Discover Český Dub: History, Landscape and Leisure

Český Dub combines impressive buildings with a romantic landscape and an ever-present view of the Ještěd Ridge. If you would like to combine cultural history, water and outdoor activities on your trip, you will find very different points of interest here: from a centuries-old tradition of the Order of St. John to a publicly accessible leisure area and winter sports opportunities in the surrounding area.

History in the Museum and Buildings

The Podještědské Museum was officially founded in autumn 1919 and opened to the public in 1921. Today, one of the museum’s independent exhibitions is the Český Dub Commandery of the Order of St. John. It was founded in 1237 together with the adjacent market settlement and opened to the public in 1993. There is an important distinction to note when planning a visit: tours of the Český Dub Commandery of the Order of St. John are only possible with a guide.

Among the oldest testimonies to the city’s history is the Romanesque Chapel of St. John the Baptist. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in northern Bohemia. The originally Gothic Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit was founded as a parish church before the mid-13th century and later also served as the convent church of the Order of St. John. This historical picture is complemented by the Renaissance town hall of Český Dub, completed in 1565. High gables and an octagonal corner tower with an onion dome and lantern define its described appearance. The partially preserved city walls are also among the city’s significant sights.

Architecture with Different Visiting Options

The later buildings also make their own distinctive contributions. The neoclassical family crypt of Franz von Schmitt, with its chapel, was built in 1872–73 according to plans by the Viennese architect Karl Tietze and is richly decorated with paintings, stucco and sculptures. Blaschkova Vila was built in 1880–81 as a representative residence and garden villa. In contrast, Schmittův Zámek is not currently open to the public. You should take these different access situations into account when planning your cultural discoveries.

Landscape, Water and Activities

Český Dub offers several documented opportunities for active days. The Krajem Karoliny Světlé tourist march has taken place annually since 1980. Swimming in the body of water at the publicly accessible leisure area in Český Dub is permitted at your own risk. There are also several ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails in the surrounding area. Depending on your travel plans, this allows you to combine historical sightseeing with time in the landscape and activities during different seasons.

Your choice of accommodation should match the focus you would like to give your days, without requiring a particular location or range of amenities.

You can find further destinations for your research under Doubi, Dolni Rasnice, Dlouhý Most, Chrastava, Oldřichov V Hájích, Janovice V Podještědí and Žďárek.

For the higher-level travel overview: Liberec District.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Castle in Český Krumlov – City Trips in the Czech Republic.