This February, I gave myself a day. No big plan, no to-do list — just a short solo trip to Kostelec nad Černými lesy. I wanted to walk, breathe some cold fresh air, and let the day unfold without structure. Just a slow travel in Czech Republic.

Months later, I developed a roll of film from that day — you can see the full black-and-white series here.

A Quiet Stroll Through Kostelec nad Černými lesy

I started in the main square, quiet and almost still, like most small towns in winter. The kind of quiet that lets your thoughts settle. I walked without direction — and that’s how I stumbled upon a little Zdravá výživa store. I hadn’t planned to stop there, but the window pulled me in.

Inside, I found two things that caught my attention. A box of sea buckthorn tea, something I’d always wanted to try but never had, since I don’t have the bush myself. And a bottle of spruce syrup, known in Czech folk medicine to help with coughs and bronchial issues. A comforting thing to have at home, just in case.

Later on, while heading back through town, I passed Kavárna Modré Dveře — the blue door café. It looked so charming from the outside I almost stayed longer. I stepped inside just briefly to buy a coffee to go — not because I didn’t want to linger, but because I wanted to keep walking. The café had a lovely atmosphere, but that day, the quiet streets were calling more than the warmth of a chair.

Finding ‘Pohoda’ on the Castle Grounds

From there, I wandered through the castle grounds, taking in the winter atmosphere — bare branches, stone walls, and that slightly faded elegance only old towns carry in February. My last stop was the local brewery (Pivovar), where I picked up some craft beer for my husband.

That was my trip. Simple, slow, and deeply satisfying. I came back with a few thoughtful things — tea, syrup, beer — and that quiet kind of joy you only get from unhurried days.

That evening, I finally tasted sea buckthorn tea for the first time. Bright, a little tart, and full of character. And this spring, inspired by that one small box in the shop, I finally planted my own bushes. If you’re curious to try it too, here’s a sea buckthorn tea similar to the one I found.

---

Sometimes all you need is one quiet day to walk, discover, and come home full — in more ways than one. Do you have any recommendation where to go next for more slow travel in Czech Republic?