Discover Stružnice: Ploučnice, Nature and History

Stružnice lies on the Ploučnice and combines a vibrant water theme with protected wetlands and historic traces. The annual Stružnická Peřej brings a traditional whitewater slalom race to the rapid by the mill on the Ploučnice. At the same time, the character of the town ranges from tranquil ponds and fragments of floodplain forest to the remains of a former water castle. The sporting water route, shallow ponds and historic remains each offer different focal points for exploration. Stružnice is therefore suitable as a starting point for combining the natural and cultural highlights of North Bohemia in a single trip.

Water and Whitewater on the Ploučnice

The Stružnická Peřej route combines calm water with rapids of difficulty WW 1–2. Every year, a traditional whitewater slalom race takes place at the rapid by the mill on the Ploučnice. The annual event represents a recurring tradition, while WW 1–2 classifies the difficulty of the rapids. The calm and fast-flowing sections belong to the same waterscape. The event connects the river landscape with a recurring sporting tradition.

Ponds, Protected Areas and Floodplain Forests

The Stružnické rybníky are among the most distinctive natural areas. The area is designated as a Natura 2000 site and comprises shallow ponds heavily overgrown with aquatic plants. The shallow ponds rich in aquatic vegetation clearly differ from the fragments of floodplain forest in the Dolní Ploučnice protected area. The wetland and aquatic biotopes are home primarily to a population of fire-bellied toads, whose scientific name is Bombina bombina.

The Dolní Ploučnice protected area also extends across Stružnice and Jezvé. It serves to protect the fire-bellied toad. Fragments of floodplain forests form part of this area's landscape, including streamside floodplain forests, ash-alder floodplain forests and wet alder forests. Another protected feature is Lípa u Stružnice, a protected individual tree that was first designated on 9 December 2011.

Historic Traces in the Town

Stružnice was first mentioned in written sources in 1281, specifically in the epithet of the nobleman Záviš of Stružnice. Historically, three estates existed along the Ploučnice, known as the Upper Estate, Middle Estate and Lower Estate. The town's history thus includes both a specific medieval mention and a historical division along the Ploučnice.

Distinctive earthworks and two Gothic cellars remain from the former water castle of Stružnice. The former water castle lies completely outside marked hiking trails.

Cycle Route and Railway Line

Cycle Route No. 211 runs through Stružnice. The railway line from Benešov nad Ploučnicí to Česká Lípa also passes through the town. The two transport links are clearly distinct: the cycle route bears the number 211, while the railway line connects Benešov nad Ploučnicí with Česká Lípa. The cycle route and railway line thus represent two different forms of transport within the town.

Other destinations in this selection include Prachen, Velký Valtinov, Holany, Prysk, Brniště, Skalka U Doks, Marenice and Provodín.

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