Souvenirs from Prague and the Czech Republic

Czech beer and beer souvenirs
Without any doubt, the beer theme takes first place when choosing gifts and souvenirs. Being in the Czech Republic and not bringing a few bottles of original Czech beer is a real sacrilege. Perhaps many would like to take much more than a few, but remember that there is a duty on the importation of alcoholic beverages into your country (up to 3 liters can be imported into the Russian Federation without a duty; for 4 liters, the duty is 10 euros; for 5 liters – 20 euros; it is forbidden to import more than 5 liters).

A wide range of Czech (as well as imported) beer is presented in three breweries in Prague (each with 200 varieties). Unfortunately, some branded varieties (for example, Svatý Norbert or Flekovský ležák) are only available in the establishments where they are produced, and you won’t be able to buy them all at once (in one place). Separately, it is worth noting beer souvenirs from Prague – a large variety of souvenir beer mugs. Here everything depends on your personal sympathies, so we will not single out any specific souvenir shops. A useful gift and souvenir from Prague is a beer shampoo.

Czech pomegranate

Small stones of rich red color – a real garnet of a unique shade that you will find only in the Czech Republic. The color is determined by the amount of iron it contains. Garnet stones can shine with dark red hues and shimmer with burgundy facets. A distinctive feature of the Czech pomegranate is its small size. Czech garnetUsually one stone does not exceed 5 mm. Pomegranate jewelry is produced under the brand name “Granát” in the city of Turnov and certified by a certificate of authenticity.

Where to buy Czech pomegranate in Prague? We draw the attention of tourists to the fact that recently there have been many fakes imitating Czech pomegranate, as well as a large number of imported low-quality pomegranates (from Iran or Turkey). As a rule, even a quality certificate does not guarantee the purchase of a quality product. We advise you to buy Czech pomegranate in Prague only at the Pomegranate Museum or at Granát brand stores (Dlouhá, 28 and Panská, 1). Also, their stores can be found in the following Czech cities:

Turnov (Náměsti Českeho ráje, 4);
Liberec (Soukenné náměstí, 156);
České Budějovice (Dr. Stejskala, 9);
Cesky-Krymlov (Latrán, 53).

Czech crystal

Czech crystal известен на весь мир ещё как богемский (мозерский) crystal. Literally everything is made from it – from chic chandeliers to festive wine glasses. To add extra luxury, they are encrusted with precious metals and stones. Богемский crystal ценится за особый состав, который дарит готовому изделию кристальную прозрачность и мелодичный перезвон. Unique handmade products will become not only a household item, but also a decoration of any interior. Smooth shapes, exquisite ornaments, silver or gold frames – these works of art have been decorating the homes of the most noble people since the 17th-18th centuries!

Bohemian crystal is produced by several factories in the Czech Republic – Moser, Preciosa, Elite Bohemia. Their products are designed for buyers with different income levels, so almost everyone can bring glasses from the Czech Republic from the legendary crystal. By purchasing products directly from the manufacturer, you get a guarantee of the quality of the product, which cannot be offered to you in ordinary souvenir shops. Crystal is one of the best souvenirs from Prague.

Czech фарфор

Porcelain in the Czech Republic is produced at 11 factories and is famous for its high quality. It is made mainly from two types of clay – white and pink, respectively, and the products are snow-white or with a pinkish tint. The main concentration of porcelain factories in the Czech Republic was the north of the country, the Karlovy Vary region, as well as Brno.

Czech jewelry

Another achievement of Czech masters is jewelry. The most famous jewelry manufacturer in the world – the Swarovski brand – the world owes it to the Czech Republic, or rather, a native of the town of Jablonec nad Nisou, Mr. Daniel Swarovski (1862-1956). Even today, unique products are produced in his homeland that can satisfy the demand of the most demanding fashionista. Modern Czech jewelry is perfect as a gift and a souvenir from Prague.

Czech cosmetics

The mineral springs in Karlovy Vary gave special fame to cosmetics from the Czech Republic. By adding useful ingredients, in general, to ordinary creams, shadows and lipsticks, cosmetologists from the Czech Republic were able to create environmentally friendly products with a unique healing effect. Today, the thermal waters of Karlovy Vary give beauty and youth to all buyers of the Karlovy Vary cosmetics, which are produced under different brands (Aquila, Iven Cosmetics, Naturfyt, Trinity, Chemek, Ryor, Faon, Manufaktura, VŘÍDLO). In Prague, you can find their products in the popular cosmetic chain of stores “Karlovarska-Kosmetika”.

Czech gingerbread

Czech gingerbread (Perník) и пряничные домики (Perníková chaloupka) — вкусная сладость, изготавливаемая в городе Пардубице. Local pastry chefs have kept the original recipes of their ancestors, hidden from prying eyes. It is only known that the “sweet triad” is added to the dough for gingerbread – syrup, sugar and honey. Spicy anise, allspice and coriander are used as additional ingredients. Next, the gingerbread cookies are glazed with all kinds of chocolate or covered with multi-colored glaze. The combination of seemingly incompatible ingredients gives the gingerbread an original, memorable and unique taste.

Ready-made gingerbread and gingerbread houses resemble a work of art: beautiful, colorful, bright. They are so beautiful that sometimes it is simply a pity to eat them. Gingerbread cookies can be used as a gift-souvenir demonstrating the features of Czech national cuisine. Both adults and children will be happy with such a souvenir from the Czech Republic.

Alcoholic souvenirs from Prague and the Czech Republic

Becherovka is a liqueur with a strength of 38%, which includes more than 20 herbs. Initially, it was exclusively a pharmacy medicine for the treatment of indigestion. It was invented in the 19th century and sold by prescription. Today, Becherovka has become a national treasure and is sold in all supermarkets. The aroma of the drink is very peculiar, however, this has its own charm and originality. The liquor is very popular, although modern Becherovka has long lost a significant part of its medicinal properties. Today there are 4 varieties of this drink:

Becherovka KV 14 (liqueur with the addition of red wine; 39%);
Becherovka Cordial (liquor with hints of lime blossom; 35%);
Becherovka Lemond (citrus flavored liqueur; 20%);
Becherovka Original (classic liqueur according to the recipe of 1807; 38%).

Fernet is another Czech traditional tincture. Liqueur with a strength of 45%, is an alcohol infused with 14 herbs (tastes somewhat reminiscent of Becherovka).

Slivovice – plum vodka; made by fermenting ripe plums. From the picking of berries to the finished “Slivovitz” can take up to 5 years. All this time, the mash is aged in oak barrels. The finished drink has a pleasant fruity aroma and has a light yellow color. The same technology is used to produce fruit vodka from pears, apples and cherries. The strength of such drinks can reach up to 70%.

Absinth – The main advantage of Czech absinthe is its strength. Despite the fact that in most EU countries absinthe with a strength of 70% is prohibited for sale, in the Czech Republic it can be purchased at any large store.