Rocky Landscapes and Wetlands
The Hruboskalsko Nature Reserve covers 219.2 hectares and extends across the cadastral areas of Hrubá Skála, Kacanovy, Karlovice and Turnov. It includes the central area of the Hruboskalské skalní město rock city. The distinctive rock groups Maják, Kapelník and Dračí skály give the landscape specific names that can help guide your exploration.
The Sedmihorské mokřady wetlands form a different natural environment. They lie in the floodplain of the Libuňka River, in the municipality of Karlovice-Sedmihorky in the Liberec Region. The area is considered exceptionally valuable biologically, ecologically and in terms of landscape. More than 120 bird species have been recorded there; further observation may increase this number. The Sedmihorky geological site is also designated as a geotourism attraction and an excursion site.
Hiking Trails and Cycling Routes
Lázně Sedmihorky is a starting point for hiking and cycling routes. The “Malý okruh Hruboskalskem – cesta rájem” (Small Hruboskalsko Circuit – Path Through Paradise) route provides a guide for a cycling circuit: it is 26.5 kilometres long and starts and finishes in Sedmihorky. The “Malý okruh Hruboskalskem” cycling circuit leads to Valdštejn Castle, viewpoints in the Hruboskalské skalní město rock city, the Bukovina Arboretum and Hrubá Skála Castle. When planning a specific trip, it is advisable to check local conditions for the route.
Hiking trails can also be distinguished by their direction. A blue-marked trail runs through Karlovice towards Kozákov and Sedmihorky, then continues to the Hruboskalské skalní město rock city. The Golden Trail of the Bohemian Paradise runs along its ridge trail; there are several viewpoints along the route, offering expansive views of the landscape. When choosing a trip, you can therefore focus on different things: a cycling circuit with a stated distance or hiking trails whose directions and viewpoints help you find your way.
Spa History and Historic Sites
The hydrotherapeutic spa Lázně Sedmihorky opened on 15 May 1842; its German name is Bad Wartenberg. In the second half of the 19th century, Lázně Sedmihorky developed into an important cultural and social centre. Prominent figures came for spa treatments and social visits. The monument to MUDr. Antonín Šlechta commemorates the founder of the spa: it features a realistic bronze bust on a massive granite plinth with small fountains at the sides. The monument was unveiled in 1890 and created by Josef Václav Myslbek.
Another historic landmark is the Church of St. George in Přáslavice. Founded in the 14th century, it is the only surviving remnant of the former medieval settlement of Přáslavice, which is listed as a district of Karlovice. In a niche carved into a boulder on the local road from the church to the centre of the village stands a statue of St. John of Nepomuk. It was made in 1763; the site is known as Přáslavice, a vanished village. A schedule of services at the church every third Saturday of the month at 3 p.m. has been recorded. Check whether this schedule is current before visiting.
The information centre for the CHKO Český ráj Protected Landscape Area is located in the Bukovina Arboretum, Sedmihorky 100, in Karlovice-Sedmihorky.
Discover more destinations: Morcinov, Jesenný, Libštát, Prikry, Stepanovice, Martinice V Krkonosich, Podmoklice, Loučky.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Semily.
