In Mai is just beautiful, but some places are even more special. For example deciduous forest, befor the leaves will grow and make it dark. During the spring deciduous forest is full of flowers and very small fresh green leaves on the trees...so fresh and alive! Near Rumpal the forest is mature (protected area) with many deciduous trees and is amazing in Mai. On the top are small rocks - good for climb also with kids and a view on the part of the landscape below.
On a high rock, in a bend of the river, there are ruins of a medieval castle: Gutštejn. An improvised bridge made of fallen trees runs across the river. Around the forest. A place for a bonfire in the ruins. Fanatastic scenario for a joint sitting by the fire and crazy running around the land for children.
It was interesting to see how people lived before, squeezing linseed oil. What the sawmill looked like, etc. There is also a picnic area inside - it is worth taking something to eat and drink with you because the area is large and you will need some rest during your stay.
Very easy nice route, perfect for sledges and small kids (going on the sledges if they do not want to walk). We want to Železná Ruda (Pancíř) by train and from Brcalnik by train back. On the way are beautiful views (again we were lucky to see Alps from Pancir), restaurant on Pancir and water springs on the way from Mustek to Brcalnik.
Třemšín is the peak in the southern part of the Central Bohemian Mountains Brdy. With a height of 827 m above sea level, it is the highest point of southern Brdy. Despite its dominating height, view is limited because the peak is covered with the trees. There is plan to build the tower for tourists there. Still the walk is nice, on the top is fireplace and the ruins of an old castle. On the way back we found an apple trees growing inside the forest. Still with apples in the end of December. Peak is also possible to reach with a terrain pram.
In Kunsterspring you can spend a nice day with all day nature experience.
Kochquelle. The all valley in Kunsterspring is full of springs. The most insteresting from them is Kochquelle (Boiling spring). The temperature of the water is 8 degrees Celsius in winter and summer. The name is coming from its outlook which is like in boiling t pot. The water is very clean at offers a living space for sensitives crampons. The path in the valley is not suitable for bicycles but we made it with pram (terrain one).
Smokehouse. Near the entrance to the valley is a smokehouse with fishes from own farm. Opened every day 9-17. Tasty place for lunch.
Zoo. On the other side to the entrance to the valley is a local zoo. I liked it because it is place with mainly native species typical for our climate - a bit like a farm but animals are not kept as food but as a pets.
At the foot of the mountains, at the joining of two streams, among meadows and forests...there is a tripoint: Czech - Polish - German. Nice place for the walk and breath of history.
Polish and Czech side are connected by the bridge, to Germany you have to go throughout the river, or walk to Bogatynia along the river to the first bridge (1-2km).
At this symbolic place, every year there are popular celebrations, the Ecumenical Worship, in June the villa of Nisa swim here on the river and in December the inhabitants send a message in a bottle, throwing it to the water to the tripoint.
Ramala Bay means in local language The Red Sandy Beach. And really the beach is different from all other in Gozo and Malta. The sand has a gold color - the color worth of nymph Calypso which lived, according to the tradition, in the cave above the beach. The nymph Calypso is known from The Odyssey by Homer. Odysseus was slaved by her for 7 year in this cave before he resumed his journey.
It lakes about 15 minutes to walk up to the hill with entrance to the cave. Calypso Cave is in fact a series of caves and, according to some, these extend right down to the sea. Unfortunately we were not allowed to enter to the cave as it is dangerous because of the geological movements. Still, it is worth to walk up to the entrance as there is beautiful view to the golden Calypso bay.
A fantastic panorama on the Havel land, with the silhouette of Berlin, waits for the visitors of the viewing platform on the Gotzer Berg (109m high). To the top lead paths from all the side, through the forest. The direction signs on the platform inform about the cities and places near and far. The platform has high of 42m.
In the areas in the basin of the river Spree on the North of Cottbus was established nature reserve. In an artificial way the industrialized river is made natural again np. bend in the river are build. In the same time the area is prepared for tourists and offers a nice picnic place and cycling/walking roads.
To the observation tower on Smrk (1,124 m) we walked from Świeradów Zdrój. All hiking to the top and back took us 5h. In the easier variant it is recommendable to take gondola lift in Świeradów Zdrój Ski&Sun and walk to Smrk from the upper station of Gondola. (2,5 km from station to the pick). On the way back in the winter we had a great sledges ride. From the tower on Smrk is beautiful view 360 degrees on Jizera Mountains, Giant Mountains (Krkonoše) and Polish lowland areas.
From the Špičácké sedlo (with big parking) leads the path to the top of Pancir (Horská Chata Pancíř) where you can get rest in the restaurant. By the good weather you can by lucky to see the Alps. The road is fully suitable for prams.
Krkavec ia a pick and tower with view on Pilsen. Nice walk through the forest. More touristic paths that lead to the top are suitable also for the pram/buggy. It is worth to check opening hours of the tower to make sure it is open. We had also the chance to buy sausages in the bar and roast on the fire. Very nice atmosphere.
To Havran we walked following blue touristic path starting in Gehenhammer from Gehenhammer Mühle. On the way visiting the ruins of the castle build by Chodove in XIV century called castle Schellenberg (Burg/Hrad Schellenberg). The details of the path can be checked here. It is walk full of the beautiful scenery, especially in the fall when the forests are full of the colors.
Hazmburk is a scenic peak with the ruins of the Gothic castle. Short and nice walk. In the season castle is open for the tourists and you can go to the top of the white tower.
It is a wonder that Magdeburg is so pretty today. It was completely destroyed in the past (in 1631, in 1943 - 1945) but still people rebuild it. Today it is nice city full of different styles and well maintained. Very nice place for a walk around the city centre or along the Elberadweg which cresses the city in two alternative paths.
