Mladoboleslavsko

Cycle route: Libošovice – Trosky – Libošovice (18 km)
Start/end: Libošovice or Sobotka
Length: 18 km (or 30 km if starting from Sobotka)

Route:

Libošovice – Pleskotský mlýn (2.5 km) – Věžák (5 km) – Želejov (7 km) – Troskovice (8.5 km) – Trosky Castle turnoff (9.5 km) – Dolní mlýn (13.5 km) – Podhůra (15 km) – Libošovice (18 km)

Extended route (+12 km): Sobotka – Osek (2 km) – Vesec (3.5 km) – Semtínská lípa (4.5 km) – Libošovice (6 km)

Sights:

Věžické údolí (Věžice valley) is a part of the Podtrosecká valleys nature reserve formed by a series of lakes, wetlands and wet grasslands in canyon-like valleys lined with rock formations. It provides an outstanding habitat for a vast number of plants and animals. Věžický rybník (Věžice pond) is 6 hectares in size and has a unique shore with rock towers emerging from the water and reflecting in the surface. Inspired by the setting, many filmmakers have shot fairytale films and romantic scenes there.

The ruins of Trosky Castle are a dominant symbol of Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise). The original Gothic castle was developed on two basalt volcanic necks by Čeněk of Vartenberg between 1380 and 1390. The higher tower (59 m) is named Panna (Virgin), while the smaller tower (49 m) is named Baba (Old woman). The bailey between the two towers was originally built up with residential buildings. For several years during the Hussite wars the castle was occupied by bandits. The Thirty Year's War left the castle completely desolate. You can climb to the observation tower (built in the 19th century) or walk up the staircase to the Baba tower and enjoy the stunning view of Bohemian Paradise in all directions.

Sobotka is known as the "South Gate to Bohemian Paradise". It is a tourist centre with a distinct history and cultural tradition. It is the venue of various festivals such as Šrámkova Sobotka, the Festival of Czech Language and Literature, and the Sobotka Fair and Festival of Art and Crafts. The town is an urban conservation area with preserved vernacular architecture (Šolcův statek, Gansův dům, etc.), neoclassical and functionalist architecture, a town square that is valuable from the urban planning perspective (e.g. Fráňa Šrámek’s birthplace and museum), the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, a cemetery where famous Sobotka natives including the poets Fráňa Šrámek and Václav Šolc are buried. The cemetery is overlooked by the Humprecht Chateau built in the 17th century. The town also has a public outdoor swimming pool located nearby the chateau.