Where else to spend the summer but in paradise? Just head about 90 kilometres northeast of Prague, where the Bohemian Paradise is spread out.
This picturesque region offers adrenaline and relaxing experiences. Adventurers can climb down countless rocks, water enthusiasts can ride down the Jizera River on a canoe or paddleboard. History lovers will find themselves visiting castles, chateaux and ruins steeped in legend. You can climb the ubiquitous hills on foot, by bike or enjoy the wind in your hair on a scooter. The Bohemian Paradise is also ideal for quiet family trips with a stroller. Where to go this year?
To Bohemian Paradise for a weekend or longer
Bohemian Paradise is so beautiful that it would be a shame to come just for a spin. Luckily, there's a wide range of accommodation on offer, from hotels and guesthouses to campsites with bungalows, glamping or even your own tents, so you can stay for a whole weekend or longer. Would you think of it as a romantic getaway for two, or would you take the family or a group of friends out for an adventure? There's a program for every age group and occasion. And what is there to choose from?
For beginners, experienced paddlers and swimming enthusiasts
Canoe and raft
The Jizera River flows through the Czech Paradise and is perfect for water sports. Even if you are just starting out. Just go to the Yellow Swimming Pool in Mala Skála, where you can rent a canoe or raft with all the equipment. It's a calm ride, but you'll also find a smaller weir. Fortunately, even beginners can easily negotiate it.
Kayak
Have you always wanted to kayak down a river? Make your dream come true and sign up for a kayak school. It is also waiting for you at the Yellow Float. Under the supervision of an experienced instructor, you will learn how to stay afloat and how to manoeuvre properly. When you're more confident, test your skills on the practice rapids.
Paddleboard
If you'd like to stretch your body a little more, you can try one of today's most popular water sports - the paddleboard. You can train your balance, improve your fitness and have a lot of fun. If you have a board, just paddle to the Paraplíčko training rapids, where you will learn basic skills on faster flowing water.
Swimming
If you just want to refresh yourself, head to Jinolice Ponds. The Oborský Pond, with its sandy and grassy beach and sandy bottom, invites you to take a dip. They also offer bicycle and sports equipment rental.
Do you prefer a classic swimming pool? Go to the Frýdštejn or Dolní Bousov swimming pools, where there are jumping boards and plenty of other sports facilities.
Cycling and scootering through the Bohemian paradise
You can also enjoy the picturesque countryside on two wheels. You can cycle along easy short circuits or climb harder routes longer than 45 km. In one day, you will discover many natural and historical sights. All cycling routes are clearly marked, so don't worry about getting lost.
A great ride awaits you in the area around Malá Skála, where you can get your hair downhill on a scooter.
For lovers of views
Kozákov
Whether you want to enjoy the view by hiking or by car, you will find your own here. You'll have a beautiful view from the highest mountain in the region, Kozákov (744 m above sea level). It is accessible by car. At the top, you can still climb 24 metres and 124 steps to the lookout tower.
Kopanina
Slightly lower is one of the first lookout towers in the Czech Republic on Kopanina (657 m above sea level). You can climb 94 steps and enjoy views of Ještěd and the Krkonoše Mountains from a height of 21 metres.
Other lookout towers and viewpoints
An unusual view can be found in the V Popelkách ski resort in Lomnice nad Popelkou, where a converted ski jump serves as a lookout tower. The most popular tourist rock lookout is called Mariánská vyhlídka (360 m above sea level) and is located 1.5 km from the Hrubá Skála Chateau. From it you can see the notorious panorama of Hrubá Skála, Trosky and Kozákov. The Drábské světničky rock fortress near Mnichovo Hradiště also offers a distant view of the surrounding landscape. In good visibility you can see all the way to the Krkonoše Mountains.
If you feel dizzy from the heights but don't want to miss the lookout tower, head to the village of Nouzov, where the lowest tower of Jára Cimrman is located. You won't be able to see much from it, but you won't let that spoil your mood.
Even those who don't like the view from the tower will find their own here. You can also fly over the fairytale landscape of Bohemian Paradise in a balloon, where you can admire the view from the height for about an hour.
For climbers and enthusiasts of heights
Rocks
Climbing the stairs to the lookout tower not for you? There are dozens of rocks with climbing permits throughout the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area. The most popular area in the Hruboskalsko region is aptly named Skalák and is considered the cradle of Czech sandstone climbing. The rocks here reach heights of up to 55 metres and some are so close together that you can go from one rock to another even at the top, with belay of course. However, the sandstone here is quite soft and definitely not suitable for climbing in wet conditions and even 48 hours after rain.
You can also pull the rope in the Prachovské Rocks, where similar conditions for climbing apply. Just treat the rocks in such a way that future generations can enjoy them.
Via ferrata
If you don't dare to do traditional climbing, you can try climbing via ferrata Vodní brána near Semily. Even with an instructor who will explain the basics and help you gain confidence.
Rope centre
You can experience a safe adrenaline rush for both young and old in one of the largest rope centres in the Liberec region, located in Malá Skála on the banks of the Jizera River. All ages, including children taller than 120 cm, can enjoy the adventure at a height of 6 to 8 metres above the ground. There will be plenty of obstacles and balancing. And if it goes wrong, don't worry, that's what the belay is for.
History tours
Ruins
What about a trip to see the historical beauty of Bohemian Paradise? If you haven't been to the ruins of the late 14th century Gothic castle, Trosky, it's time to make amends. From the top, you'll be rewarded with a unique view of the surrounding countryside. Not far from Turnov is another tourist favourite, the ruins of Wallenstein Castle, which was damaged by fire in the mid-16th century and decayed until the 18th century.
There are many ruins here. Frýdštejn is worth mentioning, which is popular with filmmakers for its mysterious appearance. For example, the fairy tale The Princess Jasněnka and the Flying Shoemaker was filmed here.
Castles
A somewhat better preserved castle can be found near Sobotka. Kost Castle is open to the public from April to October and you can choose from four guided tours, including one dedicated to criminal and torture law.
Castles
Romantic history will breathe on you when you visit one of the many well-preserved castles. Be sure to visit Hrubý Rohozec Castle. The tour focuses on the development of building styles. The castle grounds with its historic trees are a declared cultural monument.
From Hrubý Rohozec, head straight to Hruba Skala. The local castle is built on sixty-metre high rocks and has a fairy-tale effect. Even the filmmakers noticed this when they chose it for the filming of the fairy tale Prince Bajaja.
Excursions in rainy weather - museums and galleries
The Bohemian Paradise is not only outdoors, it also offers a lot of interesting things to do under the roof. One of them is the Dlask farmhouse from 1716, which is a typical example of a Poysizerian house. You can see what a village dwelling looked like and find an exhibition of agricultural and craft tools.
Toy lovers should not miss a visit to the Metoděj Vlacha Aviation Museum in Mladá Boleslav or the Borek pod Troskami Moto Museum, which houses a unique collection of historic motorcycles.
The Museum of Bohemian Paradise in Turnov, which focuses on precious stones, is also worth a visit. You can even visit the goldsmith's workshop in the courtyard and get to know this traditional craft up close.
Tips for trips with children
Jičín
Looking for a place where the kids will be beside themselves with excitement? Head to Jičín, the city of fairy tales. And visit the Rumcajs household from the days when it was still an honest craft. The small house with Rumcajs' workshop, Manka's herb garden and the Tsipisek Zoo is located in the historic centre of Jičín.
You can also go to the Museum of Play, which is part of the Regional Museum and Gallery. Children will be entertained by the interactive exhibition and the puppet theatre, which you can play with them.
Nature with children
Head to the Kopic farm near the village of Kacanovy. There is a short circular route near the farm with reliefs of famous figures of Czech history, once carved into the rocks by the former owner of the farm. The circuit with more than 30 carved pieces is a great way to teach children the basics of our history. You can meet Charles IV, Shemik and the Czech lion.
To prevent children from getting bored in nature, keep them entertained with games. For example, on the children's nature trail through the Příhrazské skály rocks, where 20 stops with interactive panels await them. Thanks to them, they will expand their horizons about nature in a playful way.
Photo source: www.turistika.cz
Where to go in the Bohemian Paradise with a pram
Pull out the sports pram and the pushchair and head out into the countryside. In the Vesec village conservation area near Sobotka, there is a half-kilometre route with a collection of 18 different types of farmhouses. It is also popular with filmmakers. Can you guess what all was filmed there?
A short but hilly walk awaits you at the ruins of Zvířetice Castle and Chateau. The total length of the route from Podhradí is 2.5 km.
You can also go on longer trips with a pram. From Sedmihorky Spa, a 9-kilometre circuit leads through Hrubá Skála Castle to Valdštejn and back. The path is steeper in places, but nothing a fit parent can't handle.
A beautiful route with possible swimming leads past the Vidlák and Věžák ponds. If you want to stretch the trip, go through Dolský Mlýn to Troskovice, from which it is a short walk (2.5 km) back to the Vidlák car park.
What about a hike with a view of the surrounding countryside?
The beautiful 6-kilometre Kozákov Circuit starts and ends in Bačov. The main destination is Kozákov with a lookout tower, which is reached by stairs, so you can't get to the top with a pram, but there are beautiful views from the top of the mountain itself.
Feel like a longer walk?
Take the 16-kilometre circuit from Malá Skála to Turnov and back. Less than halfway there, you can refresh yourself at the Mirror Goat or a little further on in Dolánky. Along the way, you can see the ruins of Vranov-Pantheon Castle or visit the Dlask Farm.
Photo source: www.zrcadlovakoza.cz
TIP: Are you looking for a multi-day trip? No problem. More and more hotels and guesthouses are focusing on stays with children. You can find them not only in the Bohemian Paradise, but also in the mountains or around famous sights.
So, do you already know where to go in the Bohemian Paradise?
