Czech Regions: Northwest Bohemia

Expect to be wowed by the extinct volcano peaks of the České středohoří Mountains, the lofty reaches of the Krušné Mountains, the rounded peaks of the Lužické and Jetřichovické Walls. The area around the Elbe also boasts some exquisite countryside including a narrow, canyon-like valley called the Porta Bohemica and the so-called Garden of Bohemia around Litoměřice and Žatec, where hops, grapes, fruit and vegetables have been grown for centuries. Thermal springs, whose waters possess curative properties, have given rise to the oldest of the Czech spas at Teplice and other spa towns. Other attractions include chateaux in Duchcov, Klášterec nad Ohří, Krásný Dvůr, Libochovice, Ploskovice and Velké Březno; conservation areas in Žatec, Kadaň, Litoměřice and Terezín are also well worth a visit.

Highlighted from the region:

Czech Switzerland National Park
The youngest of the Czech Republic´s national parks – for the time being – and one of the most remarkable locations of this kind in Europe. The weather over the centuries has created various rock formations – bridges, cornices, gates and towers – in a deep canyon on the River Elbe. The main attraction, and the symbol of the Czech Switzerland National Park, is a natural stone arch called the Pravčická Gate (see the top image).

Castles and chateaux
There are worthwhile castles and chateaux at Libochovice, Červený hrádek near Jirkov, Duchcov (forever associated with the bon vivant Casanova), Děčín with its Baroque Rose Garden, Jezeří, Krásný Dvůr with its large English park and follies, Budyně nad Ohří with its alchemyst´s workshop and Benešov nad Ploučnicí built in the Saxon Renaissance style. Then there are the ruins of Střekov castle in Ústí nad Labem, Krupka, Hasištejn and Tolštejn, and the replica of Hněvín castle above the town of Most where there´s a restaurant and viewing tower.