Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise)

Lying between the towns of Turnov and Jičín, this undulating landscape of distinctive rock formations was the first area in the country to receive protected status (1955). Thanks to its unique nature and international significance the Czech Paradise area has been declared a UNESCO Geopark.

Rocks are literally everywhere in the Czech Paradise area, from single boulders and cliffs to large rock formations (called ‘rock towns’) boasting slender, 50m-high towers. You don’t have to be a professional rock climber to appreciate their beauty and distinctive shape. Wedged between the rocks, and sometimes perched on their very summits, you will discover easily accessible castle ruins dating from medieval times, as well as viewing platforms. Also well known are the area’s deposits of agate, amethyst, jasper, chalcedony and other semi-precious stones, and he region boasts several mineral, jewellery and polished stone exhibitions. This is also a region of fairytales, whether it be the highwayman Rumcajs in Jičín, Bajaja the Knight at Hrubá Skála Chateau or the characters found at the Happy Land park in Radvánovice. The local Castles and mansions - Hrubý Rohozec, Sychrov, Kost and the Plakánek Valley, Valdštejn, Humprecht, Vranov and Trosky – are also steeped in legend, and without them, it is said, the Czech Paradise area would be like Paris minus the Eiffel Tower.

Jičín – This town has a conservation area, a chateau and a chessboard grid of streets centred around a rectangular square. It is the erstwhile centre of the estate which belonged to Albrecht von Wallenstein. Several places, including the Rumcajs cobblers and the Valdice Gate, are mentioned by V. Čtvrtek in his stories, and every September a festival called ‘Jičín – the Town of Fairytales’ takes place here. Other popular places include the Wallenstein Loggia, Čeřovka Hill with its Milohlídka viewing tower and the local water park.

Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslavá Boleslav. – This museum gives you the chance to learn a bit about the history of Škoda production from 1895 until the present day. The exhibits include the Voiturrete, the first car to be made in Mlad

Trosky Castle – The ruins of this 14th-century Gothic Castle atop a bizarre basalt lava stack have become the symbol of the Czech Paradise area, visible from far and wide. The two towers affording exquisite views are called Panna (57m) and Baba (47m).

Kost Castle – This is one of the best preserved Gothic Castles in the country, and a jewel in the crown of medieval construction in the Czech lands. There are intriguing interiors, a fully-equipped Renaissance-era kitchen, and demonstrations of period skills and crafts. Below the castle lies the well known Plakánek Valley.

Sychrov Chateau – This neo-Gothic mansion and former residence of the Rohan family is well known from the Czech films ‘Goldilocks’ and ‘The Immortal Aunt’. The mansion is surrounded by an English park featuring small follies. Highland games and other events take place here every year.

Rating