The Zittau Route of the international Way of St James brings pilgrims from Zittau through Northern Bohemia towards Mladá Boleslav and on to Prague. It offers a peaceful journey through a landscape where historic sites, small spiritual stops, folk architecture and views of the foothills naturally come together.
Grabštejn Castle is one of the most distinctive stops on the route from Zittau into the heart of Northern Bohemia. Rising above the valley of the Lusatian Neisse, it is a reminder that this landscape has long been a meeting point of routes, cultures and stories. Worth seeing is not only the castle itself, but also the Chapel of St Barbara, with its exceptional Renaissance decoration, one of the most valuable interiors in the whole complex.
This village, hidden in a valley below the Ještěd Ridge, attracts visitors with its timbered and half-timbered houses, the Church of St Christopher, a wooden bell tower and the Museum of Nativity Scenes, which reflects local tradition and the charm of handmade craft. Nearby stands the massive railway viaduct in Novina, a technical monument so strikingly set into the landscape that it has become one of the symbols of the area.
The Johannite Commandery in Český Dub is one of the most important historical traces along the Zittau Route. It recalls the time of medieval knightly orders, pilgrims and routes that connected this region with the wider European world. The preserved spaces of the commandery offer a unique glimpse into the deeper history of the region and give the journey another dimension – not only scenic, but also spiritual and cultural.
The Church of St James the Greater in Letařovice is a natural stop on the Way of St James already through its dedication. Set in a quiet rural landscape, it is a reminder that pilgrimage places do not have to be large or ornate to have a strong atmosphere. Stops like this give the Zittau Route its quiet rhythm – a moment to rest, breathe and feel that the journey continues.
Mnichovo Hradiště Castle is one of the most significant historic stops in the wider Jizera valley. The Baroque complex with its extensive garden recalls the world of noble residences, representation and major European stories. Visitors can join regular guided tours of the interiors, which introduce the life of the nobility as well as fascinating historical connections, including the famous legacy of Albrecht von Wallenstein.
