Cesky Raj, Czech Republic - hotels, tours, history, sights, transportation

Cesky Raj (Czech Paradise)

District: Liberecky kraj
Geographical location: Northern Bohemia, 100km far from Prague

Transportation, Enquiry office

Transportation: Cesky Raj - Praha: by car 1.5 hours
Enguiry office:
Mestske informacní stredisko Turnov,
nam. Ceskeho raje 26, 511 01 Turnov
Telephone: 481366255, 481366256
Fax: 481366256

Location

Cesky Raj is a protected area comprising sand stone rock towns between Turnov, Jicin and Mnichovo Hradiste. This area is one of the most popular tourist areas in the Czech Republic. The name "Cesky Raj" (Czech Paradise) was first used in the 19th century by guests of Sedmihorky spas. Cesky Raj was declared a protected area in 1955. Breathtaking rock scenery can be found there - towers, poles, chimneys, deep and narrow tunnels, caves, the Jizera River, deep forests, ponds, protected and endangered species, castles, or museum.

Towns, Rock Towns, Sights

Turnov is considered the tourist centre and the starting point for trips of the whole area. The history of Turnov is tied with important noble families who built their residences in the surrounding area, e.g. Valdstejn Castle or Hruby Rohozec Castle. Turnov was also famous for gem workmanship.

Other important towns and interesting villages in the area are Jicin, Mnichovo Hradiste, Semily, Zelezny Brod, villages Kopidlno, Lomnice nad Popelkou, Osek, Rovensko pod Troskami or Velis.

Cesky Raj is very popular amongst climbers and tourist. One of the most famous rock towns is "Hruboskalsko" where over 400 rock towers can be found. Hruboskalsko consists of five areas: Draci Skaly (Dragon Rocks), Zamecka Rokle (Chateau Gulch), Kapelnik (Bandmaster) and Udolicka (Little Valleys). Other beautiful parts are e.g. Prachovske Skaly, Borecke Skaly, or Bozkovske Dolomitove Jeskyne (Bozkov Dolomite Caves).

The present time and specialities of Cesky Raj

Cesky Raj is an area suitable for active holiday. You can visit many castles and chateaus, untouched countryside, paths for walks or cycling, rock walls for climbin and also lots of museums (in Turnov, Jicin, Semily, Zelezny Brod, Lomnice nad Popelkou) and galleries (Jicin, Turnov, Semily).