The holiday has traditionally been a time for
active recreation, exploration and recuperation after
working the year round. The Czech Republic provides endless
opportunities for special activity holidays. With its
beautiful, varied landscape, the country is a paradise for
hikers, cyclists, water sports lovers and flying enthusiasts.
There are dozens of new sports centers that enable visitors
to try their hand at several sports, for example, tennis,
squash, mini golf and a range of others. Golf courses are
usually set in the charming environment of spas or woody
surroundings. Holiday stays at country farms can be combined
with horse riding trips or angling, or, location permitting.,
with climbing adventures in sandstone rocks. More
adventurous lovers of adrenaline sports are likely to visit
the nearest bungee-jumping venue. We would like to give all
sports enthusiast visiting our country a genuine welcome and
wish that their prove recuperating, their experiences
fascinating and recollections pleasant
Dvůr Králové Zirec (ca 12
km)
In the woods, Betlém lies stand, here in the open air of the
sculptures of Matthias Braun from sand stones rocks and
stones in baroque style. Braun has made also single images
on the karels bridge in Prag
Hiking
A splendid landscape, of which the mountains invite you
for an exciting walking tour. Beside the walking tours on
the marked paths and the undertaking of mountains tours,
there are also the possibilities of wild-water-canoeing,
swimming, hang gliding, gliding and sport flying.
Mountain
biking
The mountainbike-routes are written on wooden
plates with a cycle on it. You can take your bike with you
on your way up in the Cabine-lift in Janske Lazne.
Nine pointers for mountain biking
1. Only roads and marked paths
may be used on the territory of the National Park.
2. Observe the rules for visitors of the KRNAP
National Park.
3. Do not rouse game. For its sake do not practice
mountain biking before sunrise and after sunset.
4. Cycling on the routes is at your own risk.
{VET5. On the forest roads you can come across trucks
carting wood and/or other heavy machinery of the forest
management. Be more careful.
Fatal accidents are warning!
6. Be respectful and give preference to hikers!
7. Set out for the mountain terrain only after a
careful check of roadworthiness of your bike, in particular
brakes. We recommend using headgear or other protective
aids.
8. Do not underestimate the danger of mountains,
beware of sudden changes in weather!
9. Information about routes, including temporarily
barred tracks, can be obtained at the KRNAP Management
Information Centre.
Mountaineering
Although the Czech Republic lacks high mountains suitable
for Alpine climbing or hiking, it can nevertheless offer its
visitors a wealth of magnificent locations (sandstone,
limestone and crystal minerals - granite, gneiss) abounding
in rock walls and towers suitable for ascents of all
categories of difficulty. The majority of rock formations
suitable for climbing are located in protected landscape
areas (nature reserves) and that is why they are only
accessible for climbers registered in mountaineering
organizations. Beginners must be accompanied by instructors.
Climbing activity in these areas is subjected to strict
restrictions stipulated by the Law on the Nature and
Landscape Protection, whereas climbing on the territory of
national parks and national nature reserves (this applies,
for example, to the Krkonose Mountains and the Sumava) is
prohibited completely. In the case of other kinds of
protected areas – natural monuments, national natural
monuments, nature reserves and protected landscape areas
–respective bodies responsible for environmental protection
are entitled to set the conditions governing this activity.
In every region regulations governing mountaineering
activities and reflecting the specific character of local
minerals and the need to protect its fauna and flora, are
adopted individually
The Most Popular Mountaineering Areas:
(all
protected landscape areas)
Labske piskovce (Elbe Sandstones):
Tiske Walls, Ostrov, Rajec, Labske
Valley, Hrensko, Jetrichovice.
Cesky raj (Bohemian Paradise):
Prachovske Rocks, Drabske
svetnicky, Hruboskalsko, Suche Rocks, Klokocske and
Betlemske Rocks.
Teplicko-adrspasske skaly (Teplicko-adrspasske Rocks):
Teplicke Rocks, Adrspach, Krizovy
Hill. Moravsky kras
(Moravian Karst): Macocha
and Klenba Chasms, Kun Massif, Beran, Rorejsy.
Cesky kras (Bohemian Karst):
Karlstejn, Srbsko, Sv. Jan pod
Skalou. Krivoklatsko (Krivoklat
Area): Vrani Rock, Dehticka
Rock, rocks near Chlum (near Zbiroh).
Slavkovsky les (Slavkov Forest):
Svatosske Rocks (the valley of the
River Ohre
Swimming
In the little town Pecka (about 4 km from Stupná) is an
open-air(swimming)pool.
On the south edge of the little town Vrchlabi is an open-air
(swimming) pool with a sandy beach and little slide.
Also near Cerny Dul (at the camping) is a little
open-air(swimming)pool with a sun terrace and kiosk.
Do you like to go for a swim,during your holliday, in the
real open-air(swimming) pool "Dolce" near Trutnov? This
open-air(swimming)pool is an advantage.
The water is clean (a lot of fishes are swimming in the deep
part of the water, from which you can conclude that the
water is clean) and for the children is a special marked out
undeep part where they can enjoy themselves.
On all sides of the lake is a small piece of beach with
grasfields all over.
You can get to the open-air(swimming) pool by driving
direction Trutnov and near Trutnov you keep following the
traffic signs - Jicin. After 3 Km you turn left; from now on
you can see that "Dolce" is written on the signs.
Follow the road till the parking place. From this place you
have to walk 1 km to the lake.
Air & Sky sports
When exploring the diverse beauties of the Czech and
Moravian countryside you need not be restricted to the
earth; you can enjoy seeing them from above, specifically
from on board a tourist aircraft or a balloon basket. Taking
a bird eye’s view of mountain massifs, lowlands, expanses of
water and green forest belts dotted with a network of
picturesque villages and towns graced with centuries-old
castles and chateaux can be the most beautiful way of
inspecting them.
Observation Flights
Nearly one hundred small and sports
airports throughout this country operate observation flights
along routes chosen by the clients themselves. If you are a
holder of a pilot’s license and are able to pilot a small
motor aircraft or, as the case may be, an ultra light
aircraft, you can combine discovering the most beautiful
places in this part of Central Europe with your hobby.
The airports in the Czech Republic
will provide - on the basis of a previous standard
arrangement - a good base for you, whether you arrive on
board you own plane or hire a plane on the spot. The Czech
Republic belongs to countries with a long tradition of the
aviate sports
Ultra light categories of
Aircraft
The
Amateur Aviate Association of the Czech Republic groups
several thousand pilots and owners of ultra light planes.
Operating within the framework of the association’s
activities, schools of ultra light flying and professional
companies hiring out ultra light planes are prepared to
offer you their services. You can encounter them, for
example, at the airports in Benesov, Hradec Kralove and
numerous other places.
Professional centers run
good-quality, out-of-line technical facilities that can
offer space for your aircraft in their hangars or arrange
accommodation and other services. The Czech Republic also
serves as a venue for popular meetings of ultra light
aircraft, often combined with sports disciplines and always
with friendly gatherings in a pleasant aviate environment.
Gliding and Motorized
Gliding
One of
the leading organizers of sports flying in Europe, the Aero
club of the Czech Republic associates several thousand
pilots of gliders and motorized gliders and runs its own
flying schools. There are also professional firms operating
in cooperation with the Aero club. They are prepared to rent
a plane to you or offer you basic training in flying as well
as courses in acrobatic or non-engine flying.
The majority of sports airports
operate observation flights and offer out-of-line facilities
for flying enthusiasts and space in hangars for their planes.
The important centers of motorized and non-motorized flying
include the airport in Moravska Trebova, at which the Aviate
Sports Center of the Aero club of the Czech Republic
operates, and airports in Vrchlabi, Benesov and Brno.
Balloon Flying
Aviate clubs as well as private operators offer
unforgettable experiences to those opting for a hot-air
balloon observation flight. The most frequent routes lead
above Prague or above the renowned Karlstejn and Krivoklat
Castles or the Konopiste Chateau. Moreover, clients can
arrange a flight above other places abounding in scenic
beauties and historical monuments.
Sky-diving
Sky-diving is one of the aviate sports which are organized
by the Aero club of the Czech Republic. Like the pilots of
aircraft, sky-diving enthusiasts too have their own aviate
schools and centers in the Czech Republic. They provide
professional out-of-line facilities as well as highly
experienced instructors, some of whom are world sky-diving
champions.
They offer sports sky-diving schemes
for holders of licences and the possibility of tandem
descents, including free-fall flights for visitors without
any previous sky-diving experience. Sky-diving centers can
be found, for example, at the airports in Pribram and
Kunovice near Uherske Hradiste.
Paragliding and
Hang-gliding
The
pilots of gliders and hang-gliders, grouped in the Amateur
Aviate Association of the Czech Republic, have their
take-off points and centres in Czech mountains, for example,
in the Krkonose Mountains or the Beskydy, as well as on Rana
Hill near Louny or Kozakov Hill. All of these places boast a
tradition of gliding that spans many years.
There are
schools of paragliding at selected take-off points whose
experienced instructors will be glad to teach you the art of
paragliding or take you for a flight on a tandem paraglide.
Although paragliding and hang-gliding belong to “the
adrenaline sports”, the Czech centers guarantee safe
operation
Horse back riding
The Giant mountains to be seen from the back of a horse is
a real experience. The good built paths and extensive routes
invite you to once undertake this. In Vlachabi 15 km from
Stupná Knezicka Chalupa has good facilities.
Knezicka Chalupa gives lessons to children, teenagers and
parents. Also the horses are lent out for day-trips.
Children can also rite on a pony or donkey.
You can find Knezicka Cahlupa Knezicka Chalupa in Vrlachabi
by following the road direction Spindleruv Mlyn and than
left to Benecko. From there on the riding-school is good to
read on the traffic-signs.
Fishing
Many foreign tourists are
attracted to the Czech Republic by the fishing opportunities
on offer there. There are two angling organizations - the
Czech Angling Union and the Moravian Angling Union. Angling
permits are issued by organizations entrusted with the
administration of respective expanses of water upon
presentation of a passport and a state angling licence. An
angling permit can be valid for a specific angling ground,
region or the entire area under the administration of the
respective angling union. Angling Permits can be purchased
for one, two, seven or fourteen days, one month, six months
or one year, with prices ranging from CZK 200 to 8000. The
state angling license - valid for one to two days, a period
shorter than one year, one year and for young people under
15 years of age - can be purchased from district, town or
local counsels, with prices raging from CZK 15 to 50
Fishing opportunities in both dead and running water are
into a great extent limited. Fishing areas, which are mostly
fish-farms, are kept either by the KRNAP Administration
itself (Labska prehrada dam) or by Czech fishermen
association. Details are available in the KRNAP
Administration Information Centres or local centres of the
Czech fishermen association.
Canoeing
You can peddle down the Jizera river from Na Myte to Horni
Sytova (20.9 km), and enjoy beautiful scenery along the
river.
Canoe trip on the Jizera river, adventure for all ages! This summer we
organise canoe trips on the gently flowing Jizera river.
There are trips in the morning and in the afternoon. The
trip from Dolánky to Malá Skála is 9 km long and it takes
about 2.5 hours of easy paddling. The scenery is amazing.
After finishing the trip you can enjoy the ride back to Malá
Skála in a nostalgic train. The 10 minutes lasting train
ride is an attraction in itself! To book in advance is not
necessary but highly advisable. Just step into your car and
drive to Malá Skála. Guarded parking is available just
across the street at the starting point. You can of course
also get there by public transportation. We have limited
number of places per trip. Way of payment is in cash. We
advise you to bring some dry clothes and a towel. Price is
inclusive: instructor, two seated polyester canoe,
lifejacket, paddles, watertight barrel (70 litre), water
shoes and the train ticket.
price per person :
adults : 375 Kč (€ 12,50)
children (< 14 years) : 275 Kč (€
9,50)
group prices, programs and weekend trips on request!
local tourist information offices and camp sites phone
(+420) 731 871 596
Spa
A well known spa in the region is Janske Lazne. De natural
healing springs contain mineral water at 29.6 °C
Air tour
Air tours over the Giant Mountains from airport Vrchlabi 0438/22992
between 09 and 11 AM
with a Cessna 3 person or a 11 person
biplane.
Zoo
At a distance of 25 km lays the largest zoo and safaripark of
middle-Europe.
ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN DVûR KRÁLOVÉ - THE MOST FAMOUS CZECH
ZOO
The ZOO Dvúr Krâlové nad Labem was founded in 1946, today it
has the largest animal collection in the Czech Republic:
around 2700 animals in 380 species and subspecies on 64 ha.
You will see here:
- the largest collection of African animals in Europe:
rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalloes and other
species
- modern carnivore expositions: cheetahs, hyaenas, tigers,
leopards and other carnivores
- the largest ape collection in the Czech Republic and other
primates: orangutans, chimpanzees, colobus, lemurs,
marmosets
- the unique „World of Birds“ with tropical vegetation and
free flying birds on approx. 1000 m2
- the largest crocodile exposition in the Czech Republic
- a system of large fresh water aquaria called the „Tropical
River“
- attractive expositions of coral reefs
- the „Moonlight World“ with a number of interesting animals
with nocturnal activity
- the only permanent galery of paintings by Zdenêk Burian
„Evolution of Life on the Earth“
- two playgrounds and a Childrens´ ZOO with contact animals,
pony riding
Specialities:
- SAFARI in Summer - a Safaribus-ride among free living
hoofed animals and birds on 27 ha
- evening Safaribus-rides during the holiday time, starting
at 7,30 p.m. (1.7. - 31.8.)
- „Christmas ZOO“ from 1st December until 31st January - the
ZOO is decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights and
open daily until 7 p.m. (24. and 31. 12. only until 3 p. m.)
There is a large parking straight at the entrance to the
ZOO, WC free, two giftshops „Serengeti“ and „Gallery“,
restaurant „At the Lemur´s“.
Opening Hours:
CHRISTMAS SEASON (January, December) 9 - 19 hrs
WINTER SEASON (February, March, April, October,
November) 9 - 16 hrs
SUMMER SEASON (May, June, July, August, September) 9
- 18 hrs
The Safari is open from 8. - 15. May until 30. September
(dependant on the weather). The Safaribus-ride is included
in the entrance fee.
