Dolský mlýn

Dolský mlýn (Dolský Mill) stands at the confluence of the Kamenice River and the Jetřichovická Bělá River, and everything that rains down on the slopes of the nearby Růžovský vrch (Růžovský Hill) flows here. That is why the place is impacted every year by smaller or larger floods, which are bravely and patiently fought by local enthusiasts trying to save “Dolák”, as the place is called for short.

Dolský mlýn

The ruins of the former mill, which according to the oldest written records date back to the 16th century, are easily accessible. In winter, the most reliable route to Dolský mlýn is the yellow trail from Jetřichovice, but the steep descent through the rock ravine on the blue trail from Vysoké Lípa is better in drier weather. The last time grain was milled here was in 1931, and today you can walk around the whole building, play hide-and-seek or take spectacular photos. Fans of cold water swimming will appreciate the icy pools in the Kamenice River, on which Dolský Mill stands.

Thanks to its mysterious and romantic atmosphere, Dolský mlýn has become a favourite location for filmmakers. It has appeared in several Czech films and fairy tales.

  • Pyšná princezna (1952) – probably the most famous scene, when the princess meets King Miroslav, was filmed here.
  • Peklo s princeznou (2009) – part of the fairy tale was filmed in the surroundings of the mill and the gorges.
  • Čertova nevěsta (2011) – another modern fairy tale that draws on the magic of this place.

Festival of crafts

In the summer, visit the Days of Forest Crafts co-organised by the National Park Administration and the Institute of Ethnology of the Academy of Sciences. The festival takes place on a nearby meadow near the more than 180-year-old Royal Spruce, recognizable by its massive trunk with a circumference of about 3 m and an impressive height of 27 m. You’ll learn about charcoal burners, blacksmiths, glassmakers, bakers, and other traditional crafts. Children can string beads, try their hand at spinning a wheel or felting wool, and if you bring bags you can pick up charcoal for the barbecue or for drawing.

Burning of the charcoal pile

Since the end of the 1990s, the “Return of the Salmon” project has been running to restore salmon populations in the Elbe basin. Every year, juvenile salmon are released in the vicinity of Dolský mlýn and other places along the Kamenice River.

The project seeks to restore the natural life cycle of salmon, which was once a common part of Czech rivers.

And a few more tips:

  • Best season: it is beautiful here all year round :-)
  • With children: yes, for strollers preferably along the yellow marked route from Starý mlýn near Jetřichovice.
  • Dogs: yes, on a leash
  • How to get here: along four hiking trails – yellow from Jetřichovice, green from Srbská Kamenice, blue from Vysoká Lípa or from Kamenická Stráň. There is a small paid parking lot at Starý mlýn. BUS 434 or BUS 436 lines stop here, bus stop Jetřichovice, Starý mlýn. Dolský mlýn is also accessible for cyclists, route 3076.