Things to do at the weekend in Bohemian Switzerland

You’ve got two days off in Bohemian Switzerland and are wondering how to make the most of them? Why not venture somewhere other than Pravčice or the gorges for a change? Let’s head to the very edge of the country’s youngest national park and discover places you may not have heard of before.

The Šluknov Region

The Šluknov region is the northernmost edge of our little country, and perhaps that is precisely why it still remains somewhat on the fringes of tourists’ interest. For you, this is good news, because you won’t encounter crowds here; instead, you’ll come across exceptional places and experiences.
Amidst the pragmatic modern development, stately First Republic villas, ecclesiastical monuments and the architecturally unique half-timbered houses typical of Bohemian Switzerland stand out, all framed by mixed forests and wild meadows that are now a rarity elsewhere.
Whilst in Šluknov itself, be sure to visit Šluknov Castle. This ‘pearl of the Saxon Renaissance’, as it is also known, offers a First Republic-themed guided tour that lasts a comfortably ‘manageable’ 45 minutes – and they’ll take you on it even if there are just the two of you (how about a romantic afternoon in the rain?!). For those who want to take the romance to the next level, it’s worth knowing that Šluknov Castle also specialises in organising weddings. They’ll arrange a bespoke ceremony for you, complete with everything you could need.
And if you’ve long since started a family and have all that behind you, rest assured that a visit with children will be made easier by an interactive printed guide featuring tasks and quiz questions.
The castle grounds often come alive with cultural events for the general public. Classical music concerts, travel lectures, exhibitions and regular festivals are held here – the castle festival at the end of June and the beer festival at the end of August. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, simply keep an eye on their calendar of cultural events.

Rumburk

From Šluknov, make your way straight to neighbouring Rumburk. This town hides unexpected treasures. Take, for example, the world’s northernmost Loreto, or Santa Casa – in Czech, the ‘Holy Hut’ – a Baroque replica of the Virgin Mary’s dwelling in Nazareth, where the Archangel Gabriel is said to have announced the birth of Jesus, an event known in Latin as the Annuntiatio, the name given to this significant Christian event.
For you, there’s only one ‘annuntiatio’: once you’ve had your fill of sacred architecture, head to the Bohemian Coffee House in Rumburk for the best coffee not just in the region, but far and wide. They roast it themselves here and will even tell you exactly where it comes from. Along with your coffee, you’ll be served homemade pancakes and plenty of other treats. Refreshed by coffee and cake, head off to explore the aforementioned half-timbered houses. There’s even a whole street of them in Rumburk! And if you get peckish, pop into the Pizzeria and Steakhouse restaurant at Hotel Lužan on Rumburk’s main square. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how well you’ll eat here.
And if you’ve got young children with you, pop down to the Dinoherna on the ground floor of the hotel.
For a quintessential ‘výběžek’ experience, you must head to Dymník, a hill with a viewing tower, rising just a short distance beyond Rumburk. Pastures fringed by rustling birch groves, beech trees reaching up to the sky, and light as clear as a glass just before wine is poured into it… perhaps at the bar of the restaurant at the Dymník Resort, where you can stay in the comfort of a hotel room or in a tent or your own caravan on the meadow and watch the morning mist over the unique football golf course. If your journey continues, stop off on the way back for a meal at the stylish Sportlife Centre restaurant.

Krásná Lípa region

ust a stone’s throw away, the attractions of the Bohemian Switzerland tourist centre await you. The little town of Krásná Lípa is quite literally the home of Bohemian Switzerland. On the local square, apart from the information centre with its unique regional souvenirs, you mustn’t miss (and, above all, mustn’t fail to pop in for a drink) the artisan Falkenštejn Brewery, a legendary spot where they not only brew good beer but also serve food; they love cyclists here and will put you up in one of their 11 rooms, which you’ll have no trouble stumbling back to in the evening, even with a full stomach and a clear head. You can also rest your head and enjoy a superb meal at the Lípa Resort, which is also situated on Křinické Square. Under one roof, they offer accommodation to suit every traveller – in an aparthotel, a guesthouse and a hostel. To satisfy your sweet tooth, pop into Kavárna U Frinda.
You can set off on a trip in any direction. One of the most reliable and definitely recommended options is the Kögler Nature Trail, which takes you through 23 kilometres of stunning countryside. You can also head to the beautiful Kyjov Valley, which offers impressive rocky viewpoints.

Česká Kamenice

If you manage to escape the vicious circle of the tourist-packed Krásná Lipa region, do head over to Česká Kamenice. In recent years, the town has been flourishing under the leadership of the younger generation, with music festivals and town fairs being held here, and new businesses and initiatives springing up. A classic attraction in Česká Kamenice is Mlýnky-Brand, a miniature village carved from wood with interactive water features. From there, you can set off on the five-kilometre Brand circular walk past the Tell-Platte, Ponorka and Jehla rock viewpoints, returning to Česká Kamenice to round off your summer’s day, perhaps, at the local pool with a draught Falkenštejn beer, pizza and ice cream.
More adventurous day-trippers can hire scooters from the Active Point branch in Česká Kamenice, take the train to Kamenický Šenov and ride down the hill from the fairy-tale Panská skála back down to Česká Kamenice.
Those interested in religious monuments should visit the Pilgrimage Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, whilst those wishing to see the castle ruins – featuring a unique observation tower set right amongst the rubble – should head to the nearby basalt hill of Zámecký vrch. You can now cycle all the way round it, as a new section of cycle path has opened here.
You can round off the day at the Kotouč Brewery near the railway station, or pop over the hill to Chřibská and stay in the picturesque surroundings of the Na Stodolci guesthouse.
For an overnight stay, you could also try the Kamzík Guesthouse at the foot of Studený Hill – that way, you’ll be even closer to a trip up Studenec in the morning.

Děčín

Děčín is brilliant and is the heart of the north. So it is written. At least on all materials related to tourism and leisure in the Děčín region :). For that reason alone, we recommend you pop over to the greenest czech city of kayakers, climbers and vegans. It doesn’t matter at all if you’re none of the above. As well as the heavenly vegan bistro U Tyršova mostu, many other places have sprung up here over the last few years where you can enjoy a good coffee, a dessert or lunch. These include, for example, Coffee & Books, the wellness Hotel Kocanda and the Forbes-acclaimed establishment Kytky pod Komínem.
You can stay at one of the local hotels, such as the aforementioned Kocanda, but don’t hesitate to venture out of town either. An oasis of tranquillity amidst forests and rocks, free from mobile phone signal but offering luxury and comfort, awaits you at Hotel Ostrov, from where you can set off first thing in the morning to explore the most beautiful destinations, such as Děčínský Sněžník or Tiské stěny.
But there’s plenty to do right in the town of Děčín too. Active Point Do also pop along to the ZOO, situated on Pastýřská stěna, and meet the new bear cubs, Bruno and Irina.
You can then bid farewell to Děčín and the whole of Bohemian Switzerland from the top of Kvádrberk, which you can climb straight from the forest park near the hospital.

And don’t get too emotional about saying goodbye – we’re sure to see you here again soon, at other places we’ll tell you about next time.