Želízy can be explored from several perspectives: Kafka’s spa stays, Václav Levý’s sandstone art, the Liběchovka floodplain, and bathing and cycling opportunities each offer a different focus. When planning a stay, you can decide whether literary history, sculptural works, the landscape or an active break interests you most.
Kafka’s stays and Levý’s rock art
A commemorative plaque in Želízy recalls Franz Kafka’s spa stays in November and December 1918, from January to March 1919, in November 1919, and in August and September 1923. The periods therefore span three calendar years and several separate visits. For those interested in literature, the plaque provides a tangible point of reference for these stays at different times.
Among Václav Levý’s most striking works are Čertovy hlavy: between 1841 and 1846, the sculptor carved two sandstone sculptures, each about nine metres high, into the rock. They are freely accessible via the blue-marked hiking trail from the primary school building in Želízy. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Other artistic motifs differ considerably in form and subject matter. The rock relief Harfenice, depicting a woman with a harp, is located on the Okruh Václava Levého; the same route also features a sandstone sphinx. At Klácelka Cave are large-scale reliefs of Jan Žižka and Prokop Holý, as well as dwarves forging weapons for the Knights of Blaník. The range thus extends from the harp motif and a sphinx to reliefs depicting historical figures and a forging scene.
The Okruh Václava Levého passes through Tupadly and follows the Liběchovka stream to Želízy. This sequence of places provides a concrete guide to the route, while Harfenice and the sphinx add the artistic motifs mentioned there. Those who want to understand the rock art can distinguish between the different works and their respective forms, rather than viewing them as a single motif.
The Liběchovka, a protected area and a bathing facility
The landscape offers another focus. The Liběchovka floodplain in Želízy lies 175 metres above sea level and is the lowest point in the CHKO Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area. In 1997, the Liběchovka wetland system became part of the internationally significant Ramsar site “Mokřady Liběchovky a Pšovky.” The lowest point in the protected landscape area is in Želízy, while its inclusion in the “Mokřady Liběchovky a Pšovky” Ramsar site in 1997 applies to the Liběchovka wetland system.
Koupaliště Želízy offers a different kind of visit. It is family-oriented and supplied with drinking water from its own well. The pool measures 20 × 40 metres; there is also a separate paddling pool and a children’s water slide. Toilets, showers and changing cabins are also available. As seasonal opening arrangements may change, check current visiting options before planning a visit.
A cycling route as another option
The Cyklistický okruh ze Želíz na Kokořínsku is a cycling route. While the Okruh Václava Levého is associated with artistic motifs, the Cyklistický okruh ze Želíz na Kokořínsku offers a cycling route. Route conditions may change, so check them before setting off. When choosing how to spend your stay, you can weigh up literary history, rock art, the landscape, the bathing facility and cycling.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Vojkovice, Malý Újezd, Kralupy Nad Vltavou, Dolní Zimoř, Spomyšl, Cítov, Kanina, Kojetice.
Back to the main travel overview: Okres Mělník.
