Starý Šachov: Ploučnice, cycle path and protected areas

Starý Šachov lies in the Ploučnice valley at an elevation of 235 m. The river runs through the village and is an important natural feature of the entire area. The municipality includes the cadastral areas of Starý Šachov and Malý Šachov. This makes the village a specific starting point if you would like to combine nature, cycling and regional discoveries.

Landscape between the river and protected areas

Starý Šachov lies within the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. The Dolní Ploučnice Natura 2000 site also includes the cadastral area of Starý Šachov and is spatially connected with the village. The protected species and habitats include the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), salmon (Salmo salar) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).

The Kamenná hůra Nature Reserve is open to the public. The municipality of Starý Šachov is connected with the Kamenná hůra Nature Reserve; the cadastral areas concerned are Malý Šachov, Merboltice and Valkeřice. A marked hiking trail with views of the scree field runs through the reserve. The wooded massif of the 519 m-high Kamenec features extensive accumulations of coarse block scree. Kamenná hůra also protects basalt scree slopes, permanent ice holes, rare mosses, and plant and animal communities of the scree slopes and scree forests.

Cycling along the Ploučnice

The Cyklostezka Ploučnice cycle path No. 15 runs through Starý Šachov, connecting the Ústecký and Liberecký regions. A 43 km Cyklostezka Ploučnice cycle tour leads via Děčín, Malá Veleň, Benešov nad Ploučnicí, Starý Šachov, Dolní Police and Horní Police back to Děčín. The tour is moderately difficult and includes 455 m of elevation gain and 455 m of descent. The different details provide clear guidance when comparing shorter and longer cycling experiences for your travel planning. The route length and elevation figures help you assess the scale of the cycling tour for your own travel plans.

Rail connection and local traditions

Starý Šachov is connected to the Děčín–Benešov nad Ploučnicí–Česká Lípa railway line, providing links with the surrounding towns. Pálení čarodějnic is one of the local traditions. A programme involving a lantern procession was planned for 30 April 2026: at 5:30 p.m., the procession was scheduled to start at the shop and head to the sports field, where a witch bonfire was to be lit after 6:00 p.m. A Children’s Day was also announced for May 2026 at the sports field from 2 p.m., with horses, firefighters, quad bikes, other attractions and refreshments for children.

Choose Starý Šachov as your destination

The landscape around Starý Šachov offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and relaxation in nature. When choosing a place to stay, the Ploučnice, the marked hiking trail, the cycle path and the rail connection can each provide a different focus. This allows you to plan your trip around nature experiences, a cycling tour or excursions to the surrounding towns.

Discover more destinations

You can also explore other destinations at this level: Studanka U Varnsdorf, Tetschen-Bodenbach, Hostice, Dolní Poustevna, Mikulášovice, Blankartice, Velký Šenov and Varnsdorf.

To the higher-level travel overview: Děčín District.