Bezděz – Castle, Nature and Trails

Bezděz combines an impressive castle history with protected landscapes and diverse trails. Between the castle, church, nature reserve and signposted routes, there are various ways to explore the area – from a cultural tour to a longer hike or bike ride.

Castle History and Special Interiors

Bezděz Castle was founded in 1264 by King Přemysl Otakar II. Its history also includes a dramatic event: In January 1279, Václav and Queen Kunhuta were brought to Bezděz Castle as prisoners. The basic self-guided tour includes the castle chapel, the Royal Palace, the Burgrave's Palace and the bailiff's courtyard in the second castle courtyard. The medieval foundation, the event of 1279 and the interiors connect architectural history with the history of rule.

The parish church of Bezděz also offers an independent cultural point of interest. It houses a copy of the Black Madonna of Montserrat. The Church of St. Giles is also worth visiting for its high altar: The Rococo altar architecture, with an image of Saint Giles as well as rich sculptural and figurative decoration, is considered a valuable example of craftsmanship from the third quarter of the 18th century.

Velký and Malý Bezděz

The Velký and Malý Bezděz National Nature Reserve is a geomorphologically unique complex of two volcanic peaks composed of sodalite phonolite. It includes natural forests and rocky steppe communities that provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the alpine longhorn beetle (Rosalia alpina). The two volcanic peaks account for the reserve's distinctive geological character, while the forests and rocky steppes shape its habitats in different ways.

The stony, rocky path to Bezděz Castle leads through the Velký and Malý Bezděz National Nature Reserve. Cycling is prohibited in the reserve. Those traveling on foot can also choose a classic red hiking route that leads from Bělá pod Bezdězem to Bezděz Castle over 13 km. From the junction near the castle, the so-called Máchova stezka leads toward Houska Castle over 10 km. The different trail lengths help distinguish short landscape impressions from longer hikes.

Routes for Longer Excursions

There is also a main cycling connection: Cycle Route 0060 runs via Bělá pod Bezdězem, Plužná, Březinka and Valdštejnsko to Bezděz and is listed as 19 km long. In the immediate vicinity, a picturesque path approximately 200 m long also leads to a nearby gorge with sandstone formations.

Orientation Before Your Stay

Bezděz has had a tourist information centre in operation since 2007. Visitors can obtain maps, promotional materials and other information services about the town and castle there. Visitors to Bezděz Castle arriving by car can park directly in Bezděz; there are two car parks in the town.

Other Places at This Level

If you would like to compare other places, you can find Horní Police, Böhmisch Leipa, Bohatice U Zákup, Dubnice Pod Ralskem, Stráz Pod Ralskem, Pertoltice Pod Ralskem, Žandov and Nový Oldřichov here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.