old boats turned into hotels, hence ‘botel’. Very grand and stately inside with luxurios furnishings.
Chimney Cakes.