CYCLING THROUGH THE BOHEMIAN PARADISE

If you arrive during the day you will have time to explore the picturesque renaissance town of Jičín, one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic and the gateway to Bohemian Paradise. Sightseeing opportunities include a chance to visit the Baroque chateau and museum, and one of the most beautiful buildings in Jicin, the Hall of Three Emperors. There’s also a chance to explore the historical centre and Wallenstein square, as well as take a walk to the Valdická Gate (a three-storey tower from the late Gothic period) which provides the backdrop for the classic silhouette of the town and excellent views of Jicin. Additional places of interest include the Church of St. James the Elder standing next to the Baroque chateau and Valdicka gate.

Receiving bikes (or morning).

Accommodation: Hotel **** reStart.

Route:

After leaving Jičín you will ascend to Veliš volcanic hill with a chapel. You will ride around ponds, in the forest and through the countryside to the second (but no less interesting) conical basalt peak with chapel Zebín. You will discover Wallenstein summer house (which is one of the most interesting landmarks of the Jičín region) and return back to Jičín.
You will have time to finish the exploration of the picturesque Renaissance town of Jičín, one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic and the gateway to Bohemian Paradise.

Total 37 km.

37 km ↑600m, ↓600m

Accommodation: Hotel **** reStart

Route: Your first stop today is in Prachovské skály rocks. The beginning of the sandstone formations dates back to the Mesozoic era when the whole territory was flooded. Millions of years later, the region was pushed up by the effects of tectonic powers, the flood shrank back and the seabed split into separate blocks. After a walking tour in rocks you will set up for the rest of today’s route. Next stop is by ruins (The castle dates back to the late 14th – early 15th century), later you are riding through interesting villages to Sobotka. In this small old town you could visit Humprecht – Baroque hunters‘ chateau from the 17th century.

Total 23 km.

Accommodation: Hotel*** Pošta Sobotka

Circuit trip through: Your first stop would be in a very nice typical village with timbered cottages only. Behind this small village you will go through a very beautiful valley with streams, pondsand nice nature between rocks. Valley ends in front of a medieval castle. Kost castle is the best preserved Gothic castle in Bohemia. It was built in the end of the 14th century on a sandstone rock formation. You can take a guided tour in the castle. Your next castle to visit is Valečov rock castle ruins from 15. century. After a short ride the next option is to visit rock a castle with a very nice view. Your route is continuing by rural countryside. Route back to Sobotka is leading through a rock gate.

Total 47 km ↑610m, ↓610m

Accommodation: Hotel*** Pošta Sobotka

Route: Today you are riding a winding route through beautiful valleys with ponds and old stone bridges. Podtrosecké údolí valley, wherein the 16th-century locals built a system of ponds, preserved until the present day. Behind this valley, you will go up to Trosky castle. Symbol of the Bohemian Paradise. It was built in the 14th century between two volcanic rock masses, with towers located on each hill. The higher tower is called The Maiden, and the lower and more robust is named The Old Woman. Thanks to its defensive stone wall and advantageous strategic position the castle stood well against all military attacks. Since the Thirty Years War, the castle has become desolate. Finally, you ascend to your castle hotel in Hrubá Skála located on a rock cliff.

Hotel check-in. Depending on your arrival time you will explore a local rock town on foot. The rock city consists of about 400 sandstone towers. Some of them are 60 meters high (380 meters above sea level). The trail leads you through the Mouse Hole rock passage and passes by the cave named Adam’s Bed. You will then reach a spectacular viewpoint called Mariánská vyhlídka which offers the most beautiful views of Bohemian Paradise.

26 km ↑420m, ↓370m
+
Walking route: 2 km on foot in rocks (1 hour), ↑100m, ↓100m

Accommodation: Hotel Hrubá Skála **** – afternoon wellness (in price include sauna + steam or whirlpool, extra charged massages, wraps, peeling, treatments, dynamic activities, Priessnitz walking, baths, hammam)

Route: Your route is starting with riding around Hrubá Skála rock city, arboretum to Valdštejn castle (possible to do a tour). Soon you are riding down to Turnov (one of two bigger towns in the region, many shops). Later you reach Neo-Gothic castle Sychrov with a large collection of French portraits and English parks. After the tour you would ride through czech countryside from village to village and come to Frydštejn castle. Now it is just a short descend to Malá Skála where your hotel is.

If you feel active enough you could walk up to some other castle and view the Jizera valley viewpoint.

Route: 33 km in rocks, ↑400m, ↓500m

Accommodation: Hotel*** Skála

Route: From your hotel you are soon coming to Suché Skály (Dry Rocks) – a narrow rock massive from hard sandstone, lifted up by the Alpine-Carpathian folding. You are riding to Rotštejn ruins and after visiting your next stop is by a less known lookout tower. Route is continuing around the highest peak in the region, through many villages to Jinolice ponds. Route ends in the fairy town Jičín.

Bike returning

40 km, ↑670m, ↓630m

Accommodation: Hotel**** reStart