Karlovice – Nature, Trails and History

Karlovice can be considered from several perspectives when planning your trip: protected rock formations, wetlands, marked trails and historic sites. If you are looking for a hotel, these highlights can help you plan your stay around nature, cycling or cultural history. The Hruboskalsko Nature Reserve is known for its distinctive rock formations, while the Sedmihorské mokřady wetlands are a floodplain and home to a variety of birdlife. Lázně Sedmihorky and Přáslavice offer further historical connections.

Rock Formations and Wetlands

The Hruboskalsko Nature Reserve covers 219.2 hectares and extends across the cadastral areas of Hrubá Skála, Kacanovy, Karlovice and Turnov. Its core area includes the Hruboskalské skalní město rock city. Notable rock formations in the reserve include Maják, Kapelník and Dračí skály. Those interested in geology can also visit the Sedmihorky site, designated as a geotourism attraction and excursion destination.

The Sedmihorské mokřady wetlands offer a different landscape. They lie in the floodplain of the Libuňka River in the municipality of Karlovice-Sedmihorky in the Liberec Region. More than 120 bird species have been recorded there, and continued observation may increase this number. The area is considered exceptionally valuable biologically, ecologically and scenically. The rock formations and floodplain landscape thus offer different nature-focused themes to help you plan your stay.

Walking Trails and Cycling Routes

Lázně Sedmihorky is a starting point for walking and cycling routes. A blue-marked walking trail runs through Karlovice in the direction of Kozákov and Sedmihorky, continuing to the Hruboskalské skalní město rock city. The Golden Trail of the Bohemian Paradise also follows the ridge trail through the rock city. Several viewpoints along the route offer wide-ranging views across the landscape. The blue trail gives you a route through Karlovice, while the ridge trail and viewpoints are part of the Golden Trail route description.

The 26.5 km cycling loop “Malý okruh Hruboskalskem – cesta rájem” starts and ends in Sedmihorky. The destinations listed for the “Malý okruh Hruboskalskem” cycling loop are Valdštejn Castle, the viewpoints in the Hruboskalské skalní město rock city, the Bukovina Arboretum and Hrubá Skála Castle. The route information therefore gives you both a specific distance and several named destinations. For specific outings, it is worth checking current trail conditions and access requirements in advance.

Spa History and Historic Sites

The hydrotherapeutic spa at Lázně Sedmihorky opened on 15 May 1842; its German name is Bad Wartenberg. In the second half of the 19th century, the place developed into an important cultural and social centre. Prominent figures met there for spa stays and social gatherings. The monument to MUDr. Antonín Šlechta, the founder of Lázně Sedmihorky, commemorates this history. It consists of a realistic bronze bust on a solid granite pedestal with small fountains on either side. Created by Josef Václav Myslbek, it was unveiled in 1890.

Another historic site is the Church of St. George in Přáslavice. Founded in the 14th century, it is the only surviving remnant of the former medieval settlement. Přáslavice is listed as a district of Karlovice. On the local road from the church to the centre of the village, there is also a niche carved into a boulder containing a statue of St. John of Nepomuk. The statue was made in 1763; the site is known as Přáslavice, a vanished village. A church service is recorded for every third Saturday of the month at 3 p.m. If you would like to attend a service at the church, check in advance whether this schedule is still current.

Finding Your Way Around Sedmihorky

The CHKO Český ráj Information Centre is located in the Bukovina Arboretum, Sedmihorky 100, in Karlovice-Sedmihorky. This makes it a named point of orientation in the same district as the Lázně Sedmihorky starting point and the wetlands.

Discover more destinations: Dolni Stepanice, Klokočí U Turnova, Václaví, Kostalov, Končiny, Levínská Olešnice, Rochlitz An Der Iser, Hruba Skala.

Return to the regional travel guide: Okres Semily.