Krásná Lípa lies in a flat valley along the upper reaches of the Křinice, on the border between Bohemian Switzerland and the Lusatian Mountains. The town’s history includes an industrial knitting mill that has operated continuously since 1854, churches and parks, and exhibitions about the region. When planning a stay, visitors can choose from a range of interests: textile traditions and culture, a stroll in the town park, or walks to Kamenná Horka and Sněžná.

Textile Traditions, a Church and Exhibitions

The Schindlerova pletárna was founded in 1854 and is described as the last still-operating industrial knitting mill in the Czech Republic. Guided tours introduce visitors to its textile traditions. Tours are offered seasonally; advance booking and prepayment of the admission fee are required. Check before travelling whether a tour is available.

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene was rebuilt in the mid-18th century. A monumental staircase with statues leads up to it from the square; one of its distinctive details is a large stone cross carved from a single stone. The Museum of Bohemian Switzerland is housed in the oldest building in the town’s cadastral area, built after 1729. Its exhibitions cover the history of tourism and display historical photographs of the town and its surroundings.

The House of Bohemian Switzerland also features the interactive exhibition “České Švýcarsko: život, tajemství, inspirace” and a panoramic projection of the film “Krajina tajemství”. These exhibitions on local and regional history are complemented by an interactive way to experience the landscape.

Town Park and Walks to Kamenná Horka

The town park was laid out in 1888–1889 as a private park around the mausoleum of the industrialist Karl Dittrich’s family. A nature trail runs through both sections of the park. The Oko pond can also be reached on a stroll through the park, making it possible to combine the park’s history with a walk by the water.

Paths from the town square lead to Kamenná Horka and Sněžná and onward into quiet beech forests. In Kamenná Horka, well-preserved old cottages and half-timbered houses stand in the foothill meadows. The forest edges offer views of Krásná Lípa, the Lusatian Mountains with Jedlová, Vlčí hora, and the forests of Bohemian Switzerland. The Kögler Cross there dates from 1792. Its double-sided design presents the same face towards the road and the house. Basalt deposits are visible in the Horky area, indicating the volcanic origins of Kamenná Horka.

The Kögler Nature Trail is another way to explore the area: it has 39 stations with explanations in Czech and German. The sparse remains of Krásný Buk Castle lie on a wooded hill above the northern edge of the Křinice Valley. The castle was captured and destroyed on 15 October 1339 and was never rebuilt.

Gardens, Leisure and Events Throughout the Year

Plšíkova Garden combines a pond and pavilion with a butterfly meadow, a display about village life, and a geological exhibition. Other features support environmental education. The garden is open to the public free of charge every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; check the access information again before travelling.

At the MANA chocolate workshop on the town square, visitors can work with chocolate themselves and take their own creations home afterwards, such as a lollipop. As booking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them in advance. The Bohemian Switzerland sports complex offers tennis courts, beach volleyball, mini golf, a climbing wall, a children’s playground, and other leisure facilities. The Cimrák pond is a recreational area right next to Krásná Lípa.

Events take place throughout the year: Pohádkový les and Staročeský jarmark are held on the second Saturday in June. Bohemian Switzerland Day is celebrated on the first weekend in September, with public events at the House of Bohemian Switzerland. Every August, the Sachsen Classic Rally brings together a selection of historic vehicles made in the Czech Republic and abroad. Check the exact event dates and programmes for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Nová Chribská, Krasne Pole, Alt Ehrenberg, Dobrná, Jiřetín Pod Jedlovou, Rybniště, Vlci Hora, Valkeřice.

For the regional travel overview: Děčín District.