Doksy: Máchovo jezero, nature trails and culture

Doksy offers a varied mix of water activities, protected nature and culture. You can discover historical sites in the town, explore the wetlands of the Swamp National Nature Monument or choose between two educational trails of different lengths. Regata Máchovo jezero offers boat trips on Máchovo jezero.

Castle, museum and regional history

Doksy Castle is located in the town centre, northwest and below Náměstí Republiky. The castle houses the Muzeum Čtyřlístek. In June 2020, a tour about the Valdštejn family with multimedia elements was also opened there. The castle therefore presents historical themes in different forms: the museum and the tour each focus on distinct aspects within the same site.

The K. H. Mácha Memorial presents the life and work of the Romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha, as well as his relationship with the region that inspired him to write the poem Máj. The memorial also includes an exhibition on fishing and fishpond management in the Česká Lípa region. Another testament to the town’s history is Hospitálek: the oldest surviving building in Doksy is a two-storey former timber-framed hospital built in 1669.

Swamp: wetlands, water areas and nature trail

The Swamp National Nature Monument in Doksy protects wetlands with numerous water areas. It provides a habitat for rare and endangered plant and animal species. Among other things, the protected area preserves populations of hrotnosemenka hnědá (Rhynchospora fusca) and white water lily (Nymphaea candida).

The SWAMP nature trail provides information about protected and critically endangered animals and plants, as well as about the fishpond management of Máchovo jezero, which forms part of the SWAMP NNM. Six information boards also focus on environmental protection at Máchovo jezero. Along the way, you will therefore gain not only an insight into the landscape, but also into the distinctive features of its plant life and regional fishpond management.

Two nature trails for different day plans

The Swamp nature trail is a 15 km route from Doksy via Břehyň and back to Doksy, suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. The 13 km, easy nature trail Se Čtyřlístkem okolo Blaťáku is a hiking route that begins on Kuřivodská Street in Doksy. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in their stated use: the Swamp route is described as suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, while the shorter route is designated as an easy hiking trail. For planning your day, this combination offers a practical choice: the 13 km route is easy and shorter than the 15 km loop. The intended use also differs: one trail is a hiking route, while the other is explicitly suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. This allows you to choose between a shorter hike and a longer route on foot or by bike.

More places to include in your travel plans

If you would like to consider places besides Doksy, you can find Svor, Polevsko, Radeč, Velenice U Zákup, Dubnice Pod Ralskem, Žandov, Marenice and Žďár here as well.

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