North Bohemia is a region in the Czech Republic and it consists of Ústí nad Labem Region and Liberec Region. This part of the country is not a popular travel destination because it had few well-known sights. But North Bohemia offers breathtaking sceneries (Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Ceske Stredohori, Bohemian Paradise), where Elbe river flatland meets mountains and creates amazing rock structures, picturesque historic towns, and some of the best castles and chateaux in the country.
North Bohemia was the heartland of Sudetenland, the German area in Czech lands (for more information, see "Understand"). Cruel and poignant memories of the 20th century are everywhere. From wealthy German villas (often abandoned now) and spas from prosperous pre-war era to Terezin concentration camp and devastated countryside because of communist-era coal mining and heavy industry.
This area used by to be inhabited by Germans, who had been invited by Czech kings in the early Middle Ages. This area had a German majority and was called Sudety (Sudetenland). It was one of the wealthiest and most industrialized regions in Austria-Hungary and then Czechoslovakia. Before the beginning of World War II, in 1938, Sudetenland was annexed by Nazi Germany. After the war, the whole German population of 3 million people was deported to Germany, and the region was resettled by Czechs from outside the region. Large German villas are reminders of its past.
The North Bohemian landscape is stunning. On the borders with Germany and Poland are the Ore Mountains (Krusne hory), Lusatian Mountains (Luzicke hory) and Jizera Mountains (Jizerske hory). The Elbe valley, also located here, is the lowest point in the Czech Republic. The Central Bohemian Mountains (Ceske Stredohori) are of volcanic origin, and can be found with rock structures in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
Despite the German past, now more than 90 percent of people are Czechs. This is not Prague or Cesky Krumlov, so be prepared that people may not speak English. German and Russian are often spoken by older residents. For more information, see: information in the Czech republic guide
Bus is a good option to get to regional metropolises Liberec and Usti nad Labem and it takes one hour and couple of minutes.
Since Usti nad Labem is an important railway junction between Prague and Berlin, the train is best way to get there and it takes just one hour from Prague hlavni nadrazi (main railway station). To Liberec, there is no direct train connection from Prague and bus is definitely better option.
Usti nad Labem and Liberec are well connected with Prague via highway (Usti - D8 motorway, Liberec - R10 expressway). It takes just about 1 hour driving.
Railway network is dense in North Bohemia. Using train, you can get to almost every town here. Buses are common too.
Great option how to explore many sights in this region is by walk. Lots of beatuful towns, castles ad chateau are located close to each other and are often set in beautiful landscape. Tourist trails are well marked and can be found in every corner of Nort Bohemia.
It is possible to see some North Bohemian and Saxon sights (Dresden, Meissen, Königstein) with Labská Plavební, which offers cruises on river Elbe from Děčín and Ústí nad Labem.
If you like landscapes, go to Bohemian Paradise, České Středohoří or mountains on the borders (see other destinations). These areas are also great for people interested in architecture and history. One of the best and most famous Czech castles (Bezděz, Kost, Kokořín, Frýdlant, Trosky, Houska) and chateaux (Mnichovo Hradiště, Frýdlant, Jilemnice, Zákupy, Hrubá Skála and many, many more) can be found there. Although big North Bohemian cities can one called ugly, smaller towns are surprisingly beautiful. Jičín, Kadan, Louny, Žatec, Litoměřice, Roudnice nad Labem, Úštěk or Chomutov has well preserved gothic and baroque historic centres.
If you prefer modern architecture, you should not miss Jested Mountain with Jested Tower on the top of the mountain. This is one of the best Czech buildings built during Communism and is well known among foreign architects due its hyperboloid shape, which naturally extends the silhouette of the hill. Moreover, there are great views of Liberec city and whole Bohemia as well.
Network of walking trails is dense and trails are well marked. Moreover, the landscape is beautiful, with sandstone rocks and many castles and chateaux (look at the See section above). Bohemian Paradise is most popular destination and there is plenty of places, where you can rest, eat, sleep or buy a souvenir. However, in summer it could be a bit crowded.
If you are fan of unplanned hiking, Central Bohemian Uplands is the place you will love. There are dozens of small hills that are near the road, so you can just stop and go for a short hike with beautiful views. Since most of the hills don’t have many trees on them, no hiking trails are needed and you can just go straight up. As a bonus, you will most probably be the only one on the hill you choose.
Biking is also popular due to flatland located here. However, cycling some mountains in České Středohoří or Jizera Mouinains can be more challenging.
You can swim and sunbathe on shores of Machovo jezero (Macha's Lake) in Kokořínsko landscape protected area.
Why go by foot, if you can borrow canoe, kayak or inflatable boat and follow many Czech tourists on Ohře and Jizera rivers.
Due to several mountains on borders with Germany and Poland, there are few small ski resorts.
The race tracks Autodrom Most and Autodrom Sosnová are popular among amateur and professional racers.
This whole region is famous for its glasswork and crystals. The manufacturing process of these crystals are listed as UNESCO heritage. Consider buying crystal decorations manufactured by factories in this region.
In North Bohemia are several local breweries. The area around Žatec is well known for production of hops. In Žatec there is a museum about hops and brewing. In the towns Žatec and Louny you can find many local town breweries that are usually connected to a restaurant.
Local breweries
Among the most northerly in Europe, two only Bohemian wine subregions (the bigger wine area is in South Moravia) are located in North Bohemia, thanks to Elbe's rivers flatland. Wineyards are around towns Mělník (officially part of Central Bohemia Region) and Litoměřice
North Bohemia has an above average crime rate compared to the rest of the Czech Republic. However, there are significant differences between the eastern and western areas. Liberec and its suburbs are mostly safe. On the other hand, some cities in Usti nad Labem Region have ghettos (for example Chanov quarter in Most) with population of poor people, usually Romani origin. Avoid these places if you want to stay safe. Of course, if you are interested in exploring the poorest parts of countries, take the risk and go there.
Your next destination can be Prague and Central Bohemia, Pilsen and spas in West Bohemia, Krkonose Mountains and some beautiful towns in East Bohemia or Germany (Sachsen).