A passenger lift dating from 1870 makes Zákupy Castle an unusual starting point for discovering Česká Lípa District: it is considered the oldest preserved lift in the Czech Republic. The district brings together cultural attractions, glassmaking and protected nature for visitors with a range of interests.
Castle history, everyday culture and glass
Zákupy Castle served as a Habsburg summer residence and preserves historically furnished rooms. The castle also has a Baroque garden and an English park. The lift adds a different dimension to the rooms’ furnishings: here, you can explore both the region’s technical heritage and the history of the summer residence. For getting your bearings: the castle is a three-minute walk from the market square, and there is an unattended car park below it. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit.
The exhibition at Vísecká rychta is dedicated to traditional ways of life in Česká Lípa District. Topics include hop growing, grain farming, livestock breeding, spinning, weaving and carpentry. Another exhibition explores folk architecture and housing in northern Bohemia. Together, these offer different perspectives on regional culture through working practices and ways of life.
In Nový Bor, you can learn about glass through both its techniques and its production. The permanent exhibition at the Glass Museum Nový Bor is organised by process: it covers engraving, cutting and painting, as well as hot forming and decorating glass. At Novotný Glass, you can watch glassmakers working at hot furnaces; regular glassmaking demonstrations are also held. Check the current programme before travelling.
Castles offer different perspectives, too. The self-guided tour of Bezděz Castle takes in the chapel, the Royal Palace, the Burgrave’s Palace, the Lord’s Palace and the Great Tower. The tower can be visited without a guide. As visitor offerings may vary by season, check which tours are available in advance. Hrad Sloup stands on a sandstone rock in northern Bohemia.
Protected landscapes and trails
Three protected landscape areas extend across Česká Lípa District: České středohoří, Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj and Lužické hory. Within Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj, the Dokesko, Podbezdězí and Ralsko landscape sectors are protected. The district also includes four national natural monuments: Peklo, Swamp, Jestřebské slatiny and Panská skála. There are also four national nature reserves: Břehyně-Pecopala, Novozámecký rybník, Jezevčí vrch and Velký a Malý Bezděz.
The Peklo National Natural Monument is a valley with rock formations and chambers carved into the rock. The trail through Peklo starts at Zámek Zahrádky. Another natural attraction with visible traces of human use is Dolanský rybník: the remains of an old mill are located there, and a waterfall is nearby.
For a bike ride, there is a clearly described route: a flat 20-kilometre trail starts at Zámek Zahrádky and continues to the Holanské rybníky. On hot summer days, the ponds along the route offer a place to swim and cool off. Another option is the Stezka hastrmanů in Brniště. It has mini playgrounds and is considered suitable for visitors with strollers.
Horse riding tourism is also well developed in the former Ralsko military area. Specific providers and access conditions may change, so check them if you plan to take part in an activity. From Doksy, a seasonal boat trip on Máchovo jezero may include views of Bezděz Castle. Check in advance which trips are available. At the regional level, Česká Lípa District connects the wider region to Prague in the south.
Discover more destinations: Stvolínky, Zahrádky, Bezdez, Novy Bor, Prachen, Stráz Pod Ralskem, Tachov, Marenice, Cvikov, Tuhan, Okna, Dubá, Doksy, Holany, Böhmisch Leipa, Volfartice, Kozly U České Lípy, Jestřebí U České Lípy, Slunečná, Žandov, Blíževedly, Brniště, Ralsko, Dubnice Pod Ralskem, Hamr Na Jezeře, Horní Libchava, Horní Police, Stružnice, Kamenický Šenov, Kravaře V Čechách, Krompach V Cechách, Kunratice U Cvikova, Mimoň, Nový Oldřichov, Polevsko, Provodín, Prysk, Skalice U České Lípy, Sloup V Čechách, Sosnová U České Lípy, Svojkov, Svor, Blatce, Velenice U Zákup, Zákupy, Bohatice U Zákup, Ždírec V Podbezdězí, Chlum U Dubé, Chotovice U Nového Boru, Kvítkov, Luka, Radvanec, Noviny Pod Ralskem, Okrouhlá U Nového Boru, Pertoltice Pod Ralskem, Skalka U Doks, Velký Valtinov, Vrchovany, Arnultovice, Žďár, Radeč, Beškov and Újezd.
For the wider travel overview: Liberec.
