Excursions along the river Elbe
From the Giant Mountains to the Elbe Sandstone
The Elbe is the most important Czech river and one of the largest in Europe. It flows 370 kilometers in the Czech Republic and you can make a lot of interesting trips along it. It is also a good challenge to visit everything interesting along its course. So let's take a look at trips from its source in the Giant Mountains to Hřensko, where it leaves the Czech Republic and flows into Germany.
Stage 1: From the source of the Elbe to Vrchlabí
Along the Elbe in the Giant Mountains
Starting a journey along the Elbe is the most stylish from its source. You can manage everything in one day from Špindlerův Mlýn, when in addition to the spring you will also visit the beautiful Labský důl with several waterfalls. Of course, if you come here from afar, the whole weekend is better. On the southern edge of Špindlerův Mlýn, it is worth stopping at the interesting Elbe dam. On the way here or back, visit Vrchlabí with several attractions
Hike through the Elbe mine
Ascent through the Elbe canyon with waterfalls
The Labský dol hike is one of the most famous and romantic hikes in the Giant Mountains. In addition, the journey itself through this canyon of the Elbe River is relatively simple, until the final ascent to the Elbe Hut. In addition, you will come across beautiful waterfalls here, such as the beautiful Malý Labský waterfall and the highest waterfall in the Czech Republic – Pančavský. Just before the end of the route, a third interesting waterfall awaits you – Labský. continue reading
Tour of Vrchlabí
Entrance gate to the Giant Mountains
Vrchlabí is often called the gateway to the Giant Mountains. No wonder, it is located exactly where the Elbe leaves the Krkonoše National Park. It is a city full of historical monuments, including a beautiful castle and at the same time a starting point for a number of nice hiking tours continue reading
Stage 2: Podkrkonoším
The second trip will take you to the Giant Mountains. From Vrchlabí, the Elbe will take you to the historic town of Hostinné with a nice square. From here, continue to the most romantic dam in the Czech Republic – Les Království. Just a short distance away is the famous ZOO in Dvůr Králové. Dvůr Králové itself is worth a visit
A tour of the Royal Court
The city is not only a famous zoo
Dvůr Králové nad Labem attracts visitors mainly thanks to the famous ZOO located on the western edge of the city. However, the city center with a very nice Masaryk Square is also worth a short visit continue reading
Stage 3: From Kuks to Hradec Králové
From Dvůr Králové, the Elbe flows along the Žíreč chateau to the Baroque gem Kuks, where we begin our third trip along the Elbe. Here you can spend half a day before walking through the interesting area. Then take a short stop in Jaroměř. If you are interested in history, you can explore the huge fortress town of Josefov next door. Via Smiřice with the castle you will reach the regional town of Hradec Králové. Here is the most interesting Great Square with the White Tower
Trip to Kuks Hospital
One of the most beautiful baroque complexes in Bohemia
A visit and tour of Kuks Hospital is a pleasant half-day trip. You will find it just a short walk from Dvůr Králové directly above the river Elbe. It is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque complexes in Bohemia. The most famous part of the complex is a set of 24 sculptures by the leading Baroque sculptor Braun. continue reading
Stage 4: The heart of the Elbe
The fourth stage is a kilometer long, leads through the Elbe lowlands, so it is not so varied on the surrounding landscape. You can start the trip at the famous castle Kunětická hora, just a short distance from Pardubice, which also has a very beautiful historic center. After Pardubice, stop at the famous Kladruby stud farm. The last stop is the city of Kolín with a nice center around Charles Square
Visit of Pardubice
Beautiful square and castle
Pardubice known mainly for its gingerbread, Great Pardubice steeplechase race and hockey offers also nice historical center around Pernstyn Square with beautiful townhouses, impressive town hall and large Zelena brana (“Green gate”). In addition, there is also whitewashed renaissance castle a few hundred meters away. continue reading
Tour of Cologne
Historic town on the Elbe
At the eastern end of Central Bohemia lies the city of Kolín, which is more than 30,000 in size. The city is picturesquely situated on both sides of the Elbe. The city boasts a beautiful Charles Square and the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. Thanks to the nearby and better-known Kutná Hora, however, it is unfortunately somewhat neglected by foreign tourists. continue reading
Stage 5: Nymburk, Poděbrady and Stará Boleslav
The Elbe is slowly flowing through Central Bohemia. The Poděbrady spa, Nymburk with its fortifications and then the historically important Stará Boleslav and Brandýs nad Labem lying just across the water with a nice chateau are waiting for you here.
A tour of Stará Boleslav
City tour of St. Wenceslas
One of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Czech Republic – Stará Boleslav – stands right next to the Elbe. It is associated with the cult of St. Wenceslas. You will find everything interesting along the former main road, which forms the axis of the city. The most important monument and dominant feature of the city is undoubtedly the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary continue reading
Stage 6: From the confluence with the Vltava to the central mountains
Near the beautiful town of Mělník, the Elbe takes the Vltava. Surprisingly, the larger and longer Vltava loses its name here and then it is the Elbe. The river is just a short distance from the famous Říp Mountain and is slowly approaching Litoměřice, where the Czech Central Mountains begin. Next to it is the gloomy Terezín
Visit to Mělník
A city towering over the confluence
Mělník is a town in the Central Bohemian Region located on a promontory above the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers. The city was founded in the 13th century and was a royal city. As a dowry royal city, many Czech queens served for their stay. Mělník is also known for its wine. Charles IV, who brought vines from France, already contributed to the development of the local viticulture. The city is dominated by the castle and the church of St. Peter and Paul, which can be seen from afar. continue reading
Stage 7: Across the Bohemian Central Mountains
Beyond Litoměřice, the Elbe penetrates into the Bohemian Central Mountains. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the Elbe in the Czech Republic. From the river you can go to several beautiful lookout hills, such as Lovoš or Varhošť. Just before Ústí nad Labem is an interesting castle Střekov. Another interesting stop is Děčín with a nice castle and zoo
Stage 8: Elbe sandstones and Bohemian Switzerland
The last stage of the trip along the Elbe is perhaps the most beautiful. From Děčín, the Elbe makes its way through a narrow canyon surrounded by sandstone rocks. There are a number of beautiful views on both sides of the river. The last stop is Hřensko as a starting point for the famous Pravčická gate or the Kamenice canyon
Hike Mezní Louka - Pravčická gate
To the largest sandstone rock gate
The Pravčická Gate is located in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park and is the largest sandstone rock gate in Europe. Its height is 16 meters and is 26 meters wide. The Pravčická gate is very photogenic and some of the most beautiful photographs are taken here and in the vicinity. In the past, the trip to the Pravčická Gate was one of the first hiking trails in the Czech Republic and was covered by the Czech Tourist Club. continue reading
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