Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just about a candlelit dinner in a crowded restaurant. This year's trend is experience, movement, and above all, an original memory. The phenomenon of heart hunting has arrived here too. Pack a stylish backpack, grab your camera or phone, and head to places that nature or people have shaped into the symbol of love.
If you are looking for inspiration on where to take your significant other and get a photo that will be the highlight of your Instagram (or family album), you are in the right place. We have prepared a guide to the most beautiful heart-shaped photo spots in the Czech Republic.
Natural Wonders: When the Landscape Works Magic
There is no greater romantic than nature itself. In the Czech Republic, there are several places where water or the landscape creates a perfect illusion of a heart. These places have one huge advantage – they look great in every season, even in the February gray.
1. Libochovany Quarry (Central Bohemian Uplands)
In the landscape of the Central Bohemian Uplands, right below the Deblík hill, lies the Libochovany stone quarry. Its flooded part has a perfect heart shape when viewed from above.
Tip: Since it is an active quarry, the best (and safest) photo can be taken from the surrounding viewpoints on the hills or using a drone. The contrast of the blue surface and the gray rock walls looks fantastic in photos.
2. Zlatá Ktiš Pond (Novohradské Mountains)
If you prefer deep forests and peace, head to South Bohemia. In the heart of the Novohradské Mountains lies the historic Zlatá Ktiš floating reservoir, which has a clear heart shape when viewed from above (or on a map).
How to find it: The pond is located near the Žofín settlement. A tourist trail leads to it, and it is an ideal destination for a winter walk in one of the cleanest areas of the Czech Republic, where crowds of tourists will definitely not disturb you.
3. Karviná Heart (Mining Landscape)
A slightly different kind of romance awaits in the mining landscape between Karviná and Orlová. Due to mining activity and land subsidence, a water area has formed here (near the former ČSA mine) that has a clear heart shape.
Tip: This place is ideal for couples looking for peace and "industrial romance." There is no paved road leading to it, so bring sturdy shoes! The heart shape stands out best from a drone, but the place has an unmistakable atmosphere even from the shore.
4. Vltava Meander at Máj Viewpoint
This place is not a literal heart, but its horseshoe shape turns into a heart with the right angle and a bit of imagination. The Máj viewpoint near Teletín is one of the most photogenic places in the country.
Why go here: It is a classic that never gets old. The sunset over the river is a sure bet.
Instagram Certainties: Viewpoints, Frames, and Benches
If you want a "sure thing" photo and don't want to rely on a drone, head to where a romantic backdrop has already been prepared for you. All over the Czech Republic, you will find photo spots that are perfect for a Valentine's date.
Hearts with a View
- Heart above Dalešice Dam (Hartvíkovice): On Wilson's Rock, you will find a wooden heart-shaped frame. Through it, a breathtaking view of the dam's water surface opens up.
- Čertova hora (Harrachov): If you love the mountains, take the cable car up to Čertova hora. A giant wooden heart awaits at the top station.
- U Nebíčka Viewpoint (Děčín): The name doesn't lie. From the U Nebíčka viewpoint, you will have Děčín in the palm of your hand. The local photo spot adds the right romantic atmosphere to the view of the castle.
Urban Installations and Sculptures
- Heart at Větruše (Ústí nad Labem): Near the Větruše chateau, you will find a special rotating heart. The advantage? You can set the background for the photo yourself – city, nature, or sunset.
- Heart of Budějce (České Budějovice): In Háječek Park (near the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers), you will come across the modern "Heart of Budějce" installation. It is illuminated in the evening, which adds flair to the photos.
- Bruntál "Equation of Love": In Bruntál, look for an original photo spot on the wall in Farní Street. It is a playful equation where you just need to stand in the marked spots, and the resulting photo will show a clear result: you + your partner = heart.
Benches for Lovers
Who says romance has to be complicated? Sometimes just the right bench is enough.
- Heart of the Plzeň Region (Klenčí pod Čerchovem): A designer heart-shaped bench that invites you to sit and take a photo while hugging.
- Moravian-Silesian Region: If you are from the north of Moravia, keep your eyes open in Karviná, Krnov, or at Slezská Harta. In this region, several special heart-themed "photo benches" have been installed, which directly invite you to stop.
Tip: Avoid the crowds. The best photos from these photo spots are taken early in the morning or, conversely, in the evening at sunset, when you have the viewpoint all to yourself.
Date with a Backpack: What to Bring for the Perfect Photo?
Being a "photo hunter" and a romantic at the same time requires preparation. A plastic bag or overstuffed jacket pockets are not suitable for such a trip. You need to have your hands free – for holding hands and for taking pictures. This is where a stylish city backpack comes in. Not only will it complement your outfit (because you want to look good in the photo), but it will also hide everything that will save the date when it starts to get chilly.
In a 20–25 liter backpack, you can comfortably fit:
- A quality thermos: Hot tea or mulled wine will warm you up while waiting for the "golden hour."
- A blanket: If you find a dry place to sit with a view.
- A power bank: Phones drain faster in the cold, and without a battery, there is no photo.
- Small gifts: Chocolate or a card won't get crumpled in the sturdy pocket of a backpack.
Tip: On Bagalio.cz, you will find backpacks that are photogenic in their own right. Brands like Zwei or Travelite offer a minimalist design that won't distract in photos, but will instead highlight your style.
A Few Tips for the Perfect "Click"
- Before you start shooting, think about the composition. A photo by a heart (whether stone, wooden, or light-based) should not look forced.
- Play with perspective: Try shooting through tree branches or over your partner's shoulder.
- Details: You don't have to be in the whole photo. A photo of joined hands with a blurred heart in the background says more than a thousand words.
- Coordinate: If you want a truly "pro" result, try matching the colors of your clothes or accessories (hat, backpack) in similar tones.
Love is an Adventure
Whether you head to the Libochovany Quarry or sit on a love bench in Klenčí, remember that it's not about the perfection of the photo, but about the time spent together. A Valentine's heart hunt is a great excuse to get off the couch and discover new places.
Happy Valentine's Day from Bagalio!
