The Bohemian Paradise (Czech: Český ráj) is a protected landscape area in North Bohemia, Czech Republic. It provides many options for hiking and biking through the environment.

Understand

Prachovské Rocks

History

Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) earned its name in the 19th century due to its picturesque landscape in the foothills of the Giant Mountains, and its many castles and chateaus build in beautiful areas with sandstone rocks. In 1955 it was made the first Natural Protected Landscape Area in former Czechoslovakia. It has been very popular tourist destination since the beginning of 20th century.

In 2005, the original Protected Landscape Area of Bohemian Paradise was extended with the establishment of Bohemian Paradise Geopark, which now cover more than 700 km².

The European Geoparks Network was established as a voluntary organization in 2000; its main objective is multilateral cooperation in the protection of geological heritage, education, support of geotourism and strategies for sustainable development of the participating territories. European Geoparks Network members are also part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

Bohemian Paradise Geopark is the very first territory of this kind in Czech Republic. A Geopark's task is to show the unique geological heritage and the relationship between nature and our existence. Geopark denotes the importance of geological processes on human society and informs us how to responsibly use natural resources. It popularizes geology and propagates the historical, cultural and environmental qualities of nature and landscape to public. Geoparks promote all resources of the region, including the genius loci of many picturesque sceneries, the beauty of unique locations, the wealth of cultural heritage, traditional crafts, regional agricultural products and interesting local cuisine. Bohemian Paradise Geopark was again approved by UNESCO and also declared the first Czech National Geopark in 2010.

Landscape

Bohemian Paradise is an area with a very interesting geological evolution. The geology has provided the foundation for the rich natural diversity of the region, for human settlement, agriculture, and commerce. There are only few places in the world where you can find such a wide variety of geological phenomena and where its diversity play such an important role in shaping the environment. All places are suitable for excursions for all who wish to enjoy the pleasures and excitements of geotourism and they are interesting and accessible even for people with minimal geological knowledge.

The distinctive sandstone formations of Bohemian Paradise were created as sea sediments of the Cretaceous Period. The landscape was later formed by volcanic activity, which also produced many of the precious stones for which the region is also famous. There is a long tradition in jewellery production, especially using famous Czech Garnets: cutting and setting precious stones, and engraving gemstones (glyptic).

• Kozákov Hill. The highest peak of Bohemian Paradise is a part of Ještěd-Kozákov ridge. It was created by uplifting along the Lusatian Fault 5 million years ago and it consists of Paleozoic phyllites, rocks of Carboniferous and Permian Ages, Cretaceous sandstones, and Tertiary basalt. A body of amygdaloidal melaphyres in the Votrubec´s quarry gives the evidence of volcanic activity in the Late Paleozoic Era. Various types of quartz, agate, jasper, chalcedony, zeolites, and more crystallized in the cavities of the melaphyre. Stones from Kozákov were used already by prehistoric hunters. A tourist lodge with restaurant is on the top of the hill, with a new 40 m high publicly available lookout tower offering wonderful view of the Bohemian paradise landscape. 
• Bozkov Dolomite Caves. These beautiful karst caves reaching a depth of 43 m and length of 1100 m, which are publicly available in a length of 350 m, were created by erosion from water leaking in irregular calcareous dolomite body with dimensions of 400 x 300 m and thickness more than 100 m. The deepest permanently flooded areas form the largest publicly accessible underground lake in Czech Republic. The structure of its underground galleries is determined by later tectonic disturbances intersecting the dolomite body. 
• Bartošova pec and Ondříkovice karst system. Bartošova pec lies at the bottom of 40-m-deep valley of Vazovecký stream, hollowed in calcareous rocks of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin. The stream, fed by rainwater, runs through the cave with the length of 225 m. Ondříkovice slide (subsidence), immersion in Roudný, and Bezednice pool (the name means Bottomless) are all interconnected in a unique karst system consisting of a large labyrinth of interconnected karst phenomena such as sinkholes, springs and drafts, where beautiful clear water of Vazovecky stream flows partially on the surface in cascades and also hidden under ground. The area was declared a protected natural monument in 1996. 

Fauna

Apart from the main areas of PLA Bohemian Paradise, the Jizera and Kamenice rivers valleys belong the sites of European Natura 2000 network of highly protected areas. Most of the landscape is protected according to uniform principles to ensure the diversity of fauna, flora and habitat types that are most valuable, most endangered, rare or reduced in their presence to a particular region (endemic).

A small fish Vranka Obecná (Cottus gobio) with completely stunted gas bladder, moving among the rocks across the river bottom in typical “jumps” live at the bottom of the clean mountain streams and rivers. The Jizera River is inhabited by trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario) and rainbow trout, there are also rarely eel (Anguilla anguilla) and river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) present here. Rivers, streams, natural pools, and their surroundings are inhabited by the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), non-venomous grass snake (Natrix natrix), Toad (Bufo Bufo), and the birds such as Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Dipper (Cinclus cinclus), White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) and mammalian such as water shrew (Neomys fodiens), which all are bound to water habitats. The black stork (Ciconia nigra) has appeared in the Bítouchov area on the Rieger's Path. The meadows are inhabited with papillons, e.g. (Papilio machaon), and small lizards of Lacerta agilis, and Anguis fragilis specimen in sunny parts of the rocky hillsides, also the Balea perversa live here.

Forest vegetation on the slopes of the valleys are inhabited by black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), kinglet bird (Regulus ignicapillus), nuthatch (Sita europaea), warbler (Sylvia atricapilla), wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Prunella modularis, and Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Merlin (Falco subbuteo), tawny owl (Strix aluco), wood pigeon (Columba palumbus), and spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), live in the forests. Rocky areas serve as home for swift bird (Apus apus), redstart bird (Phoenicurus ochruros), sparrowhawk (Accipiter nissus), kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and great owl (Bubo bubo). Also raven (Corvus corax) can be spotted often.

Other common forest dwellers are mammals, such as squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), shrew (Apodemus sylvaticus), hare (Lepus europaeus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), and roebuck (Capreolus capreolus), occasionally moufflon (Ovis musimon) and wild pig (Sus scrofa).

Flora

A substantial portion of the area is covered by forest vegetation represented mainly by pines with the minority of oak and beech, and less by other deciduous trees. Other parts include meadows and river valleys.

Forests are predominantly consisting of beech (Fagus sylvatica), maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) sycamore (Platanus hispanica), birch (Betula pendula), linden tree (Tilia platyphyllos), white fir (Abies alba), oak (Quercus robur), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).

Spruce monocultures (Picea abies) grow in minor areas, for example the immediate vicinity of Rieger's path. Many rocky areas of Bohemian Paradise are covered by pine forest (Pinus sylvestris).

Jizera river serves as a corridor to the descent of mountain and piedmont species to lower altitudes, while the thermophilic plants are spreading upriver. The area is a home to many flowers, for example Saxifraga decipiens, subsp. Steinmanii, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, Campanula rotundifolia, Digitalis grandiflora, Silene vulgarit, Polypodium vulgare, and Asplenium virose are present at the rocky slopes of the Jizera river canyon.

Climate

Mildly temperate climate of Central Europe offers hot days (max. around +35 °C/95 °F) suitable for sun-bathing and watersports during summers and a lot of snow and good weather conditions for skiing during winters (max. around -20 °C/-4 °F).

Get in

The biggest towns of Bohemian Paradise are Turnov, Jičín, Nová Paka, Semily, and Železný Brod. They are connected with Prague, Liberec, Mladá Boleslav, and Hradec Králové by trains and buses, which run usually about every 2 hours.

The fastest travel by car is on the motorway R10 (E65) about 80 km in the north-east direction from Prague to Liberec through Mladá Boleslav and Turnov. Another road E442 (R35) leads across Bohemian Paradise from Hradec Králové through Jičín to Turnov and continues to Liberec.

Buses from Prague to Turnov, Železný Brod, Jičín, Nová Paka, and other places in Bohemian Paradise departs from the bus station Florenc (subway line B and C in the center of Prague) and from the station Prague Černý Most (subway end-station at line B). All towns in the Bohemian Paradise Geopark's territory are well accessible by regularly departing bus lines connecting them with Prague, Liberec, Hradec Králové and Pardubice.

A seasonal tourist buses provide the transport across the main sites in Geopark during the main summer season, which cover the main pedestrian and biking paths, and railway stations. Tourist bus timetables are available at tourist information centers, at bus stops, and on websites www.cesky-raj.info and www.bohemian-paradise.info .

Bohemian Paradise can be accessed by train along the route No. 231 from Prague to Nymburk and the route No. 61, which continues to Jičín. Another main railway No. 41 leads to Geopark from Hradec Králové through Jičín to Turnov. Another mail railway with several tunnels through the foothills of the Giant Mountains line the route No. 30 from Pardubice to Liberec through the towns of Stará Paka, Železný Brod and Turnov, which is the main rail hub in the Bohemian Paradise.

It takes about 2 hours by bus or 2½ hours by train from Prague through Mladá Boleslav to Turnov and it costs about 130-150 Kč.

For the timetable check the online Czech bus/train timetable .

Fees and permits

Traveling across the Geopark area is free. Some of the castles and chateaus require small entrance fees, when you want visit their interiors and see their exhibitions.

Bozkov Dolomite Caves can be accessed only with a small entrance fee and a guide available there during opening hours.

Municipal museums and art galleries in the area of Geopark charge separate admission fees.

Get around

Bohemian Paradise area is covered with a dense network of marked bike trails that pass through the most interesting places of Geopark. Many of the trails can be traveled on skis during winter.

Some of Geopark's trails are not suitable for anything except walking. There are numerous different colour-coded tourist marked trails which provide hikes as short as one hour or as long as an entire day. Some sections of the trails across rocky areas may include steep stairs, but most of them are safe even for families with small children.

Jizera River has good conditions for canoeing. Also rivers Kamenice and Oleška are navigable in the spring.

See

Rock formations

• Apolena rocks. Nature Reserve Apolena is near Castle Trosky east of the village Troskovice. Rock towers were separated by erosion after fracturing of the sandstone basin. The eruption of the nearby volcano 17 million years ago, and also falling of individual blocks of rock on the hillside of Libuň furrow influenced it. Rock massive and standalone rock towers from the softer sandstone are a good habitat for rock nesting birds such as kestrel, eagle owl, and Jackdaw. Cleftcave Sklepy, the largest in the PLA Bohemian Paradise, which is the home for eleven species of bats, is hidden among the rocks. 
• Besedice rocks. Ridge and plateau with Besedice rocks together with downslope to the Jizera consists of two levels of rock walls, where the rock mazes Kalich and Chléviště can be found. There is a cave of Vaclav Sadovsky from Sloupno and many beautiful lookouts to view the valley of Maloskalsko. The rock block Kalich lies in the middle of five rocky canyons and hides a rocky altar with an engraved cup and year 1634. There is an extract from The Testament of Comenius, verses from The Bible and verses of a Franciscan monk J. Vitásek inscribed in the stone. An educative trail, which introduces the most important places, goes through the area. 
• Borecké Rocks. These rocks are on the hill Bor (360 m above sea) 1 km west of the village Rovensko p. Troskami. An elongated hill is bordered with rugged sandstone wall with alcoves, ledges, cavities, and caves. The sandstone rocks of Borek include a number of interesting rock formations, such as blocks, columns, caves and various minor forms of weathering such as honeycombs and ironstones. The upper plateau is covered by pines, whose age is about 120 years. Shallow sandy soils and hard sandstone bedrock caused the vegetation to grow flat tops, slightly stunted. 
• Hruboskalsko. Hruboskalsko rock area consist of a distinctive up to 60-m-high sandstone towers with poetic names such as Bandleader, Conductor's baton, Lighthouse, Dragon's Tooth, and Dragon's Tower, which became legendary for several generations of climbers. Honeycombs, ledges, rock windows, gates, caves and tunnels developed in many of the Hruboskalsko sandstone rock towers. Many lookouts offer a wonderful view of the area, the best known is called Virgin Mary above the Dragon rocks with castle Trosky in the distance. The deep canyon situated below the castle Hrubá Skála is the most visited, where leads a 65-m-long shallow rock corridor called Mouse hole. 
• Klokočské and Betlémské rocks. Rock area Klokočí consist of an asymmetrical ridge of Late Cretaceous sandstone blocks about 1600 m long, with a large number of variously sized cavities. The vegetation includes pine forest with fragments of beech. The largest sandstone cave of Bohemian Paradise called Postojna is located here, in which the traces of the oldest settlements in the area were found. Rocky outcrops of Klokočí offer many attractive lookouts with magnificent panoramic views of the northern and south-eastern part of the Bohemian Paradise including Kozákov hill. The ruins of the castle Rotštejn lies towards the southern edge of Klokočské rocks. 
• Maloskalská Drábovna. The sandstone plateau located between the villages Borek, Křížky, Záborčí, and Voděrady is divided by shallow valleys and canyons into several parts, which are bordered around the edges by rock outcrops. One marked trail leads from the town Turnov around Dlask farm, another one leads roughly north-south direction along the axis of the rocky area. The lookouts showing Suché rocks, castle Frýdštejn, and the Jizera valley are excellent here. The average height of the rocks is around 10 m. Rock wall in Hradek exceptionally reach up to 20 m. Deep overhangs are common at the foot of the rocks. Suitable conditions for the emergence of rock resembling the shape of mushrooms are to be found in central and southern parts of the rocks. 
• Měsíční Valley. The ravine of Měsíční valley is in sloping layers of Korycany formation along the Lusatian fault in the foothills of Kozákov near the village Vesec. The local quarry is still occasionally used. Sandstone layers sloping to the west are exposed here. The thickness of the sandstone layers reaches up to 7.1 m. The 30-m-high canyon walls are closing together and end in the formation called Vrata. Slender rocky pinnacles and caves, some of them of pseudokarst origin, such as Babí pec and Kudrnáčova pec, and others created by human hands accompany the main rocky canyon. A rich paleontological discoveries such as Ichnofossils were made in the area. 
• Prachovské Rocks (Prachovské skály). Tourists favorite rocky area represents the remnants of a sandstone plateau with deep gorges and valleys, where nature created a unique sculpture with tall, significantly extended rock towers. The area is rather small in terms of size, but its rock formations, gorges, ravines, hollows, and locations of prehistoric finds are abundant. It is protected as a nature reserve since 1933. The most interesting parts of the rocks are easily accessible on safe tourist marked paths and many beautiful lookouts provide a complete overview of Prachov Rocks area. 
• Příhrazské rocks. Nature reserve with a characteristic complex of rock formations line the sandstone upland plateau Mužský near the town Mnichovo Hradiště. Most of its rocks are located on the edge of the canyon valley. There are 178 sandstone towers, from which the bizarre rock formation called Kobyla is the most known. The remnants of the rock castle Drábské světničky with the rock-hewn chapel called Hynšta hides in the rocks. A substantial portion of the area is covered by forest vegetation represented mainly by pines with the minority of oak and beech, and less by other deciduous trees. 
• Suché Rocks. Horizontal Cretaceous sandstones were erected to almost vertical position by tectonic activity in Tertiary Period. Significant ridge with its length of 1 km is towering above Malá Skála village and it is divided into 20 rock towers, some of which reach heights of up to 80 m. Coarse-grained and partially conglomerated sandstones are variously siliphicated and ferruginizated along the fault plane. The occurrence of tectonic mirrors, strongly siliphicated tectonic ribs and a dense grid of quartz veins is unique. Suché rock, also called Cantor´s organ, are a popular tourist destination, especially among rock climbers. 
• Kozinec by Železný Brod. The rock wall of white quartzite is located at Záskalí in Železný Brod (at the end of the road to the left, about 200 m behind the town swimming-pool). The rock formation is a good example of frost weathering of the Ice Age, when the "sea" of broken stones and rock wall had formed here. Its eastern part is stretched more than 50 m, and it is only 2 m wide in some places. The quartzite wall reaches the height about 20 m in its western part. 
• Rieger´s Path. River Jizera is about 200 m deep, a canyon-like valley north from the town Semily. Bare rocks give the evidence of hundreds millions of years long history. Resistant types of rocks remained forming the rock cliffs, surrounded with areas called the "sea" of broken stones, sometimes descending to the river stream. There is a trail with a spring of A. Stašek with clean water, and several lookouts showing the river valley. A rocky canyon is hollowed-out in albitic granite massif, which rises to a height of 40 m above Jizera river on the side of Rieger's Path near Bítouchov. That's where the pedestrian gallery, 77 m long and hanging on a rock 5.5 m above the river level was built. 

Volcanites in Bohemian Paradise

Hvězda

The abandoned quarry Hvězda with the length of its wall about 170 m and a height of up to 25 m, located on Mt. Staropacká about 2 km from the town Stará Paka, is known as deposit of many precious stones. The deposits of pyroclastic rocks of phreatomagmatic eruption of maar volcano are exposed in this place. Massive amygdaloidal andesitoids and several types of irregular red-brown lenticular positions of tuffites and its agglomerates are present there. Almonds are somewhere plentiful, rare elsewhere, their size range from the cavities with millimeter dimensions to 15 cm in diameter. Moss chalcedony, agate, geodes, and calcite are to be found there usually.

Kozákov

The highest peak of Bohemian Paradise is a part of Ještěd-Kozákov ridge. It was created by uplifting along the Lusatian Fault 5 million years ago and it consists of Paleozoic phyllites, rocks of Carboniferous and Permian Ages, Cretaceous sandstones, and Tertiary basalt. A body of amygdaloidal melaphyres in the Votrubec's quarry gives the evidence of volcanic activity in the Late Paleozoic Era. Various types of quartz, agate, jasper, chalcedony, zeolites, and more crystallized in the cavities of the melaphyre. Stones from Kozákov were used already by prehistoric hunters. A tourist lodge with restaurant is on the top of the hill, with a new 40 m high publicly available lookout tower offering wonderful view of the Bohemian paradise landscape.

Magmatic gushes at the northern slope of Kozákov hill

The youngest volcanic activity took place here in the Tertiary period. Basaltic rocks cover the northern slope of the hill. Tephres, which appear at the beginning and in the middle of the volcanic activity, represent only about 5% of the mass-produced. Columnar structure is a typical characteristic of igneous rocks that cooled near the surface. The columns of basaltic rocks lined up like organ pipes or presented in fan-like shapes are located on the northern slope. Volcanic bombs can be found on the top of Kozákov as well as in the former volcano crater at Prackov. Green olivine stones are mostly present in the basaltic rocks.

Mužský (463 m)

Basalt hill, of similar origin as Trosky, stands in the middle of a sandstone plateau lying in the southwestern part of the Bohemian Paradise about 2.5 km northeast from the town of Mnichovo Hradiště. The highest peak of Příhrazy platform is the basaltic remnant of the magma-supplying vein of former volcano. Gravitational collapse, supported by historical mining was the cause of a small cave in basalt. The plateau is divided by canyons into five parts called Hrada, Mužský, Příhrazské rocks, cliffs and rocks at the Drhleny, and rocks near castle Valečov. The area was inhabited already in the Neolithic Age. A beautiful view of the landscape around is available from the bare top of Mužský hill. A memorial of the fallen soldiers was built here in 1866. The Village of Mužský below the hill has been designated as a historical reserve due to its original character.

Strážník

Hill Strážník is quite famous and perhaps the only site in Europe, where the Star Quartz can be found. The origin of local unique radial star-shaped quartz is linked to the hydrothermal vein pervading through the melaphyre in the southeastern part of the top platform, called "Boroví". Weathering processes such as erosion, frost and slope sliding in the past caused the distribution of star quartz down the slopes. The maximum reported diameter of radial aggregates was 10 cm. Nowadays, the site where the star quartz was found was covered with soil - to prevent further collecting - it was declared natural preserve in 1963.

Zebín

Hill Zebín is one of the landmarks near the town of Jičín. A marshy landscape with shallow lakes was here about 17 million years ago. Then a hot magma penetrated into it, which was fractured into small fragments due to the reaction caused by its contact with water. However, the strength of the eruption has not increased much. That's how the tuff cone was created, which was later filled with magma through the dike vein and a lake of lava formed in it. Abandoned quarry lying on the hillside reveals the structure of a scoria cone volcano remnants. A Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene was built in 17th century on the top of the hill.

Zlámaniny near Nová Paka

Sedimentary rocks of Kumburk formation – Štikov arcoses 300 million years old are shown on the wall of the abandoned quarry. Arcoses are distinctly horizontal and cross-bedded with fluvial channels. There are three silicified wood of Dadoxylon type embedded in various directions and levels inside north wall of the quarry. The biggest of them is about 75 cm thick in diameter. Small basalt bed of breccia structure with typical hexagonal seclusiveness occurs near the bottom of the quarry, it is probably the remnant of volcanic dike channel.

Castles, chateaus and castle ruins

Frýdštejn castle ruin

Bohemian Paradise Geopark encompasses many castles and chateaus, often build in attractive locations on sandstone rocks. Some of the castles and palaces are in excellent conditions and they are offering an exhibitions of their historical interieurs with original furnishings and equipment, other are left as romantic ruins in the wild nature, suitable for a family trip.

Frýdštejn castle ruin Well-preserved ruins of the castle rises above the valley of the Jizera River, dominated by the castle's highest tower which is its best conserved part. It is 15 m high with a diameter of 9 m and its walls are 2 m thick. Frýdštejn was built during the 14th century. A number of small rooms, including a chapel, was carved directly into the rock. The owners of the castle superseded several times. The castle has lost its function after the sale in 1556, and it has been uninhabited since the late 16th century. Today the castle is owned by the municipality of Frýdštejn. Open: May to October 10:00 to 17:00

Hrubá Skála Chateau and Trosky (left))

Hrubý Rohozec Chateau

Hrubá Skála Chateau

Chateau Hrubá Skála was built on a sandstone rock on the site of a former medieval castle rock, which was established by Hynek of Wallenstein. The castle was first mentioned as the property of Wallenstein dynasty in the charter of 1353. It was rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau in the mid-16th century and later rebuilt in Neo-gothic style during the Romantism period. The chateau serves as hotel and offers a variety of restaurants and other representative rooms of the castle.

Hrubý Rohozec Chateau

Today's Chateau Hrubý Rohozec was founded as a gothic castle around 1280. Later it was architecturally modified in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Empire style, which is now the most noticeable. Two libraries, dining room and green salon have been preserved with the original equipment to present date. The chateau exposition is arranged in cooperation with the Prague Museum of Decorative Arts. The castle is surrounded by park with a collection of stone masonry of the Romantic period. Open: October and April: weekends and holidays 09:00 to 16:00 May - September: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00

Humprecht Chateau

Kost castle

Humprecht Chateau

Humprecht, designed by Carlo Lurago, was built as a small hunting lodge by Humprecht Černín John the Earl of Chudenice in the years 1667–1672. A banquet hall, library and black kitchen can be visited in basement, the women's and men's rooms with original furnishings and ladies' dressing rooms with a small picture gallery are in upper floor. Open: April and October, weekends, holidays: Tu-Su 09:00-15:30; May: Tu-Su 09:00-16:30PM; June–August: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00; Sep: Tu-Su 09:00-16:00

Kost castle

Castle stands on a sandstone rock in the intersection of three valleys - Plakánek, Prokop's, and Černý Pond. It was founded with its characteristic massive so-called White Tower in the late 14th century. Massive reconstruction of the castle has been done in the mid-20th century. The castle belongs to the Kinsky family property. Open: April: W-Su 09:00-16:00; May June: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00; July August: daily 09:00-18:00; September: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00; October: W-Su 09:00-16:00

Kozlov (Chlum) castle ruin

Rock castle Kozlov was built on several sandstone blocks at Chlum hill (358 m above sea level) above village Podháj. Only few remnants of the castle survived until present: small rooms carved into the rock, defensive moats and castle well. Mortises for the wooden parts of the castle are well visible in the rocks. The castle used particular natural rock formations as defense walls, which were extended by wooden fortifications. There are many interesting rocky outcrops around the castle area. The lookout of Karel Vaclav Rais is near the castle.

Kumburk castle ruin

Mnichovo Hradiště Chateau

Rotštejn castle ruin

Sychrov Chateau

Kumburk castle ruin

Kumburk castle was founded around 1300. The phase of the castle flourish immediately preceded the Hussite riots in 15th century. Castle's outer fortifications were demolished in the 17th century, the castle itself was deserted and dilapidated. Kumburk stands on the former lava lake, which emerged when lava filled the crater created by an explosion caused by contact of hot magma with water-saturated sediments about 17 million years ago. Basaltic columns, which are arranged in the shape of an inverted fan below the castle remind us of that volcanic event.

Mnichovo Hradiště Chateau

Chateau is a magnificent example of Baroque residence. It was designed by the architect Canevalle who began the reconstruction of the former Renaissance chateau in 1696. The castle art gallery, Golden Cabinet, and the chapel with rich decorations were built after 1730. The castle rooms shows excellent examples of Baroque interior design. Opening hours: April, October: Sa Su and holidays 08:45 to 15:00; May June September: Tu-Su 08:45 to 16:00, July August: Tu-Su 08:45 to 17:00.

Rotštejn castle ruin

The remains of a gothic castle lies in the Nature reserve Klokočské rock, which was established in 1985 on an area of 228.13 hectares. The sandstones form about 2 km long rock wall with several standalone rock pinnacles above village Klokočí. Rotštejn was founded by Markvarts family in 14th century, and it was abandoned in the early 16th century. Open: from Easter to the end of May: Sa 10:30-17:00, Su 10:30-16:00, June–August: M-F 10:00–16:30, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 10–16:00; Sep-Oct: Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 10:00–16:00

Sychrov Chateau

The Neo-Gothic chateau served as residence of the Rohan family of French origin. The palace rooms are equipped with original furniture, paintings and other accessories, most of the rooms also have splendid carvings. The chateau interiors are open to the public, including its large park. Open: January–March: 10:00–14:00, April: 09:00-15:30, May–August: 09:00–16:30, September–October: 09:00–15:30, November–December: 10:00–14:00

Trosky castle ruin from south

Valdštejn castle - aerial photo

Trosky castle ruin

The hill Trosky (488 m above sea) represents the remnants of volcanic scoria cone. The original volcano, which broke with the explosion through sandstone about 17.5 million years ago, was worn down by erosion over time. Only two highly resistant basaltic towers remained exposed, which are the remnants of conduit that once filled the vents inside the scoria and ash cones. The thicker one is called Baba and thinner is called Panna. The famous ruins are the remains of castle built here in 14th century. Opening hours: April and October: Sa Su and holidays 08:30 to 16:00, May–August: Tu-Su 08:30 to 17:30, September: Tu-Su 08:30 to 16:00.

Valdštejn castle

The oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise was built around the 1260. Its residential function ended in late 15th century and the castle was abandoned. Ruined castle raised to a new glory with the efforts of Wallenstein family, who rebuilt it into a remarkable pilgrimage site with a unique genius loci in the 18th century. The new owners of Lex of Aehrenthal made castle available to the public and they finished the romantic adaptations of old residence into famous landmark in the 19th century. Open: daily, April and October: Sa Su and holidays: 09:00 to 17:30, May–September: 09:00 to 17:30

Valečov castle ruin

Valečov castle ruin

A wooden castle was built on the rocks by family of Valečov after 1300. It was burned down by Henry Wartenberg after Hussite wars in 1439. A stone palace was built in the first half of the 15th century, another floor was added in next century. The castle later served as administrative center and the nobility did not live here anymore, it was noticed as abandoned in 1652. Since 1994 the castle is owned by the municipality Bosen. Open: November–February: Sa Su 10:00–17:00, March April: Sa Su and holidays 10:00–17:00; May September: daily 09:00–17:00, July, August: daily 09:00–17:00

Vranov -Pantheon castle

Vranov - Pantheon castle

Rock castle Vranov also known as Pantheon with its length of almost 400 m is considered the most complicated rock castle in Bohemia. The form of the castle was determined by the sandstone cliffs, in which it was built before 1425. It was abandoned during the 16th century. Later modifications transformed the ruins of the castle into a romantic monument available to public called the Pantheon. Reconstruction was completed in summer 1826, when a chapel was built high above the Jizera valley. Open: April May September October: Sa Su 09:00-18:00, June–August: daily 09:00 to 18:00.

Zbiroh castle ruin

Zbiroh castle was founded in the early 14th century high above the village Rakousy, where the Jizera river creates a great meander. Zbiroh is noticed in the written documents of king Wenceslas IV., when it belonged to a prominent bohemian magnate Markvart of Wartenberg. During the long years of anarchy and chaos in the country after the Hussite wars, the castle Zbiroh along with other castles in this area become the outpost for robbers and bandit troops, therefore the army demolished it in 1442 and about 1458 is mentioned already as abandoned. Only remnants of walls and vaults carved into the rock remains us of the former castle today.

Museums

• Museum of the Bohemian Paradise, Turnov, Skálova 71, ☏ +420 481 322 106, mail@muzeum-turnov.cz. Tu-Su 09:00-16:00. 50/25 Kč. 

Do

Sandstone rock formations

Twenty minutes of hiking along almost any of the marked trails from the bus or railway stop will bring you to the stunning sandstone formations of Bohemian Paradise. These can be admired from the bottom of the valleys or from numerous lookouts along the trails atop the rock formations.

Leisure activities

Walking along the Geopark trails

The area of Bohemian Paradise Geopark is covered by colour-coded marked trails for tourists, which guide across the main interesting parts and which also connect the places with nearest bus and railway stations, and parking places in towns and villages of Geopark. New educative trails for geotourists are installed with geotags at the main sites, which can provide you with additional multimedia information available to your mobile devices with internet connection about interesting geological, archaeological, and other various interesting phenomena of the Bohemian Paradise landscape.

Biking and inline skating

Bohemian Paradise area is covered with a dense network of bike trails that pass through the most interesting places of Geopark. A new network of trails for biking and in-line skating through nature called Greenway Jizera was built along the Jizera river in the picturesque valleys and meanders leading from Semily through Železný Brod, Malá Skála and Rakousy as far as to Dolánky valley below the chateau Hrubý Rohozec in Turnov.

Water sports

Jizera River has good conditions for canoeing. Also rivers Kamenice and Oleška are navigable in the spring. Upper parts of Jizera are suitable for experienced paddlers, while the Jizera near Turnov is quieter and easier for anyone. Many natural lakes and rivers in the area of Geopark offer refreshment during hot summer days. Some of towns in Geopark have municipal public swimming pools or aqua-centers. The quarry at Nová Rumchalpa is the base place for divers.

Skiing

Many sites can be visited on skis during winter. When snow conditions are good, there are beautiful trails through Želejovské valley, Žehrovka valley, along the Golden path of Bohemian Paradise or on the ridge trail from Kozákov to Hamštejn. Downhill skiing is possible in these locations: Frydstejn: 1 lift, 600 m slope. Koberovy, TJ Koberovy: 1 lift, 350 m slope. Kozákov, TJ Chuchelna: 1 lift, 500 m slope. Líšný, TJ Líšný: 1 elevator. Lomnice n. P., V Popelkách: 1 lift, 300 m slope. Tabor: 1 lift, 450 m slope. Semily ski resort Nad Nádražím: 1 lift, 350 m slope. Turnov: ski resort Struhy: 1 lift, 300 m slope with lights.

Rock climbing

Bohemian Paradise offers many excellent opportunities for rock climbers. Sandstone rocks are protected, and therefore all the rules must be respected! Detailed information is available at information centers, on Internet etc., conditions may vary for different rock areas.

Paragliding and kiting

Kozákov hill has become very popular place for fans of paraglide-flying and kiting. There are three starting points (west, south and north) on its top. Landing place at an altitude of 484 m is marked by windsocks. Pilot courses and tandem flights are held here, in which the control is left to an experienced glider pilot, allowing you a wonderful view of the Trosky castle and surrounding landscape, with no sign of engine noise, just a beautiful feeling of flight.

Buy

Restaurants, pubs, supermarkets and shops are available in main towns Turnov, Jičín, Semily, Nová Paka, and Železný Brod and also in many smaller villages along the main tourist paths. Most of the castles and chateau sites offer refreshment and souvenir shops, the biggest Chateau Sychrov and Chateau Hrubá Skála have their own restaurants.

Eat

• Hotel Korunní Princ, Hluboká 137. Can't go wrong here, decent pizzas and other meals, decent atmosphere, nice location. 
• Motel Even, Karlovice 10, Sedmihorky. Usually you wouldn't expect much from a rest stop restaurant, but it has been one of the best restaurants in the area since the 1990s. 
• Restaurace Vidlak. Standard Czech fare in a beautiful location. 
• Pizzeria Pietro Tomasso. On the main road in Mala Skala. 

Sleep

Accommodation is available in many hotels in towns Turnov, Jičín, Semily, and Železný Brod and in many villages in Geopark.

List of accommodation in Bohemian Paradise:

Turnov:

• Hotel Karel IV
• Hotel Paradis
• Hotel Korunní Princ
• Pension Svatý Jan

Jičín:

• Hotel U Krále

Nová Paka:

• Hotel Štikov

Many private pensions offer accommodation in the area. Český ráj is also near enough to Prague that it can be done as a day trip.

Camping

Wild camping is not allowed in the protected areas of Geopark and in its sandstone caves. However, there are many public camping places available in the area of Bohemian Paradise, a pretty complete listing can be found on webpages: www.czech-camping.com , www.czech-camping.com or www.ceskyraj.info .

• Autocamp Sedmihorky (about 6 km far from Turnov in the direction to Jičín and Hradec Králové (road E442) at the central part of Hruboskalsko, just below the chateau Hrubá Skála.), ☏ +420 481 389 162, camp@campsedmihorky.cz. The biggest and most developed campsite in the area. Right next to a little lake with a beach. 
• Taboriste Vidlak. Taboriste (basic campsite with few facilities) in a beautiful setting. Right across from the restaurant, other than that not much nearby. 
• Svitacka, Troskovice. Just outside the village of Troskovice, a couple hundred meters under Hotel Trosky. Most basic campsite imaginable. There is no reception, the owner comes by every day to collect money. 
• Autokemp Ostrov, Mala Skala. Pretty well equipped campsite on an island in the Jizera river. Since the river flows from the mountains it is perfect for cooling you down on a hot summer day. 

Stay safe

There is even a popular Czech folk song about not climbing the rock formations, as they are dangerous - and they truly are, reports of people falling of the steep rocks are common. There are usually railings which prevent people from going near the edge, so it is a wise idea not to step behind these railing. If there are no railings, just use your common sense and do not venture too far to do your selfie. In winter or during rain this is even more important, as the rocks might get icy and slippery.

Go next

• Kokořínsko - another Landscape Protected Area, also featuring rock formations and a large castle as a bonus. 70 km
• Giant Mountains National Park - a large national park featuring Czech tallest mountain and mountain plateaus resembling Scandinavia. 55 km
• Liberec - a city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants, famous for the mountain Ještěd rising above it. 35 km