Trips from Prague vol 5: Bohemian Paradise

Mnichovo Hradiště is the imaginary gateway to the area, where you can take wonderful walks. The town is dominated by a magnificent Baroque Château, which was the ancestral seat of the Wallenstein family. It has an amazing library that numbers 22,000 volumes. Did you know that the famous seducer and lover of women, Giacomo Casanova, used to maintain it?

The first floor of the castle houses the town museum, where you can also see a large plaster model of Drábské světničky – a nearby rock castle. It is closed to visitors, but you can see it from the Příhrazské rocks nature trail, which is definitely worth a walk. You can also visit and explore in detail the romantic ruins of the medieval Valečov Castle or the Zvířetice Castle and Château ruins. Just a little beyond the border of Central Bohemia, in the Liberec region, you will find Svijany Château with a brewery and a beer spa and hotel. The pyramid-like Čížovka lookout tower is also worth seeing.

Explore the Bohemian Paradise region individually

Only a small part of the Bohemian Paradise extends into Central Bohemia, as it is located in three different regions of the Czech Republic: the Central Bohemian, Liberec and Hradec Králové regions.

The best way to get to Mnichovo Hradiště, which lies north-east of Prague, is by car on the D10 motorway. The area in the direction of Mnichovo Hradiště is also well connected to integrated transport – there are regular buses from the Prague, Černý Most stop or trains from the Prague Central Station. Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, while train tickets can be bought from the comfort of your own home online or directly at the inland ticket offices at Prague Central Station.

The best way to get to Příhrazské rocks is by car; the car park is located directly in the village of Boseň. Take a walk around Valečov Castle, the Klamorna rock castle or Drábské světničky. Even though Drábské světničky rock fort is closed until further notice due to the general wear and tear of the rocks, which have suffered from the influx of tourists, it is possible to walk around them. There is a red-marked Golden Trail of Bohemian Paradise running under the castles and their surroundings.

Where to eat, drink and sleep in the Bohemian Paradise?

Leave your worries behind and enjoy the Bohemian Paradise with all your senses. Let your taste buds be pampered, your head rested and your batteries recharged.

Holka s buchtou | Make a sweet gastronomic stop right in Mnichovo Hradiště, just a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Tartlets, cream puffs, banana bread… You surely haven’t had such good desserts in a long time. Add to that a selection of coffee, and a joyful stop full of flavours is taken care of.

Kafé Ořech | Another renowned establishment in Mnichovo Hradiště, where you can not only enjoy great coffee and dessert but also brunch or a light lunch. In addition, there are also 4 nut rooms you can stay overnight: Hazelnut, Almond, Pistachio and Walnut.

Hrnčířský dvůr Zvířetice | You will leave this place with more than just handmade traditional Czech pottery. Right in the courtyard you will enjoy great coffee and desserts that you never dreamed of. Our favourite is their cream puff!

Agarden Restaurant | Here you will find a fusion of Italian and French cuisine, as well as traditional Czech dishes with a modern twist.

Restaurant Na krásné vyhlídce | If you find yourself in the Příhrazské rocks, you will not miss this restaurant and pension. Although their website is only in Czech, they are perfectly prepared for foreigners.

Garp Brewery | Make a stop in Bakov nad Jizerou in a modern family-run craft brewery, which underwent a technological modernisation at the turn of 2022 and 2023.

Ptýrov Farm | The modern equestrian area near Mnichovo Hradiště offers more than just a programme for horse riders. Cyclists, hikers and families with children will enjoy it here as well.