KOKOŘÍNSKO

The Kokorinsko region belongs to the most beautiful places in Bohemia. The landscape is rugged with numerous canyon-like valleys carved in mighty sandstone sediments of the Chalk era. Geological processes gave rise to many bizzare rock formations - overhangs, pillars and cliffs, rock windows, gates, and also the famous "lids". Thanks to rough terrain, this area remained relatively unspoiled, and dense forests still cover most of its part. Also the human settlements, which were always scarce in this harsh country, preserved much of their 19th-century look. Old wooden houses nicely fitted into the landscape today serve mainly for recreaction and tourism. Thanks to its unique natural and cultural heritage, the area of Kokorin has been proclaimed Natural Reserve.

Here you can find a map showing interesting places in the vicinity of the competition area. Just click the names on the map to find out more!

KOKOŘÍN (Castle)

The castle was built up on a sandstone rock in the first half of 14th century by Hynek Berka of Dubá. During the next centuries the castle changed owner several times and it was desolate since 17th century. Many legends about robbers are related to it. In 19th century the castle was painted as a romantic ruin. The castle was considerably reconstructed during the years 1911-1918 by J.Špacek who was its last private owner and in this condition you can see it nowadays. The building has an elongated ground plan. There are paintings of signs of aristocratic kin along the stairs leading up to the tower. You can see examples of former weapons, period furniture and pottery in the palace. There is a wonderful view from the bulwark. The castle well is partly filled and a lot of legends are related to it.

You can reach the castle by the blue tourist sign which leads from The Kokořín valley. Open from April to October, daily, except Monday, 9a.m.-4p.m.

KOKOŘÍN VALLEY

It is a _blank valley of Kokořínsko. It leads from Lhotka u Mělníka to the crossroad in a village called Ráj. The valley is 14km long. It is a nature reserve with numerous natural attractions.

POKLIČKY (THE LIDS)

The most popular formation of natural selective disintegration of sandstone in the area. Their arise is given by the occurrence of ferrous compounds which make nearly 1m impressive lids covering an irregular cones of sandstone of less quality. The most famous lids are above Kokořín valley where a gorge called Mocidla starts. Many similar (if not even better!) formations of this kind are hidden in the forests of Kokorinsko. Climbing on these formation is strictly prohibited!

MOČIDLA and BOUDECKÁ ROKLE

Two parallel valleys leading to Kokořín valley from Mšeno and the near villages called Sedlec and Romanov respectively. There are many rock pillars used for climbing (The Giant Head, The Frog, Tutanchamon, The Elephant,...) on the ridge above the valleys.

HOUSKA (Castle)

One of the oldest Czech castles, built in the second half of the 13th century. The reason why a castle was built here, far from merchant routes and populated areas is unclear. Legends say the Gate of the Hell is there! Ideed, the castles defences were turned against inside enemy... Fortunatelly, the gate its kept sealed by castel's chapel. In the year 1924 Houska was bought by Josef Simonek, the president of Skoda factories and in 1928 the castle was considerably rebuild. After the communist era the desolated castle was returned to the Simonek family, who reconstructed it and made it open for public in 1998. If you like mystery, this is a must!

NOVÝ BERŠTEJN

Nový Berštejn chateau, situated north of Dubá, is surrounded by an immense park. Built in the half of 16th century in Renaissance style the chateau was rebuilt in baroque and in this form you can find it nowadays.

STARÝ BERŠTEJN

On the way between Dubá and Doksy you won’t miss a characteristic dominant - a hill with the ruin of Starý Berštejn castle founded in the very beginning of 15th century. The castle was abandoned in the 16th century as the owner moved to the new chateau - Nový Berštejn just a few kilometres away. Unfortunately, the castle is not opened to the public

JESTŘEBÍ

Near the crossing of the two major routes No.9, 38 (direction Prague, Mladá Boleslav, Česká Lípa) there is one of the north - bohemian rock castles - Jestřebí. Built on the sandstone rock mounting from the surrounding plain the castle has become a dominant of the area. The castle was founded at the end of the 13th century, nowadays you find only ruins. The view from the castle is fine, access is free.

S U R R O U N D I N G S

DOKSY

The town and the holiday resort established in 13th century (later called Hirschberg by its German inhabitants). There is a Renaissance castle from 16th century. The castle was rebuilt in the Baroque style and broadened in 17th century. Another monument is the baroque church of St. Bartolomej. The historic center of town is well preserved and you can see the rests of the old woody town. There is a monument of a great Czech romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha.

MÁCHA'S LAKE

A very popular lake for summer holiday. The area of the lake is 278ha. The lake was established by Charles IV. in 1366. K.H.Mácha, great Czech poet, often wrote about this lake in his poems. There is a small island called Myšlín where the rests of a ruin from 14th century are. Myšlín and Kachní (Duck's) island are historic monuments and the entrance on them is forbidden. There are spacious beaches around the lake with a complete equipment at your service.

BEZDĚZ

One of the most famous castles in the Czech republic was built on the 604m high hill between 1264-78. The most precious part of the castle is the gothic chapel. There are two massive towers. The Big tower is over 30m high and The Devil's tower is over 20m high with 3-5m thick walls. The castle was established by Premysl Otakar II. His young son Václav II. and his mother queen Kunhuta were imprisoned there by Ota Braniborský. In 1300 the king gave Bezdez as a pawn to the family of Berka from Dube as thanks for their help in the war against Poland. Bezdez was in hold of this family until the year 1348. In 1348 Karel IV. bought out this family and Bezdez was again in the possession of king. At the end of many business transactions when the owners changed very quickly Bezdez became a property of Albrecht of Vallenstein. In this time Bezdez was really devastated. Before the year 1628 the reconstruction started. The efforts to transform the castle to monastery date to this time. The definitive transformation to the monastery happened after the end of the thirty year war, in 1662. In 1666 the copy of monserrat´s Madonna was transferred to Bezdez and the castle became a pilgrim place. During the reign of Joseph II. the monastery was abolished ( 1785 Until the half of the 19th century Bezdez changed into a ruin.

Practical information: Open May-September 9-17h, April-October 9-16h only on Saturdays and Sundays, closed on Mondays. Duration of excursion: 50 min. Admission(1997): adult 30Kč, children, pensioners 15Kč.

MLADÁ BOLESLAV

The district town (50 000 habitants) famous for the concern Skoda - Volkswagen producing cars. The town was founded in the 10th century on the place where you find gothic-Renaissance castle nowadays. The castle is inaccessible for the public.

ZVIŘETICE, (ruin)

Interesting ruin of Zvířetice castle is situated near Bakov nad Jizerou on the hill above the Jizera river. The castle was founded in the beginning of the 14th century. Being well protected against enemies due to its position the castle was not captured by the Hussites in the 15th century as the majority of Czech castles was. Zvířetice burnt out two times - and after the second one it was not reconstructed and it has become a ruin.

Nowadays the castle is under the service of Czech tourist club, free access, the big castle tower was modified to the look-out tower.

MICHALOVICE

The ruin of a gothic castle Michalovice is famous for the leaned tower. This caused searchers of treasure in 19th century. Today the tower is safe and it is possible to climb it up. The access is not free - you have to take the key in the village Michalovice (house No.42 - signed). Michalovice castle is situated near Mladá Boleslav on the road No.38.

MĚLNÍK

The district town Melnik lies in the middle of the Labe lowlands at the confluence of the rivers Labe and Vltava. The princess Ludmila began with wine-growing in Melnik and later the Roman emperor and Czech king Charles IV. continued in this activity. He brought here the wine from Burgundland. Now the wine-growing is a big tradition in Melnik and every autumn a big wine - celebration takes place here.

Originally a Romanesque castle was erected during the 10th century. It was built on the site of a Slavonic stronghold and was the seat of the Czech princesses and queens (it was also a residence of St. Ludmila, grandmother of St. Wenceslas-a patron of Czech Lands). After a reconstruction in the Late-Gotic style it was, after 1542, rebuilt as a Renaissance chateau and, in the 17th century, it received its Baroque appearance. The ownership changed really quickly but in 1753 the Lobkowiczes gained control of the chateau and they regained it in 1992 in the restitution. It has been returned to its last owner Otakar Lobkowicz, today his son George and his wife Bettina look after the castle.

Today the exposition includes the furniture, equipment, works of art owned by the Melnik branch of the Lobkowiczes and valuable collection of paintings. In the first floor of the south part of the castle there is the district museum with the exhibition of grapewine cultivating and baby-carriages and carts. The chateau offers refreshment in the restaurant or wine-bar, and a sampling of wine in the chateau cellars.

When you finish your sightseeing program at the castle and the church you can take a rest at the view point. In front of you there will be an amazing sight into the country. Straight below the vineyard you would see the confluence of two rivers-Elbe and Vltava. Facing the majestic hill Rip you will feel the touch of the past. If the weather is good you might see Czech mountain Milesovka.

Practical information: Telephone number: 0206-622121, 622127, Open: All the year daily 10-17. Guided tour 40 minutes, maximum 40 person. Admission: 60 (adult) and 50 (child) CZK, Wine cellars: 20 or with degustatin 80 and 120 CZK

ZÁKUPY

The first mention of the village comes from the year 1352. Its founders were the lords of Smojno, later it was obtained by Vartenberks and in the beginning of the 16th century the manor was bought by Berkas of Duba. In 1541 started the construction of the new residence – renaissance chateau in Zakupy. In 1805, the ownership of the manor passed to the toscanian branch of the Habsburgers. The chateau became a residence of Napoleon's son Francis Josef Charles - Orlik (=Little Eagle=Le petit Aigle) but he died in 1832 and Zakupy became a private property of the emperor in 1846. When Ferdinand V. gave up the throne in 1848, he chose Zakupy as one of his summer residences. A new modifcation of the interiors was made, especially on the ground floor, the second floor and in the chapel. To the group of artists arranging the residence among others the architect Jan Belsky, the sculptor Vaclav Levy and the painter Josef Navratil belonged.

Open: April and October, Sat Sun 9-16h, other time only according to reservations, May to September 9-17h every day except Monday and the day after the state holiday. Excursion: 50 min. Admission: Adults CZK 20; children CZK 10. The text of the tour in English, German, French and Dutch is available for an extra charge of 100%

RALSKO

The former volcano Ralsko (696 metres above the sea level) is the highest hill of “Podještědí“ area. The top of the hill was inaccessible for 40 years because of closeness of a military area. On the hill there is a ruin of a medieval castle. From the top there is a marvellous view of the north and central Bohemia including Houska castle (Prague Easter area), Ještěd (1012m - mountain with the greatest view in the republic) or border mountains. In good climatic condition you can see Sněžka mountain (1602m)- the highest one in the C.R. It is possible to reach Ralsko from Noviny pod Ralskem or Vranov following the red tourist marking.