- Climb one of the local 700-meter hills
There are a 10 hills higher than 700 meters in the Lusatian Mountains, so there is plenty to choose from – from the highest (Luž) to the lowest (Bouřný). If you cannot decide which one is best for you and you welcome a challenge, be sure to climb all 10! Experiences, beautiful views, and calories burned – nothing but positives here. You can find an overview of the 700-meter peaks here.
- Enjoy a snack at a romantic viewpoint
They say hunger is the best cook, and food tastes best in fresh air. And for a good reason – see for yourself! Grab a snack, a stove, a moka pot, and head to one of the local romantic lookout points – try climbing up to Jelení kámen, Schiller’s lookout point, Sofie’s lookout point, or Stříbrník near Křižany.
- Go on a train trip
Train travel is on the rise here in northern Bohemia. Thanks to special tickets, you can take the train almost anywhere in the north for a fraction of the price and enjoy a great trip. For example, the Lusatian Mountains Express will take you back to a time when train travel was not considered a difficult obstacle, but rather a time that one could enjoy – perhaps in the restaurant car. You can find more inspiration here.
- Explore one of the castle ruins
The Lusatian Mountains and Podještědí region are home to countless ruins of castles, fortresses, and hillforts. Some are popular, such as Tolštejn and Hamrštejn, while others are less accessible – Fredevald, Roimund, and Děvín are just a few examples. Do not be afraid to set out and explore the ruins – who knows, you might even find some treasure!
- Walk at least 15 kilometres
Walking is good for your health, as has been known for a long time. It has also been proven that spending time outdoors and in sunlight releases serotonin, the feel-good hormone of happiness. Long walks will therefore make you feel good physically, mentally, and even chemically! What is more, it is amazing what one can discover during a walk of just 15 km. Here are a few tips for trips.
- Take a photo of some natural phenomenon
In the Lusatian Mountains and Podještědí, they are countless! No need to point your finger at a map, just step outside your house/tent/caravan, pick a random direction, start walking and soon enough, you will come across something remarkable – often within just a few hundred meters! Landmarks like the Elephant Rocks or Zlatý vrch (Golden Hill), sulphur springs, saffron fields, stock doves… the region is rich in attractions.
- Dip your feet ankle-deep into a mountain stream
Listen to the murmur of crystal-clear water, feel its icy touch on your feet, and suddenly – you find yourself full of energy! This might be a bit tricky to achieve in summer, so choose carefully where you dip your toes. The good news is that the forests and mountains here are literally crisscrossed with natural springs, waterfalls, and streams. In summer, waterfalls are somewhat scarce, but you will always come across some stream. Ještědský, Vlčí, Šenovský, or Studený – all you have to do is decide which one is the best for you.
- Just sit by the campfire
Sit by the campfire, sing a few folk songs, and stare into the dancing flames. Campfires make trips feel different, warmer somehow. But be careful, there are a few important rules to follow when building a fire, including obeying fire bans and carefully assessing the situation. So, this summer, it might be better to sit by a gas stove rather than a campfire.
