Where to go on a trip Svojek

The cradle of Czech skiing

The Ski areál Kozinec is located in the Krkonoše mountains, in the Hrabačov district, just one kilometre from the town of Jilemnice. This smaller yet popular resort sits at an altitude of 450 to 520 metres above sea level and is an ideal choice for beginners, families with children, and recreational skiers. Jilemnice, as the historical centre of Czech skiing, gives this place a specific atmosphere.

The resort offers one main downhill slope with a total length of 490 metres. The slope is classified as blue in difficulty, is beautifully wide, and is suitable for learning first turns as well as improving one’s technique. Transport for skiers is provided by one Tatrapoma FP ski lift with a capacity of 600 persons per hour, which fully meets the resort’s needs. Thanks to artificial lighting, evening skiing is also available. A Snowpark with daily groomed obstacles is prepared for snowboarders. The slopes are regularly equipped with artificial snow and are groomed. Directly from the upper station of the lift, it is possible to join maintained cross-country skiing trails spanning several tens of kilometres, such as the Buď fit circuits or the Na Hraběnce – Střelnice route.

How to get there

The Ski areál Kozinec is located in the Jilemnice – Hrabačov district, near the road towards Harrachov. On the approach route from Jilemnice, one must turn left after the railway tracks. A free car park is available for visitors directly at the lower lift station. The nearest railway station is Jilemnice, located approximately 1.5 km away, from where it is possible to continue on foot or via local transport.

What you can discover in the surroundings

Jilemnice and its surroundings in the western Krkonoše offer rich opportunities for year-round tourism. Directly in the town of Jilemnice, one can find the Krkonošské muzeum located in the historical chateau, where, among other things, the unique Metelkův mechanický betlém is on display. Another tourist attraction is the collection of folk architecture known as Zvědavá ulička. In the vicinity of the resort, there is a great opportunity to set out on a hike to the Žalý peak, where the rozhledna Žalý stands, offering panoramic views of the Krkonoše. A few kilometres from Jilemnice lies the Zámek Horní Branná, associated with the stay of Jan Amos Komenský. For skiing in the wider area, it is possible to visit larger ski resorts such as the Ski areál Benecko or the Ski areál Herlíkovice.

In the Semily District, south of Lomnice nad Popelkou, stands Allainova věž. It served as a hunting seat for the lords of the Rohan family and is now used as a lookout tower. From its gallery, there are beautiful views of the local hills and the town of Jičín. The tower was dedicated to the tragically deceased young Prince Allain.

The lookout tower was built in the neo-Gothic style within the local Rohan game preserve. This was brought about by Kamil Josef Rohan, who commissioned the architect Josef Pruvot to draw up a plan for the opulent hunting seat. Costs climbed to 1,714 florins, and construction was completed in 1862. It has an octagonal floor plan covering an area of more than 30 m². The tower is single-storeyed, made of stone, 10.5 m high, and stands at an altitude of 540 m above sea level. Various inscriptions are placed here, one of which is connected to the tragic event involving the nephew of Kamil Josef Rohan, Prince Allain. He fell from a horse during a hunt and died (he was 28 years old). Kamil Josef Rohan suffered from remorse because when Allain's father (the brother of Kamil Josef Rohan) was dying, he promised to look after the young prince. However, he failed to fulfil this. Therefore, he dedicated the tower to the memory of his nephew. In 1945, based on the Beneš decrees, the property was confiscated from the Rohans, the tower was used as animal feed storage, and subsequently, it was completely abandoned. It suffered from vandalism and general decay. In 2013, when it almost became a ruin, it came into the ownership of Lomnice nad Popelkou. The town began its extensive reconstruction, and the surroundings of the lookout tower were also landscaped. Information boards, benches, and bicycle racks were installed.

The lookout tower can be found along the path leading from the Kyje u Jičína railway station, which has yellow tourist markings, and from the crossroads along the blue markings (1.5 km). The route is also cyclable. Near the viewpoint, visitors can admire a memorial oak tree and refresh themselves at the local spring.

Near Lomnice nad Popelkou, many interesting places to visit can be found. Hrad Trosky, the Válečné muzeum Újezd pod Troskami, or the Lyžařský areál Lomnice nad Popelkou should not be missed. For a stay, accommodation is offered in the vicinity of Allainova věž with direct reservation with the owner. The Semilsko region provides wonderful accommodation not only in cottages and chalets, guesthouses, and hotels.

Even in the Liberecký kraj region, specifically in the Semily district, interesting caves can be found. Less than a kilometre from the village of Bozkov are the Bozkovské dolomitové jeskyně, which represent the most extensive cave area in North-Eastern Bohemia. The caves are formed of calcareous dolomite and have been designated a national natural monument since 1999. To date, just over 1,000 metres have been explored, making them the longest dolomite caves in the country.

The Bozkovské dolomitové jeskyně were formed gradually due to the corrosive activity of underground water. Currently, two separate systems of corridors and halls exist, which were connected by an extensive gallery and excavations at the time the entire system was made accessible to the public. In the lowest parts, the caves remain flooded with water, thus forming the most extensive underground lakes in the Czech Republic.

Visitors who choose to tour the Bozkovské dolomitové jeskyně are welcome to bring children along. The tour is not physically demanding and takes approximately 45 minutes. Visitors may leave their cars in the car park, located a few minutes from the caves. Those arriving by bicycle may use the designated area with bike racks. Refreshments, an information office, and toilets are also available.

The tour begins in the entrance corridor, where, after a few metres, one arrives at a section with a high ceiling called Kaple. A point of interest in these areas is the Zkamenělý orel, which forms part of the sinter decoration on the walls. From here, the route continues to Půlnoční jeskyně. It earned its name due to the blue lighting from ultraviolet lights. The Půlnoční jeskyně is freely connected to the Za prahem cave. In these areas, the natural decoration was damaged by the collapse of rock blocks.

Slowly moving forward along the path around Mechová zahrádka, one arrives at Křižovatka. Here, the tour of the Nové jeskyně circuit begins. Via the Souběžná and Pirátská corridors, one reaches the thematically lit Peklo cave. This is likely to be particularly enjoyed by children. After all, the mysterious underground and the mention of hell will certainly capture their interest and imagination.

Once visitors manage to get out of Peklo, two small Labutí jezírka can be seen to the side. Subsequently, passing the inaccessible areas known as Betlém, one reaches the Loupežnická cave. Then, one simply walks through the Blátivá corridor past the rock niche known as Chlebová pec, and one is back at Křižovatka, at the end of the Nové jeskyně circuit.

From here, a gentle ascent through an artificial tunnel leads to the opening through which the first explorers entered. This is the first level, the so-called Staré Bozkovské jeskyně. Right at the beginning of this circuit, the Prušácká přilba is sure to catch the eye. It is a large sinter block, including a part of a "curtain", which was formed by the gradual shifting of rock.

Subsequently, following the route of the explorers, one passes the Bludiště to reach the Překvapení cave. Visitors are sure to enjoy this area. The magnificent stalactite decoration and the number of stalactites, which form the Bozkovské varhany on the front wall, are complemented by the stalagmites Palec and Ukazovák. To see the large stalactite called Raketa, one must move on to the Listopadová cave. Subsequently, passing Sloní uši, Rokokové panenky, and Perníková chaloupka, one arrives at the starting point of the Staré jeskyně circuit.

And here, the highlight of the tour awaits, the largest underground lake in Bohemia, which is also the lowest point of the Bozkovské dolomitové jeskyně. To these superlatives, the largest space discovered so far can be added the Jezerní dóm, behind which the Mládežnický dóm is located, representing the final section of the entire tour route.

The Bozkovské dolomitové jeskyně will certainly be an interesting experience. It is highly recommended to include them in holiday plans. Just imagine: a beautiful cottage or other accommodation near the Bozkovské dolomitové jeskyně, together with a great group of friends or family, sounds like a wonderfully spent time. Furthermore, the attractions in the Semily region are diverse and numerous, so there will certainly be plenty to choose from. It is entirely up to the visitor where to begin.

A unique Renaissance bell tower in the Pardubice Region featuring rare bells mounted upside down, now a significant technical monument.

The bell tower with inverted bells, situated in the municipality of Hrochův Týnec in the Pardubice Region, is neither a castle nor a chateau, but a unique 16th-century Renaissance bell tower that serves as a significant technical and architectural monument. The bell tower is a world rarity, as its bells are fixed and mounted upside down; it is not the bells that move, but the entire structure. This system is known as a rotating bell and provides a specific method of ringing. The bell tower is part of the premises of the Kostel svatého Michala Archanděla and represents a rare example of Renaissance timber architecture in the region.

Access

The bell tower is located in the municipality of Hrochův Týnec, at the address Hrochův Týnec 1. By car, it is accessible from the I/17 or II/358 roads. Parking is available at a free car park near the village. The nearest bus stop is Hrochův Týnec, náměstí, which is within walking distance. The Hrochův Týnec railway station (line 016) is approximately 500 metres away. The bell tower is open seasonally with guided tours.

What to see nearby

In the vicinity of Hrochův Týnec, visitors may visit the historic town of Chrudim with the Chrudimské muzeum and the Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie. Visitors may also wish to see Zámek Slatiňany, an extensive chateau featuring a hippological museum and a vast park. Another point of interest is the Rozhledna Bára near the town of Chrudim, which offers views of the Železné hory and the surrounding area.

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.

The symbol of Český ráj is the ruin of Hrad Trosky. It is situated on the hill of Trosky near the village of Troskovice in the Semily district and falls under the Liberecký kraj region. The late medieval castle was considered impregnable in its time and stands on a unique volcanic rock formation. Visitors are invited to discover one of the most sought-after castles in the Czech Republic.

From a distance, the structure of the ruin resembles horns set into the ground. The Gothic castle was built on a pair of steep basalt rocks of volcanic origin, which ensured its complete security. An inner castle with living quarters was established between the two peaks, and defensive (as well as residential) towers were built on the two crags. The lower one, with a more substantial appearance, is named Baba and was a hexagonal, two-storey structure. A rectangular, three-storey building was erected on the higher peak; it once housed a chapel, and the tower is named Panna. It is also the highest point of the castle, reaching 514 metres above sea level. There was a well in the first courtyard, and rainwater reservoirs were carved into the rock on the Panna tower. It is assumed that there are cellars and cave spaces with small lakes under the castle, likely belonging to the Sklepy cave system (part of the Apolena rock city).

The first written references to the castle appear from 1396, although archaeologists believe the castle was founded much earlier. It is assumed that the founder was Čeněk z Vartenberka. Subsequently, the castle passed to various owners; during the Thirty Years' War, it was used as a fortress and was captured by the Swedes in 1639. Armies alternated here, and after the last garrison left, the structure began to deteriorate and became a ruin. From 1925, it was owned by the then Czechoslovak Republic. Around that year, the Klub českých turistů began to repair the ruin, and work continued intermittently for several years. Expert repairs have been carried out by the Státní památkový ústav over the last few years.

Tours of the castle are conducted without a guide or specific tour circuits, meaning visitors have free access around the premises. Those arriving by car may park below the castle in the car park and then continue on foot for approximately 250 metres. When travelling by train, visitors may disembark in the village of Borek pod Troskami and follow the blue tourist trail. Alternatively, they may disembark in the village of Ktová and follow the green trail. Both routes are approximately 3.5 kilometres long. Cyclists may utilise cycle paths leading to the castle gate, where lockable racks are available.

The Liberecký kraj region offers many other interesting attractions. Visitors are encouraged not to miss a visit to the Přírodní památka Borecké skály, the Válečné muzeum Újezd pod Troskami, or the largest natural area in the Czech Republic, Šťastná země in Turnov. We invite visitors to view our wide range of accommodation near Hrad Trosky and explore the Liberecký kraj region. Cottages, guesthouses, hotels, and apartments are available.

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.

Former hydrotherapy spa and gateway to the heart of the České ráj

Lázně Sedmihorky is a historically significant locality and a contemporary recreational centre, situated in the immediate vicinity of the Hruboskalsko rock town, not far from Turnov. In the 19th century, the premises were established by the physician Antonín Šlechta as the first hydrotherapy institute in Bohemia and hosted famous figures such as Jan Neruda. Although it no longer serves as a classic medical facility today, it has retained its tranquil atmosphere and serves as a sought-after base for hiking and family recreation in the heart of nature.

What do Lázně Sedmihorky offer?

Visitors will find here, above all, an ideal starting point for hiking and cycling trips into the rocks of the Český ráj. Located directly within the grounds is a popular autokemp with accommodation in cabins, and for families with children, a popular Dětská lesní naučná stezka (Children's Forest Educational Trail) is prepared with fun tasks. History lovers can admire the preserved architecture of the original spa houses, a bust of the spa's founder, or freely accessible forest springs in the near vicinity, such as the pramen Antonín.

For whom are Lázně Sedmihorky intended?

The site is currently intended primarily for active tourists, rock climbers, and families with children who are looking for accommodation in nature with good facilities. It is also a destination for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of history and soak up the atmosphere of the "air spa" that once shaped Czech national culture.

How to get here and what can you discover in the surroundings?

The location is easily accessible by train; the Karlovice-Sedmihorky stop lies just a short distance from the area. Motorists may use the paid central car park at the entrance to the spa zone (approach from the I/35 road towards Turnov – Jičín). From this point, tourist signs lead directly to the rock town, to the Hrubá Skála chateau, to Valdštejn castle, or to the Kapelník and U Lvíčka viewpoints.

Visit Lázně Sedmihorky and enjoy active relaxation in places where the healing power of water combines with the majesty of sandstone rocks.

Family-oriented ski area between the Krkonoše and Jizerské hory mountains

The ski resort is located in the village of Paseky nad Jizerou, on the border between the western Krkonoše and the Jizerské hory mountains. It is a family-oriented winter resort that offers skiers blue and red slopes, children's parks, and other supplementary services suitable for various skill levels.

The total length of the downhill runs reaches about 9.6 km, part of which is equipped with artificial snowmaking. Transport for visitors is provided by two quad chairlifts and several ski lifts, including those for children, complemented by conveyor belts in the children's park. Among the slopes, one can find a combination of wide blue and more challenging red sections, functional lighting on some trails, and facilities in the form of rental shops, service centres, ski schools, refreshment options, and areas for a snowpark or snowtubing.

How to get there

The Skiareál Paseky is accessible by car via the village of Paseky nad Jizerou, from Rokytnice nad Jizerou, or other nearby centres. Parking is available at the lower chairlift stations and in the vicinity of the resort. Public transport is possible by bus to Paseky nad Jizerou from Rokytnice nad Jizerou or other nearby locations, from where one can reach the resort on foot or via local transport services during the winter season.

What you can discover in the surroundings

Cross-country skiing trails leading, for example, around Bílá Skála and towards the rozhledna Štěpánka begin from the upper chairlift stations. These circuits connect to the Krkonošská lyžařská cesta and the Jizerskohorská magistrála. In the vicinity, one can also visit the towns of Rokytnice nad Jizerou or Harrachov, known for their mountain attractions, cultural monuments, or starting points for hiking trails marked by the KČT, such as the red or blue trails connecting mountain peaks and saddles.

The resort offers balanced conditions for winter sports with adequate facilities and opportunities for both families and more demanding skiers.