Where to go on a trip Tupadly (okres Mělník)

Artificial cave with sandstone sculptures and a romantic relief

Jeskyně Klácelka is a unique complex of artificial caves and sandstone sculptures located in the forested valley of the Liběchovka stream, not far from the village of Liběchov in the Mělník district of the Středočeský kraj. The cave was created in the nineteenth century in the spirit of Romanticism and the National Revival, and it is adorned with unique sandstone sculptures of animal figures that symbolise human characters. It also includes the devilish head of Čertovy hlavy and a spacious cave with benches.

Access

There is no direct road for cars leading to the cave; access is possible only on foot. It is recommended to park at the free car park with limited capacity, which is located on the edge of the village of Liběchov near zámek Liběchov (accessible from road number 9). From there, it is a moderately demanding ascent along a forest path approximately one and a half kilometres long, following the red tourist marker, which leads uphill. The nearest railway station, Liběchov, is less than two kilometres away.

What is worth exploring

Nearby is the extensive CHKO Kokořínsko – Mělnicko with the iconic Hrad Kokořín and Máchovo jezero. Less than twenty kilometres to the south lies the historic town of Mělník with the dominant Mělnický zámek and the confluence of the Labe and Vltava rivers. It is also worth visiting the rock castle Skalní hrad Klemperka and the Muzeum Karla Hynka Máchy in Doksy.

The mysterious Hrad Houska can be found in the eastern part of the Kokořínsko region, in the cadastral area of Houska, which falls under the municipality of Blatce. Thanks to its quick accessibility from Prague (less than 50 kilometres), this castle enjoys high visitor numbers for one-day trips, yet it is also a popular tourist destination during longer stays in Severozápadní Čechy. Currently, Hrad Houska is protected as a cultural monument of the Česká republika and is one of the best-preserved castles.

On the site of the present-day castle, there originally stood a fortified settlement. It was commissioned by Slavibor of the Pšovan family for his son, Houska. The contemporary Hrad Houska was built during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II sometime in the first half of the 13th century, concurrently with the nearby hrad Bezděz. It served as an important royal castle, but it subsequently passed into the possession of the nobility, a state that lasted until 1924. Following this, the castle came under the administration of Václav II, and was later owned by the lords of Dubá, the Hrzán family of Harasov, the Valdštejn family, the Kounic family, and many others.

During the succession of owners, Hrad Houska underwent several structural modifications. From an originally impregnable Gothic castle, it gradually passed through all styles, including late Romanesque. The current appearance of Houska could be characterised as a Renaissance château with elements of a Gothic castle.

In 1924, the castle was purchased by the president of the Škoda works, Mr Josef Šimonek. He carried out the necessary modifications at Hrad Houska and used it as a representative family residence until 1939. Due to its location in the Sudety region, it was used by the German army until the end of the Second World War. Since 1950, the archive of the Státní knihovna in the Klementinum has been housed at Hrad Houska. At the beginning of the 1990s, the castle was returned to the original owners through restitution – Ing. Jaromír Šimonek and MUDr. Blanka Horová.

It was precisely during this period (1999) that Hrad Houska was opened to the public. It became a venue for various cultural and social events, such as fairs, where visitors may encounter swordsmen and dancers or try their hand at various period crafts. Performances by singers and musicians will delight the ears, and a wealth of interesting information can be learned by visiting one of the permanent or seasonal exhibitions.

Hrad Houska may be visited from April to October. During the tour, a guide will lead visitors through typical sets of Gothic three-part apartments, spiral staircases, and a gallery in the courtyard. Probably the most valuable part is the closed rectangular chapel with preserved wall paintings from the first half of the 14th century, as well as the so-called Zelená komnata, which also contains original paintings from 1520. Also very interesting are the hunting salon with fallow deer trophies, the knights' hall, and the dining room with a ballroom, all of which have undergone extensive restoration.

Visitors should certainly not miss the separate tour circuit Dantovo peklo. It is located in the premises of the former carriage house and consists of a sound-enhanced and hand-carved depiction of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Karel Hynek Mácha also placed his novel Cikáni at Houska after he happened upon the site with his friend Eduard Hindl during his journey to hrad Kokořín.

The surroundings of Houska are not particularly opulent, though a smaller ornamental garden can be found here. It was founded around 1590, when Tobiáš z Harasova resided here. Currently, several woody plants grow here, among them interesting Caucasian firs, pines, and a number of cypresses. In any case, it makes for a pleasant trip, which can be combined with visits to other attractive places in the Kokořínsko region.

These may be castles, châteaux, or natural attractions, but also visits to various towns or picturesque villages. For example, Doksy offers a great deal. Among other things, visitors will find the Muzeum Karla Hynka Máchy, the Muzeum Čtyřlístku popular with children, and last but not least, Mácháč, also known as Máchovo jezero. Here, both young and old can enjoy themselves on the water and on land, in winter and in summer.

The entire Kokořínsko and Máchův kraj regions are popular tourist destinations. A number of high-quality accommodation facilities can be found here as well. We are happy to assist with their selection. Are you looking for accommodation near Hrad Houska? There is nothing simpler than choosing whether cottages and chalets, apartments, or private accommodation suit you best. Or do you prefer hotels and guesthouses? Do not worry, campsites are also available for less demanding travellers. The choice is entirely up to you.

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!