Bohemian Paradise, Protected landscape area and UNESCO Global Geopark in northern Bohemia, Czech Republic
Bohemian Paradise is a protected landscape in northern Bohemia centred on sandstone rock cities such as Hruboskalsko, whose pale grey pillars rise from coniferous slopes, and Prachovské skály, protected since 1933. The protected area covers 181 km² across the Jičín Uplands, with Kozákov hill reaching 744 m.
This region became a protected nature reserve in 1955, the first of its kind in Czechoslovakia, and later gained UNESCO Global Geopark status. Early conservation efforts here established a model for protecting geological landscapes.
Turnov has been called the heart of Bohemian Paradise for centuries because of its gemstone trade. Local cutters work the jasper, agate and other stones found around Kozákov, the hill that was once a volcano. The town's lapidary workshops and the tradition of stone cutting are what visitors come to see.
The Golden Trail of Bohemian Paradise (Zlatá stezka Českého ráje) runs across the whole region and links Turnov with Trosky, Kost and the Prachov Rocks. The protected landscape area is split into three separate parts, so plan transfers between them. The CHKO office is in Turnov.
The Bozkov dolomite caves contain the largest underground lake in the Czech Republic. Visitors walk on footpaths through the chambers; the lake is viewed from a fixed platform, not crossed by boat. The caves lie near the village of Bozkov, in the Semily District.
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