Where to go on a trip Českolipsko

Máchovo jezero, or "Macháč" as most of us know it, was established on the instructions of the Czech King and Emperor Karel IV. as early as the 14th century, originally as the Velký rybník. It is situated in the town of Doksy in the Česká Lípa district and covers an area of 284 hectares. In the 19th century, it was significantly popularised by the poet Karel Hynek Mácha, who set the plot of his most famous poem, Máj, right here, and in whose honour the lake's name was later changed. It serves as the centre of the region of the same name, Máchův kraj.

On the shores of Máchovo jezero, there are 4 large beaches. For vacationers, there is a variety of campsites, snack stands, and boat rentals available. During the summer season, it is certainly a pleasant experience to set off on a sightseeing cruise by steamer. This allows visitors to get closer to the two islets located on Máchovo jezero, namely Myší and Kachní. As they are an important and protected ornithological site, entry to them is prohibited.

Fishermen and hikers will also find plenty to enjoy here. In the vicinity of Máchovo jezero, there is a multitude of tourist routes and educational trails. One of them is the children's trail Se Čtyřlístkem okolo Blaťáku, which belongs to the nearby Muzeum Čtyřlístku. Máchovo jezero actually served as the inspiration for the lake Blaťák, known precisely from the Čtyřlístek comics. In the northern part of Máchovo jezero stands Jarmilina skála. It was by jumping from this rock that Jarmila, the heroine of Karel Hynek Mácha's poem Máj, ended her life.

Máchovo jezero has also gained fans outside the summer season. As soon as its surface freezes and is covered with snow, skaters and cross-country skiers from the surrounding area can be seen rushing across it. It is therefore a place that can be visited throughout the year. Visitors are invited to come to Máchův kraj and discover the beautiful places that Karel Hynek Mácha extolled in his poems. By booking accommodation at Máchovo jezero in advance, guests can experience a truly romantic holiday.

Aquapark Staré Splavy is located on the shore of Máchovo jezero in Doksy, in the Česká Lípa district. This aquapark is truly unique, as it is not merely composed of swimming pools and attractions. The pool is set into the lake, original inflatable attractions can be found directly on the surface of the lake itself, and the premises include a sandy beach with real palm trees.

The pool with filtered water is divided into three sections with varying depths: for children, for swimmers, and a section with massage benches. Visitors may also look forward to riding super-fast water slides that finish directly in the lake. On the surface of the lake, entertainment can be enjoyed on various types of inflatable attractions. One may find climbing towers, trampolines, swings, slides, and much more. A water playground is available for a variety of games. Two- or four-seater pedal boats and paddleboards are available for hire.

On land, beach volleyball can be played on a dedicated court, and another court is available for other ball games (leisure tennis, volleyball, basketball), as well as a ping-pong table. All equipment is provided by the sports rental shop, where sun loungers may also be obtained. On the beach, children will find various climbing frames and playhouses, a carousel, swings, and an inflatable castle. During the summer holidays, animation programmes are prepared, including competitions and games, physical activities, theatre performances, diving, water races, and the popular face painting.

Within the premises, refreshments are naturally available; it is entirely up to the visitor whether to enjoy a cocktail or a beer directly on the beach or to sit in the restaurant, which, incidentally, offers a view of hrad Bezděz. Should there be interest in a private party, such as a celebration or a corporate event, it is possible to arrange for a section of the beach to be reserved exclusively for a specific group.

Máchovo jezero offers more than just swimming; various water sports can be tried, including water skiing and yachting, or a cruise on a sightseeing boat can be planned. And when enough of the water has been enjoyed, the Muzeum Čtyřlístku, dedicated to famous comic book stories, may be visited. Perhaps the Muzeum Karla Hynka Máchy, which gave its name to this region, may be of interest. Zámek Doksy is also worth a visit, offering a tour circuit dedicated to the Valdštejn family. And if a mild adrenaline rush is desired, a visit to the Jungle Creek rope park is recommended.

Finding accommodation near Aquapark Staré Splavy is an easy task, as this locality welcomes tourists with open arms and a diverse range of lodging options. Truly, anything can be found here, beginning with hotels offering full services and ending with campsites where a small cabin can be rented or a tent pitched. In between, there are also family guest houses, modern apartments, or stylish cottages. Máchův kraj is a significant tourist destination, and Máchovo jezero is effectively the "Czech sea." Groups with diverse interests will also find something to their liking in this locality. Therefore, if a universal holiday solution for a family or a group of friends is being sought, this is the right place to head to. Searching for accommodation on our website can be started right away!

The poet Karel Hynek Mácha fell in love with the countryside around the village of Doksy in the Česká Lípa district so much that he set the plots of many of his famous poems here. Consequently, many significant places were named after him, such as Máchovo jezero, as well as the entire region Máchův kraj. This part of the Liberecký kraj is a popular destination visited year-round by tourists from both the Czech Republic and abroad. One of the attractions, especially for history lovers, is the ruin of hrad Bezděz, which towers above the village of the same name.

Hrad Bezděz was founded by King Přemysl Otakar II in the second half of the 13th century. It is known as the place where Václav II was imprisoned at a young age. During the following period, several noble families resided in the castle: the Berkové, the lords of Michalovice, the lords of Cimburk, the Vartenberkové, and the Valdštejnové.

At the beginning of the Thirty Years' War, hrad Bezděz was damaged. Albrecht z Valdštejna briefly attempted to save it, but he ultimately did not complete his plan to rebuild the castle into a modern fortress. For a time, the castle was an important pilgrimage site, but subsequently, it only fell into disrepair and gradually turned into a ruin. At present, however, it is one of the best-preserved ruins in the Czech Republic.

Even though the "tooth of time" has left its mark on hrad Bezděz, one can still see the intact remains of several palaces, fortifications, and two towers. The space of the castle chapel is also exceptional. Thanks to the National Heritage Institute, a roof reconstruction took place at hrad Bezděz at the beginning of the 20th century, and the castle was subsequently sold for a symbolic price to the Klub československých turistů. They also continued with the rescue and repairs of the castle. In 1953, the castle was transferred to state heritage care.

Visitors who wish to visit hrad Bezděz may take advantage of the period from the beginning of April to the end of October. The tour takes place without a guide. Visitors can orient themselves using a printed plan of the castle. You will visit the castle chapel, as well as the royal, manorial, Templar, or burggrave's palace. The latter palace served as the residence for the castle administrators. The most prominent of these administrators was the knight Oldřich Tista z Libštejna, with whose help King Charles IV managed to establish a pond near Doksy, today's Máchovo jezero.

Hrad Bezděz lies in the Chráněná krajinná oblast Kokořínsko - Máchův kraj. It is part of the Přírodní rezervace Velký a Malý Bezděz. Several endangered species of plants and animals can be found here, such as a population of the alpine longhorn beetle. Therefore, it is necessary to follow certain rules associated with visiting nature reserves and protected landscape areas. Only through this can we preserve the natural environment for our fauna and flora, with the prospect of further development.

Hrad Bezděz itself was an inspiration for other significant artists besides Karel Hynek Mácha. You can see it in paintings by Josef Mánes, Alois Bubák, and Cín Jelínek. It also appeared in the libretto by Eliška Krásnohorská, subsequently in the opera Tajemství by Bedřich Smetana, and also in a series of historical detective novels by the author Vlastimil Vondruška. Children will also find something to enjoy. The castle of Bezzub, which you certainly know from the popular comic strip by Jaroslav Němeček, is in fact hrad Bezděz. One of the longest-running comic strips in the Czech Republic, Čtyřlístek, even acquired its own Muzeum Čtyřlístku in Doksy.

In addition to the castle, the museum, and the lake, you can visit many other interesting places here. Start in Doksy with a visit to the chateau, which includes the aforementioned museum, and you can continue to the Muzeum Karla Hynka Máchy. During summer days, you will enjoy water fun at Máchovo jezero. Those who do not only enjoy swimming or water sports can have fun at the Aquapark Staré splavy, located directly on the shore of the lake.

If you are already sufficiently captivated by this region, just one thing is needed. Find a suitable place where you can rest your head at night and recharge your energy for a new day full of new experiences. For example, accommodation near hrad Bezděz is an excellent starting point. You can begin your day with history, continue through culture, and relax by the water. Comfortable apartments, cottages, guesthouses, and many campsites are waiting for you. Everyone will choose their own. So, you just need to plan the date and you can start packing. We are sure that you will definitely enjoy your time here.