Tuřice on the Jizera: Cycling and Easter Tradition

Tuřice is a destination for travellers who want to combine riverside scenery, activity and local history. A cycle path from Prague towards Liberec passes through the town; by the Jizera, the riverside landscape and opportunities for paddling are the main attractions. A traditional Easter procession with rattles adds local customs to this active side of the area. The fortress that once stood by the settlement has not survived: its former site was destroyed. In Tuřice, historical traces and opportunities for active days come together.

Fortress, Monument and Easter Tradition

A fortress once stood by the settlement of Tuřice; it was first documented in 1194 through Zbraslav of Tuřice (“Zbraslaus de Turic”). The inheritance register of 1469 already describes it as abandoned. Its former site was in the area known as “Na poustkách” and was finally destroyed during the construction of the motorway towards Prague. The fortress itself is therefore not a surviving visitor attraction. In Hlavenec, close to Tuřice and Sobětuchy, there is a brown bear hunting monument to Charles VI, commissioned by Count Špork in 1725. The monument marks a different historical chapter: it is dedicated to Charles VI, while the fortress tradition marks Tuřice’s medieval history.

The traditional Easter procession with rattles is also part of local culture. The wooden rattling instruments replace the ringing of church bells; wheeled rattle carts are also part of the tradition. The custom is therefore defined not only by its connection to Easter, but also by its function and the distinctive form of its instruments.

The Jizera: Bridge and River Trip

The road bridge from Tuřice across the Jizera was built in 1924. There is a car park on the right bank by the bridge; above the bridge, a meadow is used as a starting point for a river trip. These are useful landmarks for a possible outing. Before setting off, check the parking situation and river conditions on site.

The lower Jizera has a sandy riverbed, playful rapids and green banks. Its appearance changes with the season and water level.

A river guide dated 18 May 2022 describes the stretch by Tuřice as navigable by canoe and kayak almost all year round; navigability depends on the seasonal water level. The same guide considers the stretch suitable for trips with children, provided the water conditions and the paddlers’ abilities are appropriate.

Cycling Route and Choosing Accommodation

A cycle path from Prague towards Liberec passes through Tuřice. When planning your trip, this offers a different kind of orientation from a river trip: the route gives you a direction, while paddling depends on the seasonal water level and the paddlers’ abilities. If you are looking for a hotel in Tuřice, you can use this choice as a starting point and decide which part of your stay you want to focus on.

Discover more destinations: Sovínky, Kochánky, Hrdlořezy, Předměřice Nad Jizerou, Čachovice, Kováň, Březovice, Lipník.

For the broader travel overview: Mladá Boleslav District.