Mountain biking, rock climbing, river canoeing, horseback riding, team building and high–rope courses are just a few examples of the outdoor adventure that await in nature areas of the Czech Republic – country so rich in both cultural and natural history. Nothing plunges you into the world of nature like active travel. While mountain biking or paddling, you experience life instead of being a spectator. The dramatic natural features or timeless Bohemian countryside will never be viewed the same, once you use them to navigate your way, to climb a rock there or have an open–air barbecue party. Why not adding some outdoor adventure to your Czech travel plans?
Bohemian Paradise Nature Park
Few places in Central Europe can claim to be truly unique, but Bohemian Paradise, with its rock labyrinths, wooded valleys, bizarre sandstone formations, maze of cool glens and remarkable collection of castles & chateaux certainly earns that right. Equally popular with outdoor enthusiasts and holiday makers, the area has a lot to explore. Apart from a full range of outdoor activities, there are centuries old tradition of glass and jewellery making, historical sights, interesting towns with entertainment and shopping centres. The Park Ceský Ráj is situated in the north–east part of the Czech Republic among the towns Mladá Boleslav, Jicín and Liberec. Turnov, the centre of the area, can be reached from Prague within 80 minute's coach drive.
Prague Woodland – green belt south of the Czech capital
With its charming historic sights and captivating natural beauty, this wooded upland framed by Sazava and Berounka rivers has attracted nature–lovers and inspired artists for centuries. Nowadays, this area makes a welcome retreat for fresh–air–thirsty Prague inhabitants all year round. Team orienteering around Konopiste Chateau? Paddling your canoe through spectacular canyon of Sazava River? Mountain biking trip to Karlstejn Castle? Or some first–class rock climbing with Prague towers in sight? Situated just at the city doorstep, this area is a natural choice for any sort of short activity breaks.
Krkonose Mountains National Park
Called Giant Mountains in English (or Riesengebirge in German), this mountain range is indeed the country’s giant, topped by Snezka Mountain – with its 1602 m the highest Czech peak. Three sizeable rivers rise here, most notably the mighty Elbe (Labe in Czech). Krkonose are the Czech most popular mountains, particularly for downhill skiing. Well developed are winter resorts Spindleruv Mlýn, Harrachov and Pec, with plenty of ski lifts, hotels, restaurants and bars. Rising abruptly above these towns is a broad mountain plateau – a completely different world elevated to an altitude of 1000 – 1400 m. Here, with the ancient power of glaciers, nature has sculpted high–altitude flatland full of wildflower meadows, mysterious peat bog lakes and thundering waterfalls. The National Park protect more than 360 square kilometres of mountain nature, including one of the largest ecosystems of mountain tundra in Central Europe. Explore it with hiking boots or pedalling the mountain bike! Krkonose resort towns are great venue for an activity get–a–way. It might be a school trip, conference or a company convention with an adventure touch.