BIKING AND SKATING

Did you know? The Elbe cycle route is the most traveled bike trail in the country. It runs the whole length of the river, from its headwaters all the way to the North Sea. The section in the Czech Republic measures 370 km. One of the most beautiful stretches on the trail is the Elbe canyon north of Decin. The massive sandstone bluffs lining the Elbe River corridor make a magnificent backdrop. The trail runs right through the heart of Decin, so there are plenty of cafés along the way. As you peddle along, you can watch the climbers on the via ferrata and take in the boats plying the river. Decin Castle is a perfect place for a stop. Located directly above the bike trail it is one of the region's major landmarks. As the trail nears the German border, it enters Bohemian Switzerland National Park, where it is definitely worth taking a break for a side trip up to Pravcicka brana, the largest natural sandstone bridge on the continent. More information...

THE WATER PARK

Did you know? Decin's swimming complex is a modern recreational facility with a natural thermal water source. It has both indoor and outdoor areas. The pool's thermal water source makes swimming outdoors possible year round. More infromation...

THE STONE BRIDGE

Did you know? The historic stone bridge spanning the Ploucnice not far from Decin Castle was built in 1564-1569 after a flood washed away the original structure in 1561. The sandstone bridge has four arches and is built in the late Gothic style with crenellated sides. It is 84 meters long, 4.8 meters wide, and rises 7.7 meters above the river. The sculptural grouping portraying St. John of Nepomuk, St. Vitus, and St. Wenceslas, with reliefs showing their deaths as martyrs, was done by M. J. Brokof in 1714. The structure is a protected landmark accessible only for pedestrians and cyclists. More information...

DĚČÍN CASTLE

Adress Dlouhá jízda 1254
Telephone +420 412 518 905, +420 775 862 639 – pokladna zámku
E-mail info@zamekdecin.cz
Webpage www.zamekdecin.cz/web_en/
Popis Perched atop its cliff where the Ploučnice meets the Elbe, Děčín Castle is one of the oldest and largest landmarks in northern Bohemia. In the past several hundred years it has served as a point of control for the Bohemian princes, a military fortress, and noble estate.
The castle enjoyed its golden age under the Thun-Hohensteins (1628–1932). At that time, its walls welcomed a parade of famous guests including, for example, Fryderyk Chopin, who composed his Děčín Waltz here.