Czech paradise
Bohemian Paradise lies fifty kilometers northeast of Prague. Geographically it is bounded by Mladá Boleslav, Mnichovo Hradiště, Hodkovice nad Mohelkou, Kopanina, Železný Brod, Semily, Nová Paka, Jičín, Kopidlno, Sobotka and Dolní Bousov. To the east, this picturesque region passes into Podkrkonoší and is bordered by the Jizera Mountains and the Giant Mountains in the north. In this romantic region lying in the middle stream of Jizera combines the diversity of natural beauties with rich historical monuments - castles, chateaus, folk architecture. That's why it's already in 19. century guests of the Sedmihorky Spa started to call this part of the country Bohemian Paradise.
The extraordinary fragmentation of the landscape with its characteristic rock towns, plant and animal communities was the main motive for announcement of the first protected area in the then Czech Republic (see 1955). In terms of landscape diversity and the occurrence of protected and endangered species, not only deep forests but also pond systems on watercourses and adjacent fragments of wetland ecosystems are important. The unique splendor of the relief is complemented by the characteristic splashes of the rocks, which form landscapes (Trosky, Kozákov, Mužský, Vyskeř, etc.).
The igneous rocks of the Bohemian Paradise downstream Mountains are many sites agate, amethyst, jasper, chalcedony and other precious stones. People living in this region were and still are known for their craftsmanship. Železnobrodské glass products, wooden toys and molds Semily carvers Lomnicke crackers, Turnov garnet jewelry and polished gems found their way into the world and become succesful. Welcome, therefore, in the region of good people, natural beauty, castles, museums and traditional craftsmanship.
The largest and probably the most beautiful rock town of Bohemian Paradise is Hruboskalsko, which is made up of about four hundred sandstone towers, reaching the height of up to 60 meters. The Golden Path of the Bohemian Paradise, which offers many beautiful prospects for various rock formations, passes through the sandstone town. It leads from the lookout tower Hlavatice (overlooking Turnov) through the ruins of Valdštejn castle to the Renaissance rock chateau Hrubá skála.
Another popular and yet most popular tourist town is the Prachov Rocks. They have gained their popularity mainly thanks to the magnificent views of the impressive sandstone towers that stretch over the deep forest gorges.
In the shadow of Prachovské skály and Hruboskalska there are less known but also beautiful Klokočské and Betlémské skály, where even during the season you will not meet crowds of tourists and more you can enjoy their beauty.
The area of Maloskalska, where you can find the Czech Dolomites, is also very nice. These are sometimes referred to as pointed dry rocks that resemble the famous Italian Dolomites.
Like in paradise, you will find the picturesque ponds, the most beautiful of which is the Pond Věžák. The sandstone rocks, which are reflected in the water surface, come out directly from it.