Bezdez: Hotels and Accommodation

Bezděz combines a striking castle with a protected natural area and several routes that differ both historically and in terms of landscape. In the village, church art and practical information complete the picture of this destination.

Culture and History

Bezděz Castle was founded in 1264 by King Přemysl Otakar II. In January 1279, Václav and Queen Kunhuta were brought to Bezděz Castle as prisoners. The basic self-guided tour includes the castle chapel, the Royal Palace, the Burgrave's Palace and the Bailiff's Court in the second courtyard.

The Church of St. Giles contains a high altar in the form of a Rococo altar architecture with an image of St. Giles, as well as rich sculptural and figurative decoration. It is considered a valuable example of craftsmanship from the third quarter of the 18th century. The parish church in Bezděz also contains a copy of the Black Madonna of Montserrat.

Nature and Routes

The Velký a Malý Bezděz National Nature Reserve is a geomorphologically unique complex of two volcanic peaks composed of sodalite phonolite. It includes natural forest stands and rock-steppe communities that provide a habitat for numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the alpine longhorn beetle (Rosalia alpina).

The stony, rocky path to Bezděz Castle leads through the Velký a Malý Bezděz National Nature Reserve; cycling is prohibited there. In the immediate vicinity of Bezděz, a picturesque path approximately 200 m long leads to a nearby gorge with sandstone formations.

A classic red hiking trail leads from Bělá pod Bezdězem to Bezděz Castle over 13 km. From the junction near Bezděz Castle, the so-called Máchova stezka runs towards Houska Castle over 10 km. For bicycles, the designated main cycle route is 0060: it runs via Bělá pod Bezdězem, Plužná, Březinka and Valdštejnsko to Bezděz and is listed as 19 km long.

Orientation on Site

Bezděz has had a tourist information centre in operation since 2007, providing visitors to the village and castle with maps, promotional materials and other information services. Visitors to Bezděz Castle arriving by car can park directly in Bezděz; there are two car parks in the village.

Other Places

Other places: Novy Bor, Prachen, Blíževedly, Cvikov, Dubnice Pod Ralskem, Blatce, Doksy, Skalka U Doks

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.