Colorful Memories: Views Worth Capturing
Often breathtaking, Czech Switzerland literally dazzles. The most impressive sunrise photos can be taken at Křížový vrch near Rynartice. From here, you can see the Lusatian Mountains, Studenec, and Růžový vrch. Moreover, this magical place with a cross and a painted metal silhouette of Christ is easily accessible – a panel road leads almost to the top from the Rynartice Wellness Hotel Zámeček.
A strong visual experience is also offered by the Stations of the Cross in Jiřetín under Jedlová. It starts at the foot of Křížová hora with a monumental staircase adorned with stone pillars and leads to the summit, which is crowned by the stone Chapel of the Holy Cross. Both the scenery with all the stations and the view of the Lusatian Mountains and the Šluknov promontory that opens up before you at the top are photogenic.
A walk along the right bank of the Elbe also brings one beautiful scene after another. It will guide you through the Hřebenovka in Czech Switzerland – specifically its second stage, which starts in Děčín and heads towards Hřensko. You can admire the enchanting parts of the Elbe Canyon, the deepest of its kind in Europe, for example from the Elbe Guard on the table mountain Kvádřberk right above Děčín. The recently renovated stone pavilion will charm you here.
On the route, you will also pass the famous Růžová vyhlídka. About 1200 meters past it, it is worth taking a roughly kilometer detour along the green trail. It will lead you to a small rock town that tourists are just beginning to discover. Its centerpiece is the sandstone formation called Slunečná brána.
Step by Step Through a Story-Laden Landscape
For autumn wanderings, set out on the oldest educational trail in our area. It is called Köglerova and in its reconstructed form, it consists of a 23-kilometer circular route starting and ending in Krásná Lípa, right at the square by the House of Czech Switzerland. At the local tourist information center, you can obtain a guide to the trail with a detailed map. Along the route, you will encounter 39 stations with interesting information as well as restored chapels, crosses, steps, paths, and wells. While hiking, you will ascend several peaks – for example, Kamenné Horky or Vlčí hora – and then pass through the picturesque Kyjov Valley. You can significantly shorten your trip thanks to bus connections. For example, there is a convenient connection from Krásná Lípa to Kyjov, where you can also join the Köglerova trail. Additionally, tourist bus lines increase on weekends.
With Children to Dwarfs, Miniatures, and Dinosaurs
Czech Switzerland has much to offer young travelers. On the route from Rynartice to Jetřichovice, you will find the so-called Dwarf Rock – a rock massif into which sculptor Ernest Vater carved reliefs and statues of dwarfs with Snow White.
In Česká Kamenice, another magical place hides: the Miniature Park Mlýnky-Brand. Models of selected houses from Česká Kamenice are complemented by interactive water features – children can pump, turn a water wheel, or raise dams to adjust the flow of water. The park is located just a kilometer from the square in Česká Kamenice. On the way, be sure to stop at Nerudova Street at the house with the number 241. At the renovated astronomical clock, every hour between eight in the morning and nine in the evening, twelve apostles with artistic glass elements will present themselves. They are accompanied by Death and the local patron knight Roland.
The history is playfully brought closer to children by the Šluknov Castle. The local tour circuit is made more enjoyable by a book guide With Crayons Through Šluknov Castle, full of interesting tasks and questions.
A sure bet is the Děčín Zoo and also the aquapark in any weather. Younger children, approximately up to 12 years old, will have a great time at the Dinoherna, which is part of the Wellness Hotel Lužan in Rumburk.
Our Tip: A New App Brings the Gems of Czech Switzerland Closer
To excite children for hiking trips, you can use the new app Discover Czech Switzerland. The guide, Wolf Lupínek, will introduce them to interesting stories associated with popular tourist destinations. A family trip will turn into an adventurous expedition through the viewpoints of Jetřichovice or the surroundings of the mysterious ruins of the Tolštejn Castle. The experience will be enhanced by quiz questions and attractive elements created using augmented reality. The app was prepared by the non-profit organization Czech Switzerland in cooperation with Tasty Air. It is available for free download in both the App Store and Google Play.
More information about the app and many useful tips for trips can be found at www.ceskesvycarsko.cz.
