Discover Prácheň: Basalt, Trails and Glassmaking Tradition

Basalt Formations and Viewpoints

Prácheň combines striking basalt landscapes with trails, viewpoints and a local history closely connected with glass. Panská skála is a national natural monument near Prácheň, close to Kamenický Šenov. The 597 m-high basalt hill lies in Zone II of the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. Its slender four- to six-sided basalt columns rise in places to heights of up to 15 m. Below Panská skála lies a small pond in a former quarry, fed by rainwater.

Vyhlídka is also a basalt hill, located on the edge of Prácheň. Another geological feature is Česká skála, a basalt formation in the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. From the Česká skála route, the view extends as far as Nový Bor and Česká Lípa. The surrounding area therefore brings together distinctive individual rock formations and far-reaching views.

Trails Around Prácheň

The 3-km trail to the Prácheň viewpoint starts and ends at the car park by Panská skála and leads through Prácheň to the Church of Saint Lawrence. The 3.5-km hiking route to Česká skála runs along the edge of Prácheň and reaches the basalt formation. For a longer outing, the 10-km On the Trail of the Railway circular route is available: it also starts and ends at the car park by Panská skála and leads back to Prácheň. The different trail lengths give you clear guidance when planning shorter walks or a more extensive circular route for your stay.

Church, Glass and Heritage Railway

The Church of Saint Lawrence in Prácheň dates from the 18th century. Construction began in 1771, and the bell tower was completed in 1853. Prácheň was formerly a glassmaking village and is now part of Kamenický Šenov, with its beautiful Upper Lusatian-style timber-framed houses. Bystro Design, a creative studio founded in 2005 focusing on automotive glass and product design, offers a modern perspective on the material. By prior arrangement, you can try glass grinding there, design your own piece of jewellery or create a unique relief from fused glass. A visit to Bystro Design provides insights into modern glass production.

On the private railway, you can travel by heritage train from Kamenický Šenov to Česká Kamenice and back from spring to autumn. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your stay primarily on the trails around Prácheň, the history of glass or a journey on the heritage railway.

More Places to Choose From

If you would like to select additional destinations besides Prácheň, you will find Novy Bor, Arnultovice, Kravaře V Čechách, Luka, Okna, Chotovice U Nového Boru, Újezd and Radeč here. A direct starting point for Novy Bor is also available: Novy Bor.

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