Excursion to the Czech Paradise reserve. Bohemian Paradise: attractions. How to get from Prague. Why Bohemian Paradise
The Czech Paradise National Park, located at the junction of three Czech regions, is a favorite vacation spot not only for Czechs, but also for foreigners who come to these places. This is an amazing reserve, which has everything your heart desires: dense forests untouched by man, stormy rivers, picturesque lawns, mountains with viewing platforms, bizarre rock formations, lakes that look more like seas, and beautiful romantic castles.
Bohemian Paradise is the first nature reserve in the Czech Republic. It was formed in 1954. The government first thought about creating a Bohemian Paradise after numerous enthusiastic responses from vacationers in the resort of Sedmigorki, located right in the center of this zone. It was they who gave such a name to the territory, with which, in terms of the diversity of the landscape, there is little that can be compared not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Europe.
On the territory of the Bohemian Paradise, as a result of archaeological excavations, sites of ancient people were found. Therefore, we can conclude that these places were mastered by man long before the emergence of the Czech state.
Walking around the reserve is an incomparable pleasure! Carefully designed routes allow you to see all the most interesting corners of the reserve. Most of the hiking trails do not pass the Trosky fortress, the mystical ruins of which will not leave anyone indifferent. On two rocks standing side by side, two turrets rise, connected by a fortress wall - a bewitching sight!
If you are looking for romance, then you should definitely visit the area called Rough Rocks. Here you can see amazingly beautiful canyons and picturesque valleys. Another highlight of the Bohemian Paradise is the Inolice Lakes system.
Bohemian Paradise is a nature reserve located in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic. This area has earned special attention from tourists due to its amazing landscape. A relatively small area, generously endowed with sharp canyons, wonderful valleys, velvet forests. A magnificent addition to the Bohemian Paradise is the river Jihlava and Lake Mahovo.
The main attraction of the reserve are the rock towns formed from sandstones. Some rocks have names such as Mouse Hole or Dragon Rock. Many legends are associated with these places in the Czech Republic.
The most famous rocky town, which is loved by both ordinary travelers and cyclists and climbers, is the Hruboskalsky Reserve. The local landscapes, filled with stone canyons and amazing valleys, simply cannot leave anyone indifferent. The eastern part of this area is filled with another natural attraction of the Bohemian Paradise, which is called the Prachov Rocks. Huge stone columns just grow out of the ground, forming various gorges. There are many hiking trails that lead to local viewing platforms. Of greatest interest to guests is the observation deck, which is located in the castle of Parzhez in the middle of cut rocks. The next sightseeing attraction of the Bohemian Paradise is the Plakanek Valley, where the Kost Castle, built in the Gothic style, is located. Against the backdrop of huge rocks and dense forests, it seems quite small. But the most visited area of the Bohemian Paradise is the valley, which is divided into parts by the river Jizyra. Its location is the district of Maloskalsk. On one side of the river, just from under the water, huge stone formations rise, and on the opposite side there is a dry ridge, which climbers have chosen.
In the Czech Paradise, there are also the Přigraz Rocks, where the so-called “Drab Rooms” are located - which are a collection of rocks with their own gorges. Lonely stone hills have their own names, including "Minaret", "Horse" and others.
The highest point of the reserve is Mount Kozakov, where a very popular observation deck is located.
This area is truly a paradise, because here, among the richness of nature, you can arrange an unforgettable vacation for every taste. In the summer, park guests enjoy cycling, climbing or picking mushrooms and berries. Here you can ride a boat, fly a hang glider or just lie down on the wonderful beach of Lake Makhova.
In winter, wonderful ski resorts open up in the Bohemian Paradise, where the ski route can be diversified with an exciting excursion program.
Heaven on earth exists. And it is located in the Czech Republic. It is worth going here for those who love nature and history. Discover the unique harmony of majestic fortresses and castles, quaint rock towns and clear lakes, dense pine forests and ancient towns.
Heaven on earth exists. And it is located in the Czech Republic, fifty kilometers from Prague to the North-East, where the Jizera River flows. The landscape in these parts is heterogeneous, here and there, rocks rise above the forests, forming entire rock cities and castles of bizarre shapes, formed from sandstone by millennia-old weathering processes. Creations of human hands merge with these rocks, which either tried to hollow out housing in these rocks (“Drabskie svetlitsy”) or attached fortress walls to them (Trosky Castle).
Precious stones have long been found here - jasper, chalcedony, amethyst, agate, people have learned to process them and to this day jewelry art is a traditional occupation of local residents. They are generally capable of crafts, the inhabitants of Bohemian Paradise. Wooden toys of Semil carvers, glass products from Zheleznebrod, Lomnik biscuits, Turnov products made of garnet and precious stones are known and popular all over the world.
What to see in Czech Paradise?
Why Czech Paradise?
Since 1955, the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) has become the country's first protected nature reserve. The name itself, by the way, appeared recently - this is how the guests of the sanatorium resort of Sedmigorka called this area in the 19th century, admiring the beauty of these places. The artistic, literary and intellectual elite of Prague often came here in search of inspiration. And, probably, they found it, since they called the area the Bohemian Paradise. This name has taken root among the local population, and then even became official for the whole tourist area, in which many natural attractions are complemented by architectural monuments and various folk art. People settled here for a long time - archaeologists have unearthed traces of human settlements, which are about 100 thousand years old.
Since 2005, a UNESCO Geopark has been established in the region - an exceptionally valuable natural area is now seriously protected.
Sights of Bohemian Paradise
And the place is really beautiful. The tops of rocks rise above the coniferous forest, many of which have hiking trails and viewing platforms.
Trosky
The ruins of the ancient (Hrad Trosky) became the symbol of the entire region, the visiting card of the Bohemian Paradise: fortress towers were erected on two adjacent rocks, and fortress walls were built between the rocks. Once this fortress had the glory of being impregnable, but over the past three hundred years it has turned into ruins, which, however, have the glory of the most mysterious place in the Czech Republic.
The territory of Bohemian Paradise is a triangle between the cities (Mladá Boleslav), (Turnov) and (Jičín). Trosky Fortress is located between the cities of Jicin and Turnov.
rough rock
Gruba Skala Castle
Rough cliffs are a cluster of majestic rock columns, between which there are romantic valleys and steep canyons. Some rocky groups are named by people, there are various traditions and legends associated with them. (Zámek Hrubá Skála) is located on top of two rocks at an altitude of about 60 m above the level of the Libunka River, from here a magnificent panorama opens. Many fairy tale films have been filmed in the castle. And if you want to feel like a royal person and spend a few romantic days in a real castle, then the hotel, located in the castle, will hospitably accept you.
Prachovské Rocks
Closer to Jicin, the main rocks are concentrated, forming picturesque labyrinths, where bizarre rocks are so intertwined with forests that they appear as a real labyrinth where animals and birds live. This area, which is the most popular among tourists, is called (Prachovské skály). Here you can wander for a long time, marveling at the incredible natural creations. On the northeastern edge of these cliffs there is a beautiful system of lakes - the Inolice Lakes (Jinolické rybníky): also a natural attraction.
Coast
It would seem that paradise is here only for those who like to climb rocks. But no - here you can ride a bike and sail on a steamboat along the river, and lie down on the beach - there is (Máchovo jezero) for this. Or you can just wander through the forests, pick mushrooms.
Entertainment center Babylon
And who likes modern rest - welcome to "Babylon", quite modern (Centrum Babylon Liberec). There is an amusement park, a water park, a casino and artificial caves in which concerts are held and, of course, shops, restaurants, discos and more for those who like to relax outside of nature.
Winter in Bohemian Paradise
Czech paradise in winter
In winter, popular ski resorts with pistes of varying difficulty open up in the Bohemian Paradise. Here you can go skiing and go on interesting excursions - a rather rare place where you can have a good rest and see a lot.
And you can see here not only rocks. There are also old towns, very beautiful. On the territory of the reserve there are several ancient castles that are definitely worth a look. Nevertheless, it is not for nothing that the Czech Republic is considered a country of castles, and not just beer!
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In May of this year, we (two married couples in two cars) made a short road trip around Europe. The main goal of our trip is the Czech Republic. And today I will tell you about the Czech Paradise, one of the most beautiful parts of the Czech Republic. Although, what I'm saying, everywhere in the Czech Republic is beautiful: wherever we went, I was everywhere impressed by the natural beauty I saw, from the magnificence of fortresses and castles. This is what our current itinerary looks like. Starting point - Prague.
The first point on the map is the city of Jicin. This small old town is located to the northeast of Prague and is the starting point to the surroundings of the Bohemian Paradise. The city was founded at the beginning of the XIV century. Its history is connected with the personality of Albert Waldstein, who came into possession of Jicin in 1623. Wallenstein, who owned almost all the castles in the region, chose Jicin as the capital of his duchy.
#1 Wallenstein Square - the historical center of the city. 
#2 Wallenstein square. 
#3 Sidewalks attract attention with their originality. 
#4 Everything is blooming and fragrant! 
#5 While Serezha and I were walking around the city, our friends managed to fly around the surroundings of the Bohemian Paradise on a small plane. 
#6
The next point on our route is the Humprecht hunting castle, located on a small hill near the small Czech town of Sobotky.
#7
It was built for Count Gumprecht Jan Czernin, ambassador to Italy in the second half of the 16th century, designed by Carlo Luraga. Gumprecht Castle served as a summer residence in which the count lived with his Italian wife. For the winter, the gentlemen left the castle, went to Prague, Vienna or Italy. In 1678, the castle was struck by lightning and completely burned down. It was rebuilt 2 years later. In 1738, the castle passed from the Chernins to the Netolitsky family, whose descendants owned it until 1926. Now the castle belongs to the city of Sobotka.
We passed Sobotka and parked near the cemetery - this is where the navigator brought us. We were at a loss (does this really lead to the castle ?!) walked through the cemetery: everything is clean and tidy everywhere, fresh flowers (the wilted ones are removed in time). Apparently, people often visit the graves of their loved ones. Here, we were surprised to find a memorial to the Russian soldiers who fell during the Great Patriotic War, but, unfortunately, we did not guess to photograph it.
#8
#9 To go up to the castle, it turns out that you had to go around the cemetery on the left - there was a small path. 
There were very few people in the castle, so we decided to take a tour here. We were given leaflets-guides with the text in Russian, and the aunt-guide led the tour in Czech.
#10 There are many deer antlers on the walls, lithographs of fortresses and castles: 
#11 The family library of Vaclav Casimir Netolitsky has more than two thousand volumes. These are mainly books on history, military affairs, dictionaries and encyclopedias. 
#12 Opposite the library is a black kitchen where food was cooked over a fire burning in the hearth, and a serving room where food was prepared to be served in the dining room. 
#13 Dining room for invited guests. 
#14 One of the owner's rooms where he received guests. There are oil paintings by unknown artists on the walls, a bearskin on the floor. 
#15 And this is the view from the circular balcony encircling the tower. 
Having finished the inspection of the castle, we went down to our iron horses. The next stop is the Kost fortress. We overcame some 5 km, and in front of us rose the mighty medieval fortress Hrad Kost. Either this castle is “hard as a bone” according to Jan Zizka, where the name may have come from, or it is named after its founder, Costa Beneš from Wartemberg. It seems to me that the second option is more logical. Fortresses in those days were built strong and reliable, but not all of them were called Bone.
#16
#17 There are plenty of parking spaces. We parked near the hotel-restaurant. The main parking lot, judging by the sign, is 200 meters away. 
#18 Kost Fortress was built in the 14th century under Peter Vartenberk. In the second half of the 17th century, it escaped the imperial order to demolish it. The fortress also withstood an attempt to capture Jan Zizka. The unevenness of the tower was an integral part of the defense system against invaders. 
#19 The fortress offers a charming view of the Black Lake. 
#20 My attempts to capture the fortress were unsuccessful. 
For lunch, we decided to stop by the Svijany brewery restaurant. The Svijany Brewery started beer production in 1564. Now it is one of the largest breweries in the Czech Republic.
#21
#22 In the Czech Republic, I fell in love with dark beer. 
Refreshed and it's time to hit the road! The next stop on our route is Gruba Skala Castle. The castle was built in the first half of the 14th century by Hynek from Waldstein on sandstone cliffs. Like many medieval castles in the Czech Republic, this castle often changed its owners and endured considerable trials: robbery, destruction, fires.
#23
There is a deep cliff around the castle. Apparently, novice climbers conduct exercises here or tourists have fun. I did not come up with another explanation for these hanging paths across the cliff.
#24
We arrived here closer to 7 pm, so there was no one here except us (the tourists had already left). The castle looked gloomy: dark, rough branches of ivy, barely awakened from winter hibernation, enveloped the walls of the castle.
#25
#26 But on the other hand, from the castle, a landscape bewitching with its wild, untouched beauty opened up. Birds were trilling all around, and we were spectators at this open-air concert. 
#27 This was the place you didn't want to leave. Many different feelings swept over me, and I was in complete euphoria. 
Nevertheless, time passed: twilight somehow imperceptibly thickened. On the way back from the castle, Seryoga and I noticed a small passage between the rocks. We went down the path - it led even further. It was dark and damp, and even scary. Despite this, there was a desire to walk along it and see where it will lead us!
#28
Later, in a guide to the Bohemian Paradise, I read about this rocky gorge, called the Mouse Hole. This road leads to the rock city, which offers a gorgeous view of the nearby castles and surroundings of the Bohemian Paradise. Oh, it's a pity we've already been there. Next time we will come and definitely explore this area. We set off: the next stop is the Trosky Fortress - one of the dominants of the Bohemian Paradise, located near the town of Rivne pod Troskami.
#29
#30 A narrow forest road led to it, along which a small river flowed. 
The fortress was built for Chenek from Wartenberk in the period 1380-1390. She was subjected to many attacks, seizures and destruction, fires. Probably, hence the name of the fortress "Trosky", which in Czech means ruins, ruins. The highlight of the fortress is that it was erected on two basalt rocks, the silhouette of which can be seen from afar.
#31
On the way back, we again decided to drop by the Svijany bar to drink beer - we liked it very much. Therefore, to loop our route, as previously planned, did not work. The bar was full of people - mostly, it seemed to me, locals who popped in here for a glass of beer after a hard day's work. They looked at us like they were aliens - yes, tourists here do not run around at night! I became a little scared, and I immediately began to draw an escape plan in my head if something suddenly went wrong. But everything went without incident: the Czechs are good-natured people, I have already seen this more than once in the short period of our trip.
We returned home (to the Prague hotel) in the dark. On the road came across such brightly glowing fuel trucks.
#32
I will remember this trip for a long time, and we will definitely return here!
Bohemian Paradise is a beautiful Czech nature reserve, located 50 kilometers northeast of the capital. The main city is Turnov. This place is an example of a harmonious fusion of picturesque nature, amazing flora and fauna, with a variety of historical monuments: castles, ancient fortresses and ruins.
Since the 19th century, the region has been called Bohemian Paradise. The main attractions of the park are rocky sand towns, the Trosky fortress, located on two adjacent rocks, and Kost Castle. In the foothills of the Podkrkonoshe are deposits of precious stones: garnet, jasper, agate, amethyst, etc.
Since 1955, the territory has been protected as a nature reserve, and since 2005 it has the status of a European geopark.
Prachovské Rocks
Prachovské Rocks (Prachovsk ská ly) is one of the most popular places in the Czech Republic, the rocks got their name from the word "prach" (which means "dust") - because of the dust that covers everything around the rocks. They received the status of a reserve back in 1933 and at present it is carefully protected by the state. However, any tourist has the opportunity to admire the virgin and amazingly beautiful nature of the Prachovské Rocks.
The Prachov Rocks are located in the eastern part of the city of Czech Paradise (Č eský rá j) - a rock city that stands on the remains of a sandstone platform. The rocks located in the reserve have the most diverse and bizarre shapes. At the height of the season, a huge number of tourists come here to conquer this or that mountain.
What sights of Bohemian Paradise did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is located in the tourist town of Turnov in the north of the Czech Republic. It represents an architectural structure that belongs to the artistic and national-historical shrine of the Czech Republic. It is also included in the UNESCO heritage list. This temple is rightly called the temple of light. The main difference of this building is - large windows, which in those days were considered unprecedented in the Czech Republic. The architectural decoration of the cathedral combines the Cistercian emphasis on length and scarcity, as well as Gothic majesty.
The cathedral is distinguished by high vaults, smoothly turning into the medieval part in the choir area. Gothic stained-glass windows, the number and size of which pleasantly surprises, bring a certain comfort and tranquility to the temple. Near the choir and behind the altar one can find a passage with a crown of chapels.
The elegance of the whole device takes you to the above-ground expanses. Initially, the Gothic sanctuary, which was burnt down in the 15th century, was rebuilt into a cathedral in the Baroque Gothic style, this was done by the famous Czech designer Jan Blaža Santini. Every lover of gloomy Gothic can find an outlet here and enjoy the melancholy atmosphere of the building.
Coast Castle is located on a sandy cape in the Czech Paradise National Park. It was built in the form of a fortress in the first half of the 14th century in the Gothic style. There are two ponds around the castle: White and Black, which were built for the purpose of defense, since destroying the dam, the castle became difficult to access.
There is a legend according to which the origin of the name of the fortress is supposed. During an unsuccessful siege, the Hussite commander Jan Zizki exclaimed: "This castle is hard as a bone, and only a dog can eat it!"
Nowadays, the castle often becomes a film set for films and fairy tales. Festivals, fairs, knight fights and other cultural events are held here.
mouse hole
A mouse hole is a rocky corridor in the opening of the mountain Hruboskalsko - Hruboskalje, equipped with a ladder and leading to the top. The passage is so narrow that it has been compared to a mouse hole. Previously, this place was called the ravine of the gnomes, but among the people it is still called the staircase of angels.
The staircase was built on the initiative of Prince Ferdinand Kinsky, who had a manor in these places. Visitors to the Bohemian Paradise have loved the Mouse Hole since the 19th century, which is reminiscent of the stone plaque of the princess with the image of the crown, which was placed here in memory of the visit of Princess Vilamina Kinsky in 1849.
rock cities
Rock towns in the Bohemian Paradise are natural monuments, which are represented in the national park by groups of rocks of bizarre shapes. The largest and most famous of them: Prahovskie, Rough, Small Dry rocks.
The Prachov Rocks have had the status of a nature reserve since 1933. The rocky area unites about 200 stone columns, which are intertwined with tourist routes that run both along the lower “corridors” of the rocks and along their crests. There are many viewing platforms here. In this area are the ruins of the Parzhez fortress.
Rough rocks - a cluster of majestic rock "towers", reaching a height of 55 meters. According to various legends, a number of rocks were given names, for example, Dragon Rock, Lighthouse, Devil's Hand, Sahara. Steep canyons and valleys stretch between the columns, here is the rocky gorge of the Mouse Hole. One group of rocks is located in the middle of the Vezhitsky pond.
Small, Dry and Boretsky rocks are unusual in their shapes, here are stone gates, windows, overhanging rocks that were formed by ancient geological movements.
Hruba Skala Castle
Gruba Skala Castle got its name from the mountainous sandy massif on which it is located. This is one of the main attractions of the Czech Paradise National Park. The Renaissance castle Hruba Skala was founded in the middle of the 14th century, after a fire in the 18th century it was reconstructed in neo-Gothic style.
The castle is a building of three wings, inside of which a rectangular courtyard is formed. The parish church of St. Joseph, the priest's house and the smithy.
Currently, a hotel, a restaurant and a conference center are open inside the castle. An observation deck in the castle tower is available for visitors, from where a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside of the national park opens. During the summer, entertainment historical programs are organized in the park.
Brewery and tavern "Detenice"
In the tavern "Detinice" you can taste medieval dishes cooked on an open fire, which are eaten with your hands, and excellent black and light beer, which has been brewed here according to a unique recipe since the 18th century. Visitors are served by waiters dressed in medieval costumes. Medieval traditions and customs are observed here, so the staff is characterized by a harsh old Czech language. You need to be prepared for the fact that people here are not used to courtesies and can be quite harsh towards visitors - such is the spirit of the Middle Ages. Every day, except Sunday and Monday, Detinitsa hosts exciting shows. The audience is entertained by table dancers, comedians, swordsmen, fakir and beggars, and here you can also see the burning of witches and throwing knives at a living target. This tavern will undoubtedly appeal to thrill-seekers.
