Where to go on a trip okres Jičín

Scientific Discoveries in the City of Fairy Tales and the Gateway to Český ráj

In a quiet part of the town of Jičín, just a short walk from the historic center, stands an institution that combines a view of the universe with the exploration of our planet. Hvězdárna Jičín, which is part of the Centrum přírodních věd, is housed in a historic villa and offers visitors a comprehensive program focused on astronomy, meteorology, and geophysics. It is a place where modern science meets the romance of old times. For every visitor who wishes to enrich a visit to Český ráj with an educational experience, the observatory represents an ideal stop.

What the Observatory in Jičín Offers Visitors

The main attraction is sky observation in the historic dome, which is equipped with quality astronomical telescopes. In clear weather, visitors can observe the Sun and its activity during the day, while evening hours belong to the Moon, planets, and star clusters. Regardless of the weather, a digital planetarium is in operation, faithfully simulating the night sky and offering educational programs about the universe. The complex also includes a lecture hall where discussions with experts take place. A point of interest of the Jičín observatory is its focus on geophysics and meteorology, meaning visitors can see, for example, a seismograph recording ground tremors. In the villa's garden, visitors will find sundials and a space for relaxation.

Who the Place Is Suitable For

Thanks to a varied program, the observatory is an excellent destination for families with children, who will find answers here to questions about the functioning of the world and the universe. The place is regularly visited by school excursions, as well as tourists and enthusiasts of natural sciences who will appreciate the expert commentary and technical equipment. It is the right choice for every visitor seeking intelligent entertainment in an intimate environment.

What Can Be Visited in the Surroundings

A visit to Jičín would not be complete without climbing Valdická brána, which is the symbol of the town and offers views of Krkonoše and Český ráj. Children will certainly be pleased by the interactive exhibition Rumcajsova ševcovna or Muzeum hry. For lovers of nature and history, the Baroque Valdštejnská lodžie with its park and the mysterious Zebín hill are mandatory stops in the immediate surroundings. Just a short way outside the town, the iconic Prachovské skály begin with their breathtaking rock formations.

A unique rock city in the heart of Český ráj

Prachovské skály are one of the most famous and most visited nature reserves in the Česká republika. This unique sandstone area, declared as such as early as 1933, is located in the Královéhradecký kraj, approximately 5 to 7 km northwest of the town of Jičín. The rock city is part of the Chráněná krajinná oblast Český ráj and is spread between the villages of Prachov, Horní Lochov, Blata, and Pařezská Lhota at an altitude of 300 to 462 metres above sea level. Geologically, it consists of Upper Cretaceous block sandstones, which create a rugged plateau here, divided by deep ravines and gorges into individual rock towers and massifs reaching heights of up to 90 metres. Prachovské skály offer extensive hiking opportunities along marked circuits and are also a popular destination for rock climbers.

The area offers two main sightseeing circuits. The short circuit takes approximately forty-five minutes and leads through a narrow rock crevice and over the two most famous viewpoints, with tourists returning via the Císařská chodba between massive rock blocks. The long circuit is approximately 3.5 km long and passes through seven viewpoints. The tour takes about 2.5 hours and will test one's fitness due to numerous staircases carved into the rock. Among the most famous viewpoints are Vyhlídka Českého ráje and Schlikova vyhlídka, from which panoramic views of the surrounding landscape open up. From an ecological perspective, the area is valuable for its remnants of relict pine forests on the rocks, but the majority of the forest stands consist of spruce monocultures.

How to get there

Prachovské skály are located approximately 6 km northwest of Jičín. The best way to reach them is by car from Jičín via the village of Holín to the village of Prachov, where two large paid car parks for passenger cars and buses are available at the two entrances to the rocks. The car parks are located directly at the entrances to the sightseeing circuits, which ensures convenient access.

What to discover in the surroundings

The surroundings of Prachovské skály are rich in other attractions of Český ráj. The main starting town is Jičín, where visitors may explore the historic centre, Valdická brána, and the Krkonošské muzeum. The ruins of the rock castle Pařez are located in the vicinity of the rocks. The surrounding hills, such as Brada and Přivýšina, are also worth a visit, as they offer additional viewpoints and are ideal for leisurely hiking. Furthermore, from the Šikmá věž viewpoint, there is a lovely view beyond the rock city itself, from Veliš through Jičín to the Zebín hill.

Koupaliště Sobotka welcomes its visitors on the southern edge of Český ráj in the Královéhradecký kraj. If you are planning a trip to this part of the Jičín district and the summer weather is favourable, please do stop by. There is nothing quite like taking a little break from visiting monuments and wandering through nature. Recreation by the water is beneficial for both body and soul, and it is therefore good to indulge in it from time to time. So, what is it that we are actually inviting you to?

The municipal swimming pool is located within the local campsite grounds, approximately 1 km from the centre. The swimming pool lies in the middle of a sunny plot surrounded by nature. At the same time, it is easily accessible by car, thanks to a nearby road and a car park right at the entrance. A hiking and cycling trail also runs within walking distance. However, you can also arrive by train; the railway station in Sobotka is the starting point for the blue tourist trail. This trail winds around the well-known zámek Humprecht, which creates a beautiful backdrop for the surrounding landscape.

The swimming pool itself consists of a rectangular concrete tank measuring 60 x 30 m. The water depth ranges between 1.2–4 m. The site is known for its very clean water, which, however, tends to be colder. The water has a regulated inflow and outflow; it is a natural swimming pool that is not chemically treated. The banks of the tank are sloped, making them a good place to warm up and relax. The swimming pool does not have any modern water attractions, yet it is a popular destination for many water enthusiasts.

The facilities at the swimming pool consist of grassy sunbathing areas with the possibility of finding shade under the crowns of mature trees. Children will appreciate the space for frolicking on the local playground. It features swings, a trampoline, a sandpit, a slide, playhouses, and other attractions. If you have not brought a snack with you, it does not matter. You can get refreshments at the local bistro, which offers a sufficient selection of food and drinks. Athletes will certainly enjoy using the newly renovated volleyball court with white sand. You can rent a ball there for a fee.

The swimming pool is a great tip for a hot summer day, and you will undoubtedly enjoy plenty of fun there. You can also combine your trip in the Královéhradecký region with a visit to hrad Kost. You can see folk architecture at the Vesnická památkové rezervace Vesec or while walking around Šolcův statek. For nature, we recommend heading to the Prachovské skály; they are guaranteed to captivate you with their beauty.

Český ráj is also a tourist paradise. There are many beautiful attractions and interesting places in a small area. Plan your holiday in the Jičín region and secure accommodation near Koupaliště Sobotka as soon as possible. On our portal, you will find a wide range of various types of accommodation. You can choose from cabins and cottages, through apartments and guesthouses, to private accommodation. Enjoy a wonderful stay just as you imagined it.

In the heart of the picturesque Český ráj landscape, not far from the village of Libošovice in the Jičín district, stands hrad Kost. It is not situated on a high peak, but rather in a valley among forests and ponds. Nevertheless, due to its distinctive silhouette and typical square tower, it is unforgettable. This best-preserved Gothic gem in our country attracts visitors for several reasons, which we will discuss below. Although the castle is privately owned, it is publicly accessible, much like other monuments. Several hiking trails and a cycling route lead to the site, and there is also a bus stop and a car park for visitors arriving by car.

The outdoor spaces around the castle are a great excursion destination in their own right. In the nicely landscaped area below the castle, you will find a tilting yard, where a regular programme featuring knights' tournaments is held during the summer. Nearby is the Kostecký pivovar brewery with a restaurant, where beer is brewed according to an original recipe. Below the dam of the Bílý rybník pond, there are two mills: the Panský mlýn and the Bývalý roubený mlýn.

The history of the castle's founding dates back to the second half of the 14th century. Local guides will captivate you as they transport you back into the castle's past. There are four tour circuits of the interior spaces to choose from. The first circuit will take you into the castle palaces and the armoury. You will also see all the courtyards, the chapel, and the black kitchen. Incidentally, this black kitchen is one of the main highlights for visitors to the castle. The first circuit lasts about an hour and will also introduce you to all the castle's owners and prominent members of the Kinský family. Are you interested in what such a medieval torture chamber looks like? Then choose the second circuit. You will return hundreds of years into the past, where you can view, for example, a functional guillotine or a witch's cage. You will learn everything about the mysteries of Czech capital law. At the same time, you will also pass through all the courtyards, the chapel, and the black kitchen. You will not miss the ground floor of the Velká bílá věž tower, which features a model of the castle and a computer animation of its development.

The second circuit also takes about an hour. The third circuit includes a tour of the entire castle. In it, you will see virtually everything that the first and second circuits include combined, plus the kaple sv. Anny. It is up to your discretion whether to undertake this nearly two-hour circuit with small children, as the commentary is detailed and the route is long. Conversely, the last, fourth tour circuit of the castle is shortened and barrier-free. If you are only at Kost for a short visit, you may choose this tour, which lasts about forty minutes. You will get a glimpse into the ground floor of the Bílá věž tower, the kaple sv. Anny, and the castle courtyard. Whichever circuit you choose, please note that dogs are welcome at this castle. They are allowed in the courtyards, and it is also possible to take them on tours inside. It is only required that the dogs be kept on a leash. You may get refreshments at the U Draka restaurant, which also features an outdoor terrace. Hrad Kost also offers accommodation, the hosting of weddings, and the rental of interior and exterior spaces for various occasions.

A trip to hrad Kost will certainly not disappoint. The entire Český ráj region is rich in beautiful castles, and one sometimes hesitates about which one to visit first. Besides Kost, we can recommend Hrubá Skála, the ruins of hrad Trosky, or hrad Valdštejn. A visit to Český ráj is not a one-day affair. If you wish to enjoy the local rock towns, such as the Prachovské skály, please book accommodation in the vicinity of hrad Kost near Sobotka for at least a long weekend. Our selection of cottages, chalets, guesthouses, and apartments is extensive. Please turn to us for assistance with your selection; we are at your disposal.