Things to see and do East Of Bohemia

It grows at 1,299 m. It is a high altitude for the country. But his round summit gives him a look of simple wooded hill. In summer and winter, you can reach the summit in a lift (departures every half-hour from April to November between 9 a. m. and 6 p. m.). In summer, to win the altitude hiking trails. In winter, to go back to the 10 km of alpine ski slopes. One of them is 3 km, one of the longest in the country. On its slopes and in the surrounding valleys, ground skiers will find 50 km of slopes.

The path goes up the valley of Skalní Potok to discover the most beautiful rock formations of the reserve. This is the most used path. A path climbs (don't look down too much...) to the ruins of Střmen Castle, a wooden fort destroyed by the Hussites in 1447. From there, the view is superb. From the town of Teplice, another path runs along the Kraví Hora (703 m) and Supí Skálý (771 m) mountains to visit other rock formations.

East of Velké náměstí Square, this modern art gallery is one of the most prestigious in the country. It is housed in a Secession building and houses a superb permanent collection of 20th century Czech art, the finest outside of Prague. The following artists are represented: Zrzavý, Kubišta, Toyen, Lhoták, Medek... This beautiful building, designed by Osvald Polívka, also hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. The statues at the entrance are by Ladislav Šaloun.

Between Turnov and Semily (by route No. 283), go to the Chata na Kozákově, on the heights of Kozákov, at an altitude of 743 m (Hora Kozákov). This chalet-restaurant located on the top of the hill offers a superb view of the giant Krkonoše Mountains and the Bohemian Paradise. A paragliding trail next to the restaurant, advice to amateurs. You can still climb the guet tower. It is also the ideal place for those who want to escape from tourism in Prague. Everything is authentic here, including the warm welcome of the people of the region. Kozákov and its surroundings have been known for centuries as an area where precious stones are "sprung": agates, amethysts, jaspes…

Here you'll find the country's tallest sandstone giants. They are concentrated and easily accessible. Maps showing the region's well-marked trails are available. The two circuits on offer take you along the lakes and up close to the rocks. In particular, it's possible to walk through the Wolf Gorge and reach the Teplice rocks. You can also climb to the top of Mount Starozámecký (681 m) and reach the ruins of Ardšpach Castle.

The CHKO Orlické hory nature reserve consists of gentle mountains covered with forests or crops. They offer great skiing opportunities in winter:

Deštné v Orlických Horách offers 6.5 km of downhill ski trails and 40 km of cross-country ski trails (www.skicentrumdestne.cz).

Řícky v Orlických Horách offers 36 km of beautiful cross-country ski trails and 4 km for downhill skiing (www.skiricky.cz).

In Čenkovice there is mostly cross-country skiing, on 45 km of trails (www.skicenkovice.cz).

Pernštýnské Náměstí, the second square in the historic centre, is one of the most beautiful in the country. Surrounded by beautiful Renaissance mansions, it is narrow, long and almost enclosed. Dominated by the beautiful neo-Renaissance town hall, it is easily recognizable by its two towers and its walls richly decorated with sgraffiti. Admire the contrast of this enormous building with the small blue-green house on its right. The other remarkable facade is that of Jonas' house: it dates from the 18th century and its whiteness is exceptional.

Náměstí Republiky Square is the largest in the city. It is accessed from Míru Avenue, the main axis of the new town. Beautiful buildings surround it. The Municipal Theatre is immediately noticeable on the south side of the square. It is the most beautiful Art Nouveau building in the city with its frescoes and coloured stained glass windows, which frequently hosts concerts. At the other end of the square, the Saint-Barthélemy church, very elegant with its very thin tower. It dates from the 13th century, but was damaged by the Hussites and rebuilt in 1515.