Along the Ploučnice River for sights and beautiful nature

Děčín - Česká Lípa (by train) - Volfartice - Žandov - Horní Police - Benešov nad Ploučnicí - Děčín

The Ploučnice cycle path, marked as cycle route No. 15, follows the flow of the river of the same name from its source at the foot of Ještěd to the mouth of the Elbe in Děčín. The route is almost 100 kilometres long and connects the Liberec and Ústí nad Labem regions.

For a comfortable trip, we recommend starting in Děčín, from where you can take the train to Česká Lípa. From there, take cycle route No. 15, which runs parallel to the Varhany cycle path - a beautiful route along the former railway track. This part will take you to Panská skála, a famous basalt landmark.

In order to continue along the Ploučnice River, it is necessary to disconnect from the rail trail at Panská skála and return to cycle route 15 towards Žandov. From there you can take a short detour to Horní Police and visit the pilgrimage church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, which has recently undergone extensive reconstruction.

From Horní Police continue along the river through Dolní Police, Starý Šachov to Františkov nad Ploučnicí. Here you will climb around the ruins of Ostrý Castle, followed by a pleasant descent to Benešov nad Ploučnicí. In the town there is a large castle complex in the style of the Saxon Renaissance, which is definitely worth a visit - you can choose from several sightseeing tours.

From Benešov you will have a final ten-kilometre ride through beautiful countryside back to Děčín, where the trip ends.