The best of Bohemian Paradise
The most beautiful places of the Bohemian Paradise
In the Bohemian Paradise is located the most beautiful rock cities in the Czech Republic. There are also interesting castles, ruins and chateaux. There are also nice ponds surrounded by sandstone towers and well-preserved folk architecture. Let's take a look at the most beautiful places of the Bohemian Paradise, which are worth visiting
Prachovské Rocks
The most famous rock town in Czech republic
Prachovské rocks are the best known and most famous rock city in the Czech Republic for both tourists and mountaineers. Everyone is amazed by the impressive Císařská chodba gorge and the prospects of Peace and of Bohemian Paradise continue reading
Hruboskalské rock town
The most beautiful rock town in Bohemian Paradise
One of the most beautiful rocky towns of Bohemian Paradise is Hruboskalsko. You will find here dozens of impressive rock towers and beautiful hiking paths and prospects. In addition, you will find a castle, a rock castle and an interesting Kopic estate continue reading
Kost Castle
The most beautiful castle of Bohemian Paradise
The monumental Gothic Castle Kost is towering above the line of three picturesque valleys. Kost is one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. In addition, it has a very beautiful neighborhood in the Plakánek valley. It is one of the most interesting places of Bohemian Paradise. continue reading
Drábské světničky
The most famous rock castle
Drábské světničky („Beadles dwellings“) are the biggest attraction of the southwestern tip of the Bohemian Paradise – Příhrazské rocks. Sandstone rock towers perched high above the river Jizera connected by wooden bridges have been attractive since the Middle Ages for its inconqerability. Over the years, several dozens of cliff dwellings have been excavated here, above which were wooden cabins. Nowadays, the individual parts of the massif are linked together by massive iron staircases and bridges. The easiest way to get to Drábské světničky is from the village Dneboh or from the restaurant Krásná vyhlídka. continue reading
Jičín
Fairytale gateway to the Czech Paradise
Nice county town Jičín is famous not only for its annual autumn fairytale festival and robber Rumcajs, but also as a major tourist gateway to the picturesque Czech Paradise. The surrounding trails are suitable not only for hikers but also for cycling of varying difficulty. The town itself offers nice walks around the square, pedestrian zone, castle garden and legendary linden alley. In addition, there is the famous Saturday market. continue reading
Trosky Castle Ruins
Symbol of the Czech Paradise
The ruin Trosky (“The Ruins”) ( 488 m asl) situated on two basalt knobs Baba (“The Old Lady”) and Panna (“Virgin”) is visible from almost all parts of the Czech Paradise and is its symbol and also something like a centerpiece. Six hiking trails are also leading near the ruins. Especially from the outlook point in Baba tower there is an amazing view of not only the whole Czech Paradise, but also to the Giant Mountains, Jizera Mountains , Macha region… It is also the perfect start for a lovely walk through the valley under Trosky, which surrounds the ruins on three sides. continue reading
Mnichovo Hradiště Castle
The most beautiful chateau of Bohemian Paradise
At the very end of Mnichovo Hradiště there is a beautiful Baroque castle, owned by the Waldstein family for many years. The castle also includes a pretty garden and a Capuchin monastery. The chateau is considered the most beautiful in the region of Bohemian Paradise continue reading
Plakánek valley
The most beautiful valley of Bohemian Paradise
The Plakanek valley is the most romantic and the most famous valley in the Bohemian Paradise. From Kost Castle flows the Klenice River, surrounded by tall sandstone rocks. You can go through valley by a beautiful, but very crowded hiking trail. continue reading
Sychrov Castle
A unique example of Neo-Gothic
The Sychrov Chateau is interesting because of its neo-Gothic style and a large park with fountains and picturesque orangery. Admission fees are paid separately to the park or sightseeing tours. continue reading
Obora Pond
The most beautiful pond of Bohemian Paradise
At the southern end of the Plakánek valley is probably the most beautiful pond of the entire Bohemian Paradise – Obora. It is completely surrounded by high sandstone rocks from all sides. continue reading
Rock maze Kalich-Chléviště
The best rock town in Maloskalsko
Above Malá Skála, on the western slope of Sokol Hill, you can find relatively little known rock town Kalich-Chléviště. The nickname rock maze really sits because the path goes zig zag through rock massifs. In addition, there are a number of great views to the Jizera valley. continue reading
Frýdštejn Castle Ruins
The most romantic ruin of Bohemian Paradise
The ruin of Frýdštejn Castle is far from recognizable thanks to the large circular tower standing on the highest sandstone rock. It is a popular destination for tours from Malá Skála near Turnov continue reading
Ruins of Castle Valečov
Symbiosis of the castle and sandstone cl
Ruins of Castle Valečov is a typical example of the ruins in the Boheamian Paradise. Local sandstone rocks on which the castle thrones were perfectly utlilised here. You can enjoy here a walk through the tunnels built directly in the sandstone massif. Except for the castle itself, nearby Valečov are rock rooms, where so called rock-people had been living for a long time before they were forcibly displaced. Valečov Castle is definitely one of the biggest attractions in Příhrazské skály („rocks“). continue reading
Castle Valdštejn
Northern guardian of Hruboskalsko
One of the symbols of Hruboskalsko lies almost at its north end. The castle Valdštejn („Wallestein“) has a turbulent history; several robber barons resided here. Today, it is dominated by whitewashed Church of St. John of Nepomuk. continue reading
Kozákov
The highest peak of the Bohemian Paradise
Kozákov Hill (744 m asl) is considered the highest peak of the Bohemian Paradise. Thanks to the lookout tower on the top, it offers stunning views of all directions, not only the Giant Mountains and Bohemian Paradise. Thanks to the fact that the road leads to the top, he is literally besieged by tourists in nice days. Cyclists and paragliders also come here. Thanks to its location it belongs to the tourist circuits in the northern part of the Bohemian Paradise. continue reading
Castle Hrubá Skála
Castle on the top of rocks
Because the castle Hrubá Skála is built atop a 60 meter-high sandstone cliffs, it is visible from far away indeed. Mainly from valley of Libuňka river, through which leads the main road between Jičín and Turnov. The castle is dominated by the tower (the ascent is charched). In the courtyard of the castle you get across the bridge with Baroque statues, which bridge deep rock valley. Next to the castle is the Church of St. Joseph and climbing center. Castle Hrubá Skála is the best starting point througout the entire Hruboskalsko. continue reading
Castle Hrubý Rohozec
he largest castle in the Bohemian Paradi
State-owned castle Hrubý Rohozec lying just off the Jizera river and town Turnov. It is the most significant castle throughout the Bohemian Paradise. There are now three tour circuits, so if you want to see everything, you'll have to pay extra fees. continue reading
Ruins of Kumburk Castle
Great view of the Giant Mountains
The ruins of Kumburk Castle situated on the hill of the same name Kumburk (642 meters above sea level) is a popular excursion place on the very eastern edge of the Bohemian Paradise. The ruin is famous for beautiful views of the Giant Mountains, Jičín Basin and in good visibility to the Lusatian Mountains. continue reading
Věžický pond
Fairytale pond of Bohemian Paradise
Věžický Pond is one of the most beautiful water areas in the Bohemian Paradise. Romance is completed mainly in the early evening sunshine lit by the rock tower rising directly from the water. In addition, you can even bathe here. continue reading
Klokočské Rocks
Impressive rocky prospects
Klokočské Rocks belong to the less visited parts of the Bohemian Paradise, while they offer great views from the edge of the sandstone massif. There is also an interesting rock castle Rotštejn or the highest hill of the Bohemian Paradise – Kozákov continue reading
Dlask´s Farmhouse
Beautiful example of folk architecture
Dlask's farmhouse, situated just off Turnov, is probably the most beautiful example of folk architecture in the Bohemian Paradise. It is an example of so-called Pojizerská architecture. continue reading
Canyon of Jizera river
The most beautiful gorge of Bohemian Paradise
Jizera Canyon to the north of Semily is one of the most dramatic water sceneries that the Bohemian Paradise can offer. There is also the well-known Riegrova trail founded already in the beginning of the 20th century continue reading
Valdštejn's loggie
The most famous monument from the Wallenstein
One of the most interesting buildings in Bohemian Paradise is Valdštejn's loggie, located just a few kilometers from the town center of Jičín. Duke Albrecht of Wallenstein planned to build not only his suburban palace, but also a magnificent garden with fountains. Thanks to his premature death, however, many of his plans in the vicinity of Jičín were not finished. Loggie is a very unique building, but it does not have much use nowadays, although there are great efforts to return cultural life continue reading
Vranov Rock Castle
Pantheon over Mala Skala
A typical view from Malá Skála is the Vranov rock castle, also known as the Pantheon. The castle was wooden, so to date only the cellars and caves in the sandstone rock have been preserved. Thanks to the church, however, it has a super atmosphere continue reading
Suché Rocks
Rock organ over Malá Skála
Suché Rocks, also known as Kantor's Organ, is a very unique rock formation on the Czech side. It is a very popular terrain for mountaineers and a typical landmark of Maloskalsko continue reading
Veliš
Terrific outlook of Jičín basin
Veliš hill (429 m asl) is one of the best outlook places throughout the Czech Paradise and it provides the best view of Jičín basin and town Jičín itself. You can well see from there also the ridge of the Giant Mountains and large part of the Elbe lowlands. The ascent to Veliš itself is easy, because it begins in the village of Podhradí situated in the pass below the peak. There was once a big castle, but only there are only remnants of it nowadays. continue reading
Sobotka
City of folk buildings
The small town of Sobotka is a southern gateway to the Bohemian Paradise. You will find here surprisingly many beautiful timbered buildings as well as the massive Church of St. Mary Magdalene. It is definitely worth stopping here on your way to Kost Castle or Plakánek Valley. continue reading
Zebín
Landmark of Jičín basin
Nicely symmetrical hill Zebín (399 m asl) with an interesting quarry and old chapel on the top dominates the entire Jičín valley and is visible nearly from anywhere. From the top is a nice view of Trosky ruins, Ještěd, Veliš and numerous other surrounding landmarks. If the weather permits, there is also the view of the tops of Giant Mountains including the highest Czech mountain – Sněžka. If visibility is really good, you can see also the tops of the Lusatian Mountains. continue reading
Turnov
West gate to Bohemian Paradise
The town of Turnov, with its 14,000 inhabitants, is situated on the Jizera River and is considered as the western gateway to the Bohemian Paradise. The town center is a picturesque square of the Bohemian Paradise with an interesting building of the town hall, city savings bank and monastery continue reading
Rotštejn Rock Castle
Castle in Klokočské Rocks
The Rotštejn Rock Castle, situated in the Klokočské Rocks, is a typical castle of the Bohemian Paradise – you can find here the small places and staircase carved in the sandstone rock towers. continue reading
Bozkov Cave
The most famous cave in the Bohemian Paradise
The Bozkov dolomite caves are the most important caves not only in the Bohemian Paradise, but in the whole of north-eastern Bohemia. The entrance to the cave was discovered by accident during mining activities. Today they are accessible with a guide. You will find this cave near the village of Bozkov (north of Semily) continue reading
Vesec u Libošovic
Fairy village
The village of Vesec u Libošovic has probably the largest number of folk cottages from the settlements of the Bohemian Paradise. It is an unofficial open-air museum and at the same time one of the starting points for the Plakánek valley continue reading
Hunting lodge Humprecht
Well-known landmark of Sobotka
The dominant feature of Sobotka is the beautiful, symmetrical hunting lodge Humprecht from the 17th century. It is situated on a hill of the same name (342 m asl) continue reading
Apolena Rock Town
A beautiful rock town just below the Castle Trosky
Just below the icon of the Bohemian Paradise – the ruins of castle Trosky you will find the beautiful rock town of Apolena with several sandstone arches. From several rocks there is a nice view of the region. Unfortunately, this rock town is currently officially inaccessible (since 2010) continue reading
Quarry Střeleč
The biggest hole in the Bohemian Paradise
You will also find one of the largest sand quarries in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise, not far from the villages of Střeleč and Hrdoňovice. In a way, this place spoils the otherwise picturesque landscape of the Bohemian Paradise, especially when viewed from a greater distance, for example from the famous castle ruins Trosky. Right from the edge, the quarry looks quite impressive and is rightly one of the great attractions in this area. continue reading
Bradlec castle ruins
Ruins in beautiful beech forest
The ruins of Bradlec Castle belong to the places with the greatest atmosphere in the Bohemian Paradise. Maybe it is also due to the fact that it is located off the main tourist paths and so there are few visitors, or that a long time robber knights stayed here. Typical of this ruin is a large arch in the local half-demolished wall, the former entrance to the tower. The whole basalt hill is overgrown with a massive beech forest, so it is very nice here in the Indian summer, when it is all golden. continue reading
Lookout tower at Tábor
Interesting outlook of the Giant Mountai
Thanks to the re-opened lookout tower on hill Tábor (678 m asl), there is a beautiful view of the Giant Mountains and Jičín basin again. This view was previously hidden by high trees on the top of this hill. The lookout tower neighbors with a restaurant and guest house, so it is possible to accommodate or even eat here. continue reading
Kobyla rock tower
The most famous rock tower of the Bohemian Paradis
The Kobyla rock tower can be found in Příhrazské skaly at the very western end of the Bohemian Paradise. There is no marked hiking trail leading to it, so first take a good look at the map to get off in Příhrazy in the right direction. Thanks to its appearance, it is the most iconic rock in the entire Bohemian Paradise continue reading
Kopic farm
The farmhouse of Jizera type
Kopic farm belongs among the most interesting folk buildings in the Bohemian Paradise, not only thanks to an adjacent rock reliefs, but you can see here also the main building, the barn and very interesting historical apiary. continue reading
Pařez Rock Castle
Robber castle
The Pařez Rock Castle, situated at the very western end of the Prachov Rocks, was previously renowned by bandits. Today it is one of the traditional stops on the red tourist route between Jičín and Turnov continue reading
Spring Snowflakes near Přibyl
See of Spring Snowflakes
Bohemian Paradise is mainly renowned for its sandstone rock towns. There are also small natural wonders. In late February – early March blooms in the Podtrosecké valley protected Spring Snowflakes (Leucojum vernum). The most famous place is at the crossroads „u Přibyla“ in the valley of the river Žehrovka. It is a very interesting place for tourists because there are not so many localities in the Czech Republic. continue reading
Přivýšina
Renewed prospect
Privysina Hill is the top of two faces. From a distance it looks just like a forested hill stretching to the Prachov Rocks. Up close, looks like the hill on which is a sandstone castle. Due to the proximity of the beautiful Prachovské Rocks, this area is relatively under-visited, but it is relatively interesting. The view was very limited from the top for a long time thanks to the tall trees. Currently (2019) it is quite nice view to Jičín basin and to Zebín and Veliš. continue reading
Mužský
The highest peak of Příhrazské skály
The highest peak of the southwestern tip of Bohemian Paradise is the Volcano Mužský (463 m above sea level). At its base you can find a basalt quarry. From the top there is a wide view. The best view is to the western direction of Máchuv kraj and the Lusatian Mountains. The ascent to the top is very simple, because its only couple of meters above the sandstone platform. The surrounding area is full of cherry tr, so it's nice to be here in the spring when everything blooms continue reading
Vyskeř
The hill with a cross way
Hill Vyskeř (466 m asl) with a typical small chapel on the top towers over the surrounding countryside. Although it is one of the highest hills in the Bohemian Paradise, but the view from the top is now quite limited due to the high trees. Therefore, for someone may be even more interesting the ascent route leading along the cross way. continue reading
Mill in Strehom
Place of shooting fairy tales
In Strehom, one of the possible starting points to the beautiful Plakánek valley, there is also a beautiful mill from the 16th century, where scenes were turned into several fairy tales. Today it serves as a weekend cottage and is unfortunately not publicly accessible continue reading
Brada
Hill with a big crucifix
Hill Brada is identifiable from all possible corners of the Bohemian Paradise thanks to it´s bare top with a single huge tree left. It is now more often visited thanks to a beautiful lookout and a small nature trail. continue reading
Dolský Pond
A beautiful pond near Mladějov
On the tourist path connecting Mladějov with Trosky, you will also find the beautiful Doly pond, located on the Žehrovka river. The interesting scenery is mainly due to the holiday cottage towering directly above the pond. The most beautiful here is in the fall. In spring, you will find protected snowflakes near it. continue reading
Jinolické Ponds
Swimming under Prachov Rocks
Jinolice ponds are among the most famous places of the Bohemian Paradise. It is also located in a very tactical place just below the Prachov Rocks. There are three ponds next to each other Oborský (the largest with three beaches), Němeček and Murder (protected as a natural monument). Here it really lives all summer. The beaches are nice sandy, but the water of the pond is dark continue reading
Kozlov Rock Castle
Rock castle not far from Všeň
At the western end of the Hruboskalsko region, just a short distance from the village of Všeň, you will find a small rock town with the remains of the Kozlov rock castle, sometimes called Chlum. Apart from the rock flats and an interesting well, there is also a nice view of Rais a little further. continue reading
Drabovna Rock Town
Rock town near Malá Skála
If you set off from Turnov along the red hiking trail in the direction of Malá Skála, you will come across a smaller but still interesting rock town of Drábovna. The most interesting part is the former rock castle, after which only rock flats carved in the rock remain. continue reading
