Slunečná brána, a large sandstone rock window in a small rock city, lies near Bynovec. A green-marked hiking trail leads from Bynovec to the sandstone formations. At the same time, the village’s history spans from an originally German clearing settlement, thought to have been founded in the 13th century, to the construction of the chateau around 1700.
Landscape and Trails
The entire municipality of Bynovec lies within the Labské pískovce Protected Landscape Area. The Čabel Nature Reserve is east of the village; Bynovec itself lies in the valley of the Bynovecký potok. These details describe different geographical contexts: the protected status of the municipality, the reserve’s location east of the village, and Bynovec’s position in the valley.
An approximately 10 km circular route leads from Bynovec via Slunečná brána to Děčín and back via Růžová vyhlídka. Check local conditions before setting out. The sandstone formations near Slunečná brána can also be reached from Bynovec via the green-marked hiking trail.
For a longer cycling route, an approximately 40 km trail leads from Děčín to Hřensko via Janov, Arnoltice and Bynovec, continuing as far as Slunečná brána. It is moderately difficult and requires a mountain bike. As surface conditions may change, check them before setting off. The two routes are therefore quite different: the circular route is a hike that returns to Bynovec, while the cycling route connects Děčín and Hřensko and requires a mountain bike.
To hike to Labská Stráň, first take bus 432 or 435 to Bynovec, then continue along the red-marked hiking trail. Check the timetable before travelling.
The Chateau’s History and Historic Sculptures
Bynovec Chateau was built around 1700 on the site of a former farmstead on the northern side of the village. The Baroque building was constructed between 1703 and 1709, probably at the behest of František Karel Clary-Aldringen, as a single-wing summer residence. The historic chateau complex included a vaulted chapel and an ornamental garden with a fountain. An avenue approximately four kilometres long once led from the chateau to Belveder.
The life-size sandstone Pietà group dates from 1734 and now stands in Bynovec; it was previously located in a pine forest on the road to Růžová. The Calvary group is dated to 1764 based on the chronogram on its pedestal and the village chronicle. The Baroque sandstone sculpture of the Immaculata in the village centre is a cultural monument. According to a historical description, a plaque that no longer exists recorded that it was erected in honour of the Virgin Mary on 6 October 1724.
The Boží muka wayside shrine also bears a date: 1812 is engraved on its lower section. The so-called stone crosses on the district road from Bynovec to Růžová, built in 1923, date from 1778. Together with the history of the chateau, these dates show that Bynovec is shaped not only by its location but also by traces of different historical periods.
Discover more destinations: Nová Chribská, Malá Veleň, Lobendava, Studanka U Varnsdorf, Líska, Dolní Podluží, Nové Hrabecí, Starý Šachov.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Děčín.
