Cesky Raj: Paradise between nature, trails and local history

Ráj lies in the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area and brings together a riverside landscape, trails and local history within a compact area. The Pšovka, traditional folk architecture, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and several memorial sites represent different aspects of the place. Ráj therefore combines different dimensions: the course of a stream, an elongated valley, hiking and cycling trails, and individual points of local history. This combination allows nature and cultural themes to stand side by side within the same travel area. Those wishing to combine nature, activity and cultural discoveries will find specific destinations here for different parts of the day. Between the stream, the protected valley and historical points of reference, Ráj can be explored as a diverse small travel area.

Between the Protected Area and the Riverside Landscape

The Pšovka stream flows from Konrádovský důl northwards to Ráj, passes beneath a road bridge there and continues through Kokořínský důl. The Kokořínský důl Nature Reserve was designated in 1953, covers 2,097 hectares and lies within the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area. The canyon-like Kokořínský důl valley stretches for 14 km from the crossroads known as Ráj to the Lhotka u Mělníka railway stop. The landscape area therefore extends well beyond the immediate vicinity of the village. Its area and length describe two different scales of the same protected area. For walks and excursions, sections along the water, in the valley and around Ráj can therefore be combined.

Hiking Trails and Cycling Route

Two hiking trails pass through Ráj and differ in their connections. Hiking trail 6095 leads from Nad Studáneckou roklí via Ráj to Střezivojovice. Hiking trail 0004, the Máchova cesta, leads from Mělník via Lhotka, Harasov and Ráj to Houska. The different starting and ending points make it possible to choose the trails according to the desired direction and planned scope of the excursion. For cycling plans, cycle route 143 also starts in Ráj and leads via Nosálov to Březovice. Thus, Ráj is an intermediate stop on several hiking trail connections, while the cycling route begins here.

Chapel, Folk Architecture and Memorial Sites

The village itself also offers several specific points of interest. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Ráj was rebuilt in 2006 after the original chapel collapsed in 1998. The chapel’s timeline adds a clear historical turning point to these spatial impressions. The collapse in 1998 and the reconstruction in 2006 belong to different phases in the village’s appearance. Together with the traditional folk architecture, they create a cultural connection between the natural environment and local history. Ráj has several recreational buildings featuring examples of traditional folk architecture. The Památná lávka Memorial Footbridge crosses the Pšovka River in Ráj, thereby linking a memorial site with the watercourse. On the hill above Ráj, an old memorial beech tree stands near the hamlet of Na Víně. After walks in the surrounding area, the "V Ráji" restaurant offers an opportunity to stop for refreshments. The chapel, buildings, bridge and tree each create their own focal point within the village.

Further Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to extend your research to other places, you can find them here: Nebužely, Mšeno, Tuhaň, Tišice, Dobřeň, Všestudy, Postřižín.

To the higher-level travel overview: Mělník District.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for your travel planning:

Castle in Cesky Krumlov - City trips in the Czech Republic.