Krásná Lípa between Knitting History and Nature

If you are looking for a place where cultural history, landscapes and a variety of activities are all close together, Krásná Lípa is well worth considering as a destination. The town lies in a flat valley on the upper course of the Křinice, on the border between Bohemian Switzerland and the Lusatian Mountains. From the town square, paths lead to Kamenná Horka and Sněžná and onwards into quiet beech forests. This allows you to shape your stay around exploring the town, taking walks and enjoying nature.

Industrial and Cultural History in the Town

A special place to visit is the Schindlerova pletárna. The industrial knitting mill was founded in 1854, has been operating continuously to this day and is described as the last still-functioning industrial knitting mill in the Czech Republic. Guided tours present its textile tradition; advance reservations and prepayment of the admission fee are required to participate.

The town's history also includes the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, which was rebuilt in the mid-18th century, and the monumental staircase from the square, with statues and a large stone cross carved from a single stone. The Museum of Bohemian Switzerland is located in the oldest house in the town's cadastral area, built after 1729. It presents exhibitions on the history of tourism, as well as historical photographs of the town and its surroundings. At the House of Bohemian Switzerland, you can also visit the interactive exhibition “České Švýcarsko: život, tajemství, inspirace” and the panoramic projection featuring the film “Krajina tajemství”.

Parks, Viewpoints and Quiet Paths

The Krásná Lípa town park was created in 1888–1889 as a private park around the unique crypt of the industrialist Karl Dittrich's family. A nature trail runs through both parts of the town park, and the Oko pond can be reached on a walk there. The Cimrák pond, a recreational area, is also located directly next to Krásná Lípa. Basalt outcrops are visible in the Horky area, indicating the volcanic origin of Kamenná Horka.

In Kamenná Horka, well-preserved old cottages and half-timbered houses stand on the foothill meadows. The forest edges offer views of Krásná Lípa, the Lusatian Mountains with Jedlová, Vlčí hora and the forests of Bohemian Switzerland. The Kögler nature trail complements this landscape with 39 stations and explanations in Czech and German. Only sparse remains of Krásný Buk Castle survive on a wooded hill above the northern edge of the Křinice valley. The castle was captured and destroyed on 15 October 1339 and was never rebuilt afterwards.

Ideas for a Varied Stay

Plšíkova Garden includes a body of water, a pavilion, a butterfly meadow, a depiction of village life, a geological exhibition and other elements of environmental education. It is freely open to the public every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Bohemian Switzerland sports complex offers tennis courts, beach volleyball, mini-golf, a climbing wall, a children's playground and other leisure facilities. At the town square, you can work with chocolate yourself at the MANA Chocolate Workshop and then take your own creations, such as a lollipop, with you.

The events calendar also has its own highlights: Pohádkový les and Staročeský jarmark are held each year on the second Saturday in June. Bohemian Switzerland Day is celebrated each year on the first weekend of September with public accompanying events at the House of Bohemian Switzerland. Every August, the Sachsen Classic Rally takes place as a gathering of historic vehicles produced in the Czech Republic and abroad. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to focus your stay more on the town square and culture, on walks towards Kamenná Horka and Sněžná, or on nature and leisure activities.

Other Places in This Destination Overview

If you would like to compare additional destinations, you can also find Rybniště, Alt Ehrenberg, Dittersbach, Jiřetín Pod Jedlovou, Starý Šachov, Veselé, Kytlice and Hostice.

To the overarching travel overview: Okres Děčín.