Skalice u České Lípy brings together several different themes to explore: at Skalický vrch, the history of sandstone quarrying sits alongside a European protected area for bats. In the town, a monument and religious art point to different historical connections. The cycling routes also differ in their directions and connecting points. Depending on your interests, you can focus your stay more on nature, local history or cycling.
Sandstone and bat conservation
Over the past two centuries, sandstone quarrying at Skalický vrch has created an underground labyrinth with numerous chambers. Quarrying has also shaped local industrial history: the chambers give the use of sandstone a tangible, underground dimension. At the same time, the Skalický vrch area is registered as a European protected area for the presence and hibernation of bats. Two different perspectives therefore meet here: the history of human use and the protection of a habitat. Those interested in industrial heritage will find another way to explore the area alongside its natural features.
Art, remembrance and stone wayside shrines
Inside St. Anne’s Church is a Stations of the Cross cycle by local painter Josef Müller. A Stations of the Cross cycle arranges depictions of Jesus’ Passion in a sequence; the painter’s name and local origins also give the work a connection to the area’s art. The Vilém Sacher Memorial commemorates General Vilém Sacher’s forced stay in Skalice and was unveiled in 2014. Another form of cultural heritage is the Boží muka s reliéfy: Baroque stone wayside shrines dating from 1835, which were entered on the list of monuments in 1965. These three points of interest differ in form: religious paintings inside a church, a memorial to a specific historical episode, and stone wayside shrines. If you would like to visit these shrines, please check access locally.
Cycling routes and how to find your way
For cycling trips, the routes head in different directions. According to the municipal planning status as of September 2022, cycling route 3054 runs through the built-up area, from Okrouhlá in the north to Manušice in the south. Route 3062 crosses Skalice from east to west; from Pihel, it leads into the town centre via road III/26210. The two routes through the town therefore differ mainly in their orientation: 3054 follows a north–south direction, while 3062 crosses from east to west and also describes the approach from Pihel. Cycling route 211 touches the area at its southwestern end near Slunečná. You can connect to Skalice via route 3062 or by a local road from Farma Slunečná to Svobodná Ves. Routes may change; check the route before setting out on a specific trip.
Getting there by train
The September 2022 municipal land-use plan shows the regional railway line 080 along the western edge of the built-up area; rail services may change. Skalice u České Lípy railway station is about 1 km from the town centre. If you are planning a train journey, check current services, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Ralsko, Horní Police, Svojkov, Jestřebí U České Lípy, Hamr Na Jezeře, Nový Oldřichov, Žďár, Sosnová U České Lípy
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Česká Lípa.
