Bohemian Paradise , in Czech called Český ráj , is a region and a protected landscape area about 90 kilometers northeast of Prague. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. Thanks to the spectacular beauty of the landscape and the high concentration of historical sites, the region is very popular with artists of all kinds.

The word “Bohemia” in the region’s name has nothing to do with “Bohemia” in the sense of socially unconventional people. The name derives from Bohemia, which, along with Moravia and Silesia, belongs to the historical Bohemian lands.

One must distinguish between the tourist region Bohemian Paradise and the Bohemian Paradise landscape conservation area ( CHKO Český ráj ) differentiate.

The tourism region has no clearly defined boundaries. It is generally assumed that the region roughly encompasses the area between the towns of Mladá Boleslav, Sychrov, Bozkov, Nová Paka, Staré Hrady, and Libeň. It thus covers three administrative districts of the Czech Republic (Central Bohemia, Hradec Králové, and…). Liberec ) and within these districts divided into five districts (Jablonec nad Nisou, Jičín, Liberec, Mladá Boleslav and Semily).

The Bohemian Paradise Landscape Conservation Area was established in 1955 as the first nature reserve in the Czech Republic and expanded in 2002. Unlike the tourist region, it has clearly defined boundaries. The nature reserve comprises a small part of the tourist region, and its administration is located in the town of Turnov.

SIGHTS IN THE BOHEMIAN PARADISE

Natural attractions

The Prachov Rock , in Czech Prachovské skály The Jičín Rocks, also known as the Jičín Rocks, are sandstone cliffs located about 5 km northwest of the beautiful town of Jičín. These iconic rock formations are one of the most recognizable symbols of Bohemian Paradise. There is an entrance fee, but it is quite low. A parking lot and basic tourist infrastructure are available at the entrance. Several viewpoints (in Czech: vyhlídka ) offer fantastic views of the Prachov Rocks.

The Hrubá Skála Rocks or Hruboskalsko are another area with picturesque sandstone formations. They are located approximately 6 km southeast of Turnov, near the village of the same name (Hrubá Skála). The highlight of this part of the Bohemian Paradise is the Hrubá Skála Castle , which is situated on a sandstone cliff. Nowadays, the castle houses a hotel, a hostel, and a restaurant.

The Příhrazy Rocks ( Příhrazské skály They are located near the village of the same name, east of the town of Mnichovo Hradiště. They may be less well-known than the Prachov Rocks or the Hrubá Skála Rocks, but hiking enthusiasts should not regret visiting them, as the scenery there is also very beautiful.

Podtrosecká valleys ( Podtrosecká údolí ) is a nature reserve established in 1999 near Trosky Castle. The valley contains eight ponds: Dolský, Hrůdka, Krčák, Nebák, Podsemín, Rokytnický, Vidlák, and Věžák. Some of them are surrounded by picturesque sandstone cliffs.

Historical sights

Kost Castle is an impressive, well-preserved Gothic castle in the municipality of Libošovice in the Jičín district.

The aforementioned Hrubá Skála Castle is approximately 6 km southeast of the cityTrutnov. The location is extremely picturesque; the castle stands on a steep sandstone rock of the same name.

The Ruins of Trosky Castle They are located approximately 10 km south of the town of Semily. The castle was built on a hill and its ruins can be seen from afar, making it one of the most famous landmarks of Bohemian Paradise.

Drábské Světničky  It is a former rock fortress with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. It is located near the town of Mnichovo Hradiště, northeast of the village of Dneboh, in the Příhrazy Rocks. Because of its beautiful panoramic views, it is very popular with tourists and hikers. Admission is free.

Valdštejn Castle It is one of the oldest castles in the Bohemian Paradise, built in the 13th century. The castle is located near the town of Turnov.

The Ruins of Frýdštejn Castle It is located near the village of the same name in the Semily district. It is an impressive 14th-century rock castle. The nearest bus stop is about 1 km away and is called Frýdštejn, náves There is a parking lot not far from the ruins.

The ruins of another picturesque rock castle are located in the nearby village. Malá Skála This castle is called Pantheon , Vranov or simply Scale ( scale (means “rock” in Czech). Malá Skála has a train station with connections to Liberec, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, Turnov, and Prague Masaryk Station. From Malá Skála, you can also walk to Frýdštejn, as the distance is only about 3 km.

The Valečov Castle Ruins It is located in the village of Boseň near the town of Mladá Boleslav.

Sychrov Castle Trutnov Castle is a very well-preserved, large, neo-Gothic castle dating from the 19th century. It is located approximately 6 km northwest of Trutnov. The castle owes its current style to the French noble Rohan family, who owned it for 125 years. They decided to rebuild the existing Baroque castle in the neo-Gothic style, which was popular in the 19th century. The castle museum houses one of the finest collections of French portraiture in Central Europe. You can also see 14th-century Italian paintings and a collection of Czech stained glass there.