Ploučnice Cycle Path

A journey along the Ploučnice Cycle Route can symbolically begin at the sources of the river below the Ještěd Ridge, in the landscape between Křižany, Osečná and Janův Důl. This is where the river begins its journey, gradually flowing through Podještědí, Máchův kraj and the Česká Lípa region before reaching Děčín. A stop at the sources of the Ploučnice is a reminder that even a long journey through the landscape can begin quietly – in the forest, among meadows and beneath the northern hills.

Vartenberk Castle stands in Stráž pod Ralskem, with a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. It reflects the changing story of the local landscape and the noble residences that once formed its natural landmarks. The castle can be visited on guided tours from Friday to Sunday, making it a pleasant cultural stop along the Ploučnice route.

One of the most striking stops along the route is the Ploučnice Gorge. Here, the river cuts between sandstone walls and disappears into an artificially carved tunnel that originally served as a water channel for a hammer mill. The place has a wild atmosphere, technical interest and a touch of mystery – exactly the kind of stop that makes it worth getting off your bike for a while.

In Česká Lípa, it is worth stopping at the Dubice Outdoor Swimming Pool and Recreation Area, which offers welcome refreshment and relaxation right along the route. The area is ideal for a summer break, a swim, refreshments or a quiet moment by the water before continuing your journey. A practical bonus for cyclists is the e-bike charging station, where you can recharge not only yourself, but your bike as well.

Benešov nad Ploučnicí is one of the most pleasant historic stops along the route. The local castle complex is a unique ensemble of Renaissance buildings, recalling a time when the town belonged to important noble families. The castle offers a break from the pace of cycling and a chance to look into the history of a region where the Ploučnice River naturally connects architecture, stories and the atmosphere of an old town.

The journey downstream along the Ploučnice ends in Děčín, where the river flows into the Elbe and where Děčín Castle rises above the confluence and the town. It is one of the city’s most important landmarks and a fitting finale to a trip that connects two regions, a river, nature and history. After your cycling trip, you can enjoy a walk through the castle grounds or simply take in the atmosphere of the place where the Ploučnice symbolically says goodbye to its journey.