Říp Mountain
Říp is a 459m solitary hill rising up from the central Bohemian flatland. Říp, being visible from great distance, has always been an important orientation point in the Bohemian scenery and has attracted attention since the oldest times. According to a traditional legend, first recorded by the ancient Czech chronicler Cosmas of Prague in the early 12th century, Říp was the place where the first Slavs, led by Forefather Čech, settled. The land was named after the leader. On top of the hill there is a Romanesque rotunda of Saint George, which is one of the oldest buildings in the Czech Republic. Near the rotunda is a tourist hut that was built in 1907 and still serves travellers today.
Distance: 13 km
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The Devil Heads
Not far from the town of Liběchov, two gargantuan demon-like faces carved from stone disturb the passer-bys. Originating in the mid 19th century, these sculptures have been a local attraction for generations. Local sculptor Václav Levý also created a number of artificial caves and scenes, taking traditional fairy tales as inspiration. This unique piece of art is easily accessible following a hiking trail from the village Želízy.
Distance: 10 km
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The Cave Mordloch and Seven Loaves
The Cave Mordloch is a natural rock overhang artificially turned into a cave. It is located within the magical scenery of forests around the Castle Kokořín. The legend has it that a gang of highwaymen used this cavern as hideout during the Thirty Years’ War. You can reach the cave via a hiking trail from the villages Želízy and Stračí. The cave also offers a wondrous view of the adjacent “Seven Loaves” rock formation, named after it’s resemblance of seven loaves of bread stacked on each other.
Distance: 10 km
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Kokořínsko
Kokořínsko is a beautiful rock formation with spectacular lakes and villages with traditional architecture. This protected landscape area is famous for its unique sandstone gates and windows, unmatched by any other location in the Czech Republic. Castle Kokořín dominates the main valley of the area – Kokořínský důl.
Distance: 5-20 km
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Mělník
The town of Mělník is located at the confluence of two largest Czech rivers, Vltava and Elbe. It is also a traditional wine town with a château surrounded by historical fortification. Local sights include an ossuary in a crypt under the local Church of St. Peter and Paul, the above mentioned confluence and the chateau, a residence of the noble House of Lobkowicz. A tour of the local wine cellars with wine tasting is a must for all wine lovers.
Distance: 15 km
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Litoměřice
The town of Litoměřice has been a local centre of viticulture, located on the confluence of the rivers Elbe and Ohře. The town boasts a picturesque historical centre with remnants of gothic fortification. You can start the city tour in the main square at the local museum with historical cellars or at one of the galleries. The castle hosts an interactive exhibition of the local viticulture tradition. The fortification offers a spectacular view of the bishop’s residence with the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the panorama of Czech Central Mountains, castle Házmburk and Říp Mountain.
Distance: 25 km
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Elbe Cycle Route
The Elbe Cycle Route is a part of an international network of cycling routes all over Europe. It is integrated in the system of currently 37 river cycling routes in Germany and by far the most popular route for cyclists in this country. The Elbe Cycle Route starts in Prague on the Vltava, which joins with the Elbe (Labe) river in Mělník (about 50 km from Prague). It then runs for about 980 km until it ends in Cuxhaven at the North Sea. Part of it falls together with the EV7 of the EuroVelo network. After a fairly adventurous part of the Route on the Czech side of the river one reaches the famous Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland and crosses the border to Germany. Along the route there are a lot of places to stop and experience: Říp Mountain, Lobkowicz castles in Mělník and Roudnice n.L., Theresienstadt concentration camp, gothic castle in Litoměřice, Porta Bohemica valley, castle Střekov and lot more.
Distance: 14 km
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Račice rowing channel
The rowing channel in nearby village Račice was built in 1980s on the site of the former sand pit. It hosts a number of annual canoeing, rowing and dragon boating events. The area is open to public and provides facilities for a variety of sport activities. A 5km asphalt track around the channel is ideal for cycling, in-line skating or running.
Distance: 3 km
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Ranch “Ježkův mlýn”
Ranch Ježkův Mlýn is a haven for all horse lovers. The ranch offers horse rides around the whole region including popular tourist sites such as Kokořín Castle, Říp Mountain and Czech Central Mountains. Ranch is located in village Hoštka only about 5km from Štětí. You can also attend Extreme Trail races, a timed obstacle course for horse riders. The obstacles are packed into a limited area, which create an extreme challenge for both the horse and the rider.
Distance: 7 km
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For children – A nature trail of Štětka Highwayman
Around Mordloch, a sandstone rock formation and artificial cave believed to have been used by Thirty Years’ War highwaymen, a nature trail equipped with information panels was built, providing children with information on the region, bits of the history, natural attractions, industry, agriculture or the people that used to live here. The trail goes through beautiful scenery between fields and along forest paths.
Distance: 2 km
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