Želízy: Rock Art, Kafka and the Liběchovka

Želízy combines literary heritage and rock art with special connections to the Liběchovka. Specific points of interest include a memorial plaque to Franz Kafka, works by Václav Levý, the Liběchovka floodplain in Želízy and a family-oriented swimming pool. When planning your stay, you can consider cultural, scenic and swimming interests separately.

Rock Art and Literary Traces

The Čertovy hlavy (Devil’s Heads) are two sandstone sculptures about nine metres high, carved into the rocks by sculptor Václav Levý between 1841 and 1846. They are freely accessible via the blue-marked hiking trail from the Želízy primary school building. The school provides a specific starting point; trail conditions can change, so check them before your visit. Their height and date of creation mark the heads as large-scale works of the 19th century.

The Okruh Václava Levého (Václav Levý Circuit) passes through Tupadly and follows the Liběchovka stream to Želízy. Along the circuit are the Harfenice rock relief, depicting a woman with a harp, and a sandstone sphinx. The route provides a sense of the area, while Harfenice and the sphinx depict two different artistic motifs. At Klácelka Cave are large-scale reliefs of Jan Žižka and Prokop Holý, as well as dwarves forging weapons for the Knights of Blaník. The motifs thus range from a woman with an instrument to depicted figures and a blacksmithing scene.

A memorial plaque in Želízy commemorates Franz Kafka’s stays there for spa treatment in November and December 1918, from January to March and in November 1919, and in August and September 1923. The timeline thus spans 1918 to 1923 and includes several periods of stay. For visitors interested in literature, this memorial adds a biographical connection to Želízy alongside the sculptural works.

The Liběchovka and the Landscape

The Liběchovka floodplain in Želízy lies 175 metres above sea level and is the lowest point in the CHKO Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area. Another natural feature is the Liběchovka wetland system, which became part of the internationally important “Mokřady Liběchovky a Pšovky” Ramsar Site in 1997. These two details describe different aspects—the floodplain’s elevation and the wetland’s designation—and give nature enthusiasts specific points of reference for understanding the landscape.

Cycling Route and Swimming Season

The Cyklistický okruh ze Želíz na Kokořínsku (Cycling Circuit from Želízy in the Kokořín Region) is a cycling route. Check current route conditions before setting out. This lets you distinguish cycling plans from the Václav Levý Circuit, whose route through Tupadly along the Liběchovka to Želízy and the artworks along the circuit are specified.

The Želízy swimming pool is family-oriented. The pool measures 20 × 40 metres; there is also a separate paddling pool and a children’s water slide. The pool is supplied with drinking water from its own well. Toilets, showers and changing rooms complete the visitor facilities. The pool’s size and additional amenities give you specific points of reference when planning time for swimming. Opening for swimming is seasonal and can change, so check in advance whether a visit is possible during your travel dates.

Discover more travel destinations: Stránka, Střemy, Kralupy Nad Vltavou, Nelahozeves, Dolní Beřkovice, Dolany, Mělnické Vtelno, Vrbno

For the wider travel overview: Okres Mělník.