A passenger elevator dating from 1870, considered the oldest surviving elevator in the Czech Republic, is a distinctive feature of Zákupy Castle. There are also two differently designed gardens, historic buildings in the town and opportunities for hiking and cycling. When planning a trip, you can combine castle history, details of the town and outdoor activities.

Castle, Gardens and Former Stables

Zákupy Castle has a French garden with two-level terraces, balustrades, niches and caryatids, as well as an English park with an avenue, varied groups of trees and a pond with islands. The two garden styles offer contrasting features: terraces and architectural details define one, while the other is shaped by its avenue, groups of trees and water. Together, they showcase two distinct designs for castle gardens.

The castle houses the passenger elevator dating from 1870, considered the oldest surviving elevator in the Czech Republic. The restored former stables in the farmyard are also open to visitors. On the first floor is the “Zapomenuté zámky” exhibition, and a time-lapse documentary film is also shown. The castle’s offerings thus include both a technical feature and an exhibition and film.

Sculptures and Historic Bridges in the Town

The Baroque sculpture ensemble “Nejsvětější trojice” stands in Svobody Square. It dates from 1708 and is 14 metres high. Near the Capuchin monastery, the historic stone bridge “Kamenný most se sochami” connects the area at the eastern exit of Mírové Square. It dates from the early 18th century and is decorated with statues of Saint Blaise, Saint Procopius, Saint Cosmas, Saint Valentine, Saint Walburga and Saint Damian. The bridge and statues were reconstructed in 2015–2016.

Another historic stone bridge crosses the Svitava near the plague cemetery; it was built in 1849. The structures can be distinguished by their locations: the bridge near the Capuchin monastery is notable for its statues and its position by Mírové Square, while the other crosses the Svitava near the plague cemetery. Their dates also differ: the ensemble in Svobody Square dates from 1708, the bridge with statues from the early 18th century, and the bridge over the Svitava from 1849.

Hiking, Cycling and the Outdoor Swimming Pool

Kamenický vrch near Zákupy is one of the most interesting volcanic sites in North Bohemia. A hike that includes climbing the hill is about 6 km in total, including the return trip. This approximate total distance includes the return journey and can help you plan the route.

For a cycling option, the “Malý zákupský okruh” route starts at the square in Zákupy, passes the outdoor swimming pool and continues through Nové Zákupy. This gives you the starting point and route through several named places; surfaces and conditions may vary. Paddleboards are also available to rent at the outdoor swimming pool in Zákupy. The service is seasonal, so check before travelling whether it will be available on your travel dates.

Getting Your Bearings at the Outdoor Swimming Pool

There is on-site parking at the outdoor swimming pool. From the square in Zákupy, signs point to the pool via Mimoňská Street, about 500 metres away. This provides a specific point of reference for outdoor activities. When planning, you can choose between a hike with a stated total distance, a cycling route with a named itinerary, and the seasonal offering at the outdoor swimming pool.

Discover more destinations: Ždírec V Podbezdězí, Jestřebí U České Lípy, Tuhan, Česká Lípa, Ralsko, Radeč, Velký Valtinov, Krompach V Cechách

For the regional travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.