This is a charming and romantic area with something for everyone, and a prime location for use as a base or starting point for visits to Prague. This is a landscape of memorable panoramas, rugged and weathered sandstone labyrinths, and an area known for the ancient art of glassmaking.

Make the first stop at Rip Mountain, which overlooks the fertile lowlands along the Labe (Elbe) River. According to old legend, ´forefather Czech´ arrived with the first Slavonic tribe; they climbed the mountain and as they looked down on the fantastic panorama he announced, "This will be our country forever." Today there is a unique and magnificent Romanesque rotunda on that spot. You can then continue via Litomerice, a historical royal town dating back to 1234, the centre of which is listed as a monument preservation area. It boasts an original Gothic town hall and many Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

In the Czech Mid-Mountains you will find a spectacular formation of heap-shaped and conical hills which are testament to the volcanic activity in Bohemia in the past. Enjoy the extraordinary views around the Labe (Elbe) River. The Czech Switzerland National Park will greatly appeal to nature lovers. This is the perfect choice for hikers and cyclists, and offers a romantic ambience for those partial to romantic settings. Another attraction is the traditional wooden village houses; some use a combination of beam construction with brick, and others have a clean timber look.

Don´t miss a visit to the glassmakers. Novy Bor (The City of Glass), among other places, brings you close to the fascinating art of glassmaking. There are many new small-scale Novy Bor glassworks to visit. Chribska is renowned as the oldest operating glassworks in the country. It was established in 1414 and has exported its production all over Europe since the Middle Ages. You can also visit the small town of Kamenicky Senov, which boasts a famous glass museum. The town is also home to Panska skala, "the basalt organ", which is comprised of a unique rock formation of hexagonal "pipes".

Lemberk Castle, built in 1241 by Markvartic Havel, the husband of Saint Zdislava, is also worth exploring. It has extravagant interiors rich in stucco decoration and exquisite ceiling paintings, as well as the exterior stucco decoration of the court facade - truly an impressive sight.

Come and discover why ´forefather Czech´ decided to live here forever !