11 Exciting Tips for Exploring Under-Construction Homes and Hidden Trails on Foot and Bike
Have you checked out the Šluknov region, which is the northernmost section of the Czech Republic? You might find Kudy z nud’y and the series Na skok přes hranice intriguing! This time, our focus shifts to exploring the Czech border region and our German neighbors. Get your backpacks packed, prepare your bicycles, and brace yourself for a journey through a landscape where every village shares its own narrative and every hill carries its own legend. There are five cycling routes and various walking paths to enjoy, meandering through the Šluknov Spur, the Lusatian Mountains, and the Zittau Mountains nature park. Expect to encounter impressive houses, ridge trails, ruins, and castle parks—whether you’re biking or hiking. And at the end of your adventure, be ready to step outside the conventional, because true exploration transcends the lines on a map.
1. Route through the Lusatian Upland and the Bohemian Netherlands
Embark on a journey through the Bohemian Netherlands, aptly named for its enchanting scenery within the Šluknov Spur. Since the 19th century, tourists have flocked here in search of tranquility and beauty, which you can still uncover among the historicold houses, in charming villages, and along the banks of the Spree River. This path is a delight for those who enjoy the tales of old inns, the first lookout towers, and the fresh scent of pine forests. While part of Bohemian Switzerland, the Šluknov Spur is a well-kept insider secret. On the German side, a circular path leads through the lovely Upper Lusatian Uplands, where dreamlike hill ridges await, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or an energetic hike. Need a pit stop? Take a break in one of the quaint half-timbered villages, treat yourself to local pastries, and see how many different styles of half-timbered houses you can spot along the way.
Length 34.3 km, easy to moderate terrain, route Šluknov – Rožany – Sohland an der Spree – Schirgiswalde – Weifa – Steinigtwolmsdorf – Severní – Liščí – Šluknov
2. Karasek’s smuggling route
This story kicks off like an adventure yarn: Robbers, smugglers, and hidden treasures! But fret not; instead of peril, you’ll discover a serene countryside, blooming gardens, and charming thatched houses. You might start from Varnsdorf, letting the river Mandavy guide your way through a treasure trove. In Großschönau and Hainewalde, you’ll find lovingly restored houses and delightful surprises, including Kanitz-Kyaw Castle, which reminisces of the grandeur of Sanssouci Castle in Potsdam. The escort of smuggler Jan Karáska will lead you further to Seifhennersdorf, where you can relive ancient adventures at the Karasek the Robber Museum.
Length 26.1 km, easy to moderate difficulty, route Varnsdorf – Großschönau – Hainewalde – Spitzkunnersdorf – Leutersdorf – Seifhennersdorf – Varnsdorf
3. Trail along the sub-station houses
Grab your camera (and maybe some extra batteries), because you’ll have a lot to photograph here! The Great Circular Route celebrates vernacular architecture, showcasing an endless showcase of sub-state houses, picturesque villages, natural parks, and beautifully restored churches. This over seventy kilometers long route is perfect for splitting into segments; you can explore it over a long weekend. Choose a starting point in a town like Chřibská, Krásná Lípa, or Rumburk—each of these is easily reached by train.
So, what can you expect? A plethora of unique podcast houses found in Dlouhé Dole, a village that developed on the Kinský family estate in the early 18th century as an artisan settlement, and in Doubice. You’ll also pass extraordinarily well-preserved half-timbered houses in Herrenwalde and Großschönau; here you will discover The Museum of German Damask and Terrycloth featuring a demonstration workshop and a Textile nature trail. You can also cool off at the dam in Kyjov, which is freely accessible—just jump in and soak up the summer sun.
Length 72.3 km, medium difficulty, route Rumburk – Krásná Lípa – Dlouhý Důl – Vlčí Hora – Brtníky – Kopec – Kyjovské údolí, Tourist Bridge – Kyjov – Doubice – Rybniště – Jiřetín pod Jedlovou – Dolní Podluží – Herrenwalde – Großschönau – Varnsdorf – Seifhennersdorf – Rumburk
4. Lookout towers, hills and views
The hills and lookout towers along these cycling and walking routes provide vistas that will make you want to get off your bike and savor a cup of coffee. The oldest lookout tower is located on Wolf Mountain near Krásná Lípa, and others are found on Dymník near Rumburk and on Hrádek near Varnsdorf. For an excellent view, take a stroll on the Cross Route in Jiřetín pod Jedlovou; the tourist signs will guide you to the summit of Jedlová Hill, where a stunning stone lookout tower has stood since 1891. From its height, you can see sights like Ještěd, Bezděz Castle, Milešovka, and Děčínský Sněžník, all crowned with more lookout towers.
5. Lusatian Mountain Route
For adventure lovers who appreciate challenges and hills, here’s an exhilarating mountain ride! The Lusatian route will lead you right into the heart of the Zittauer Gebirge and the Lusatian Mountains, all the way to the peak of Hvozd (749 m above sea level). So prepare your legs; it will be a pedaling adventure! Jonsdorf, a charming spa town, serves as an ideal starting point, perhaps for a final coffee and cake. Along the way, enjoy the views of Krompach and the traditional half-timbered houses around each bend, perfect for stops and snapshots, and in Mařenice, a quaint church adds to its serene ambiance. The ride continues through the Malevil Resort and Golf Club in Heřmanice v Podještědí—who could say no to a mini-zoo or a delightful meal?
From Heřmanice, you can ascend the hill to Petrovice and cross into Germany, reaching Lückendorf, a lovely air spa nestled in the Zittauer Gebirge Nature Park. The highlight of this route is the ruins of Oybin Castle and its monastery, encircled by dramatic rock formations and reminiscent of a scene from a fairytale. Founded by Emperor Charles IV himself, these Gothic ruins are absolutely awe-inspiring. If time permits, enjoy a steam train ride on the narrow gauge railway from Oybin to Zittau—it’s like stepping back into your childhood.
Length 23.1 km, higher difficulty, route Lázně Jonsdorf – Krompach – Mařenice – Petrovice – Air Spa Lückendorf – Lázně Jonsdorf
6. The Royal Route
For cyclists seeking a blend of history, romance, and stunning nature, look no further than The Royal Route. This route starts in Hrádek nad Nisou, where you can explore the modern visitor center, known as the Gateway to the Tri-Country. It leads to Zittau, a former royal town established by King Přemysl Otakar II. Why not take a break here? Perhaps to marvel at the renowned Zittau Lenten Shrouds, a one-of-a-kind medieval treasure that is unlike any other. Alternatively, you can leisurely stroll through the delightful old town filled with quaint cafes and half-timbered buildings.
Swimmers can make a stop at Lake Olbersdorf, where you can cool off, relax on the sandy beach, or try your hand at paddleboarding. Traveling through the Lückendorf Air Spa is like flipping through a postcard collection—each house more beautiful than the last. In Petrovice, visit the local Church and feel the weight of history in every stone. Adventurous types can also take a small detour to Popova skala, a grand sandstone formation offering spectacular views. Finally, your journey concludes back at Hrádek nad Nisou, where you can unwind at Lake Kristýna with some ice cream—a perfect end to a royal adventure.
Length 35.4 km, medium difficulty, route Hrádek nad Nisou – Žitava – Oybin – Lückendorf – Petrovice – Hrádek nad Nisou
7. Špičák – up to the small big peak
Not everyone wants to ride a bike for miles. Sometimes, it’s just lovely to pick up your hiking poles, lace up your hiking boots, and enjoy a nice stroll on foot. There are countless trails in the Czech-Saxon border area that would take you a month to explore fully. However, we present two delightful routes that you absolutely must experience.
The first is a hike to the summit of Špičák, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views just outside Varnsdorf. Along the way, you’ll discover mysterious lakes, remnants of coal mining activities from the 19th century. At the top, you can find the ruins of old lookout towers, romantic rock formations, and breathtaking vistas of the Lusatian Mountains, including views of the Hrácek lookout tower, the Luž, Pěnkavčí vrch, and the prominent Růžovský vrch, a major feature of Bohemian Switzerland.
As a suggestion for staving off boredom: pack a thermos of coffee—a perfect picnic spot awaits you at the summit, showcasing a panorama impressive enough to rival Patagonia.
Length about 4 km, easier hike, route Varnsdorf – Špičák
8. Church trail from Lipová to Wehrsdorf
While the hike to Špičák is a quick and brisk jaunt, a stroll along the Church Trail offers a serene, meditative, and sacred journey. The Church Trail is a historic pathway that once connected Czech Lipová with German Wehrsdorf. This route was used by people on their way to mass and now invites you to wander through a peaceful landscape dotted with pastures, forests, and fields. In Lipová, you’re greeted by the beautiful Church of St. Simon and Jude, and in Wehrsdorf, discover the charming Holy Trinity Church.
The trail is marked with two colors: green in the Czech Republic and red in Germany. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic chapels, crosses, and even traditional half-timbered houses—so don’t forget to bring your camera. Want a change of pace? Take your time and meander along this trail; move slowly not just with your feet but also with your eyes and heart. This location feels like a mesmerizing slow-motion film.
Hike about 8 km, easy hike, route Lipová – Wehrsdorf
9. On foot in the hills and forests
Not feeling like biking? Slip into your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and head out. Among the many hiking trails, the most well-known include The Ridge Trail (Kammweg) and the Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail (Oberlausitzer Bergweg). The areas along the border are perfect not only for picnicking in nature but also for brief detours. For instance, you can explore the romantic ruins of Tolštejn Castle or visit the northernmost point of the Czech Republic, known in Bohemia and neighboring Saxony as Nordkap. This point is located on the Czech-German border, near border marker No. 2/41, in the area of the settlement of Severní. Not only is it the northernmost point in today’s Czech Republic, but it also served as the extremity of the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire until its dissolution in 1918. The easiest way to reach it is from Lobendava.
10. Other travel experiences
One unforgettable experience awaits you at the Loreto Chapel with an ambo in Rumburk. This three-hundred-year-old Marian pilgrimage site, located on the grounds of a former Capuchin monastery, remains a popular stop for pilgrims. The Baroque complex feels like an oasis of tranquility where time flows differently. Since 2014, the Loreto in Rumburk has been included as a stopping point on the international pilgrimage route Via Sacra, connecting various churches, monasteries, and other sacred sites across the German-Polish-Czech Triad.
A leap across the border
Explore with an open heart and pedal with joy! The Czech-Saxon border area will capture your heart with its perfect blend of nature, history, and wonderful relaxation. Whether you choose to ride a bicycle or lace up your hiking boots, a region rich in tales, hidden gems, and spectacular views awaits you. Cycling amidst thatched cottages, roaming across the border on foot, and lounging by the lakes all add to the experience. In summary, Sightseeing tours in search of our shared heritage are truly worthwhile, and at Which Way Out of Boredom, we assure you that one visit will undoubtedly leave you yearning for more.
