Discover Ralsko

Ralsko amid rocks, forests and historical traces

Ralsko combines distinctive landscapes with unusual traces of the past. The Ralsko Nature Reserve is defined by the 696 m-high Ralsko peak. Its landscape includes rocks, scree areas and rubble forests, predominantly beech forests with a lush herb layer. Those who wish to combine nature experiences with culture during their stay will therefore find a wide range of different options for planning their days here.

The Vranovské skály are a particularly distinctive type of landscape. Designated a natural monument in 1993, the area covers 17.92 ha. The rock city, situated on a slope, consists of calcareous sandstone; its most significant rock is Juliina vyhlídka. The protected area of Děvín and Ostrý has a different character and covers 33.1 ha. This natural monument includes adits where several bat species spend the winter. The two areas therefore represent different aspects of nature: visible rock formations on the one hand and a protected habitat with a hidden refuge on the other.

Culture in Kuřívody and on the Rock

In Kuřívody stands the Church of Saint Gall, a single-nave Baroque building dating from 1733–1734. It was created by rebuilding an older Gothic church. It is particularly noteworthy that two layers of medieval wall paintings were discovered there in 2011. The older layer depicts a sky with stars and constellations in simple reddish-brown lines. The church therefore preserves not only its Baroque form, but also an older pictorial program that adds an art-historical discovery to the visit.

Another destination with a historical character is Stohánek. The remains of a castle built on an isolated rock have been preserved there. Access is via a steep staircase. This specific access situation is part of the decision to visit and distinguishes Stohánek from destinations where the landscape alone is the main attraction. In Kuřívody, the sandstone sculpture “Zapomenutý domov” also commemorates the villages that disappeared in Ralsko.

For initial orientation on site, the information centre of the town of Ralsko is located in a historically significant building of the former vicarage on the grounds of a church. The building’s former character is part of its history and does not indicate any current use outside the information centre.

Experience Ralsko by Bicycle

Cyclists will also find a clearly described option for planning their own day. The educational trail “BITVY 1866 U KUŘÍVOD A MNICHOVA HRADIŠTĚ” is suitable for cyclists. In addition, cycle route No. 7 is a good option as a circular route: it is 27.1 km long, suitable for trekking bikes and mountain bikes, and starts and ends in Kuřívody. This allows you to distinguish between a themed educational trail and a defined circular route without treating the two options as identical in content.

When looking for accommodation, you can therefore choose the focus of your stay: rocks and protected landscapes, historical traces in Kuřívody, or a cycling tour starting and ending in Kuřívody. Ralsko is particularly suitable as a search destination if you do not want to consider nature, culture and active excursions as separate trips.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare Ralsko with additional destination pages, you can find Provodín, Polevsko, Stráz Pod Ralskem, Tuhan, Horní Libchava, Újezd, Radvanec and Holany here.

For the overarching travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.