Zákupy: Castle, Park and Historic Traces

Zákupy brings together a castle, historic landmarks in the townscape, and opportunities for hiking or cycling. If you are looking for a hotel in Zákupy, these themes can help you decide whether the castle grounds and history or outdoor activities should shape your stay. Notable details include a passenger lift dating from 1870, Baroque sculptures, and two bridges with different historical connections. For active pursuits, the main options are a hike up Kamenický vrch and the “Malý zákupský okruh” cycling route.

Castle grounds with a French garden and English park

Zákupy Castle has a passenger lift dating from 1870, considered the oldest surviving lift in Czechia. The castle also has a French garden and an English park. The French garden features two-level terraces, balustrades, niches, and caryatids. In the English park, an avenue, varied groups of trees, and a pond with islands define the landscape. The gardens can therefore be distinguished by their different features: terraces and niches on one side, and an avenue, trees, and water on the other.

The restored former stables in the castle’s farmyard are also open to visitors. The first floor houses the “Zapomenuté zámky” exhibition, and a time-lapse documentary film is also shown. A visit to the stables thus includes both an exhibition and a film.

Sculptures and historic bridges

The Baroque sculpture ensemble “Nejsvětější trojice” stands in Svobody náměstí. Dating from 1708, it is 14 metres high. Its date and height give the ensemble a clear historical and physical scale within the townscape.

The historic stone bridge “Kamenný most se sochami” near the Capuchin monastery connects the area at the eastern exit of Mírové náměstí. It dates from the early 18th century and is adorned with statues of Saint Blaise, Saint Procopius, Saint Cosmas, Saint Valentine, Saint Walburga, and Saint Damian. The bridge and statues were reconstructed in 2015–2016. Another historic stone bridge crosses the Svitava near the plague cemetery; it was built in 1849. Their locations and dates distinguish the two bridges.

Hiking, cycling and the outdoor swimming pool

Kamenický vrch near Zákupy is one of the most interesting volcanic sites in northern Bohemia. A hike up Kamenický vrch and back is about 6 km in total. This approximate distance covers both directions and helps you gauge the length of the hike.

The “Malý zákupský okruh” cycling route starts in the square in Zákupy, passes the outdoor swimming pool, and continues through Nové Zákupy. While the hike is described by its ascent and approximate total distance, the cycling route can be understood by its starting point and waypoints. Surfaces and conditions may vary.

The outdoor swimming pool in Zákupy offers paddleboard rentals. Check seasonal opening before your trip. Parking is available at the pool. From the square in Zákupy, signs to the outdoor swimming pool can be found along Mimoňská Street after about 500 metres.

Discover more destinations: Jestřebí U České Lípy, Kamenický Šenov, Svor, Česká Lípa, Mimoň, Chotovice U Nového Boru, Ždírec V Podbezdězí, Velenice U Zákup.

For the overview of the wider area: Česká Lípa District.