Dubá: Hop Kiln, Culture and Trails in Kokořínsko

Dubá combines a varied landscape with striking evidence of urban and craft history. Its location on the edge of the Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area makes the town a starting point for nature experiences and excursions, while hop kilns, church architecture and cellars carved into the rock reveal a distinctive cultural side.

Landscape in Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj

Dubá is surrounded by forests and gorges between sandstone cliffs. The Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area combines forests, meadows and pastures with rare animal and plant species, cultural monuments and a unique landscape character. Those who wish to combine nature and culture will find different starting points here for planning their trip without having to limit themselves to just one type of experience.

Trails with different focuses

Masarykovo náměstí in Dubá is a starting point for excursions. The Hradská stezka begins in Dubá and leads past the Čap rock outcrop via Zámecký vrch and Dřevčice to Chudý hrádek, then continues into the basin of the Holanské rybníky ponds. Another connection is provided by the Prokopská spojka: It connects the Mlýnská stezka with Dubá via a well-known statue and the Sušárna chmele hop kiln. This allows you to choose between a longer sequence of different landscape and cultural sites and a route with a clear orientation around specific locations when planning your activities.

Hop-growing history and historic townscapes

The Sušárna chmele in Dubá is a nationally significant technical monument. At the height of hop growing, six such hop kilns were documented in Dubá; the Sušárna chmele is the only one that has survived in its original condition. Following the renovation of the floors, the building can be safely visited. It therefore provides a tangible testimony to the region’s hop-growing history alongside the trails leading through Dubá and its surroundings.

The town panorama of Dubá is dominated by a church. Kostel Nalezení svatého Kříže in Dubá is a protected architectural monument from the 18th century; construction work lasted from 1744 to 1760. The church has a unified Rococo interior dating from around 1755, created by the workshops of František Adámek and Jan Chládek. On Dubá’s square, the Baroque column Sloup Nejsvětější Trojice from 1726 commemorates a plague epidemic and a town fire. Its sculptural ensemble depicts the Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary.

Dubá’s historic buildings also include the Skalní sklípky carved into the rock. They document the creative use of the natural conditions. An English park with numerous valuable trees and a swimming pool adjoins Nový Berštejn Castle.

More destinations to research

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Dubá, you can also find Provodín, Horní Libchava, Beškov, Jestřebí U České Lípy, Hamr Na Jezeře, Prachen, Sloup V Čechách and Žandov.

For the overarching travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.