Jičín

Picture this: you’re wandering through a Renaissance square that looks like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale, surrounded by colorful baroque houses and the dramatic silhouette of ancient castle towers on the horizon. Welcome to Jičín (pronounced “ye-CHEEN”), the charming Czech town that most travelers completely miss – and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it so magical.

Why Jičín Should Be Your Next Czech Adventure

Forget the tourist-packed streets of Prague for a moment. Jičín is one of the hidden gems of the Czech Republic, especially to anyone from outside the country. It’s a beautiful Renaissance and Baroque town that’s on the doorstep of the Český ráj, or Bohemian Paradise, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

Located just 85 kilometers northeast of Prague in the Hradec Králové Region, this enchanting town offers something that’s increasingly rare in our hyperconnected world: authentic, untouched Czech culture combined with natural wonders that will leave you breathless.

A Town Built by Legends

The story of Jičín is inseparable from one of history’s most fascinating figures: Albrecht von Wallenstein. The wealthy Albrecht von Wallenstein assumed control during the Thirty Years War. He was Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, and made Jičín the capital of his Duchy of Frydlant (Friedland). This powerful 17th-century duke didn’t just govern Jičín – he transformed it into his personal showcase of power and artistic vision.

Albrecht of Valdštejn had it built after he chose Jičín as the central seat of his Frýdlant duchy. One of the axes of the Baroque landscape composition was a two-kilometre-long four-row linden alley that leads from the historical centre of Jičín to the Valdštejn loggia. Imagine strolling down this magnificent tree-lined avenue, feeling like nobility from centuries past.

The Heart of Jičín: Valdštejn Square

The dominant feature of the town is Valdštejnské náměstí (Valdštejn Square), considered one of the most beautiful squares in the Czech Republic. This isn’t tourist hyperbole – it’s genuinely stunning. The square showcases a perfect blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with the Renaissance town hall with an elegant tower, historic houses, and a fountain.

The most iconic landmark? The towering Valdice Gate (Valdická brána), a 52-meter Gothic tower that serves as the town’s signature silhouette. This red-brick beauty has been watching over Jičín since the 14th century and offers incredible views for those brave enough to climb its stairs.

Your Gateway to Bohemian Paradise

Here’s where Jičín gets really exciting. Jičín is one of the most beautiful towns in Bohemia, and one of the three main gateways to the Český ráj – Bohemian Paradise – one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. This UNESCO Global Geopark is literally on your doorstep, offering some of the most dramatic and accessible natural beauty in Central Europe.

The Prachov Rocks: Nature’s Outdoor Cathedral

Just a short drive from Jičín lies the crown jewel of Bohemian Paradise: the Prachov Rocks. One of the most enticing and alluring places of Bohemian Paradise is the Prachov Rocks with its 5 kilometers of tourist trails, 10 viewpoints, 2848 stairs to be specific, and the narrowest path, which is 40 centimeters wide.

These aren’t just any rocks – they’re towering sandstone pillars that create natural labyrinths, narrow passages, and breathtaking viewpoints. The best short walk in Český Ráj, this adventurous route around Prachov Rocks winds through mysterious rocks and reaches magical viewpoints.

Pro tip for hikers: There’re two recommended routes to follow. Short route, which is 1,5 kilometers long and is marked as yellow tourist path. This trail is for those, who want to visit Bohemian Paradise, but don’t have enough time or are afraid of more demanding conditions. The longer green route (3.5 kilometers) is where the real adventure begins, taking you to multiple viewpoints and through the famous Emperor’s Passage.

When to visit: From my own experience I can recommend autumn: late September, October and early November- as long as it stays colourful and warm enough to spend few hours outside. There’re not so many people comparing to summer.

Entrance fees and practical info:

From April to November there’s a charge to enter Prachov Rocks of CZK100 per adult, plus a CZK100 fee for the car park. That’s roughly $4-5 USD total – an absolute bargain for this natural wonder.

Fairy Tale Connections and Local Culture

Jičín has a delightful connection to Czech folklore. Writer Václav Čtvrtek spent his childhood in Jičín at the beginning of the 20th century, and he also later found his inspiration for his stories about the kind bandit Rumcajs, his wife Manka – beloved characters in Czech children’s literature. You can even visit Rumcajs’ Workshop (Rumcajsova ševcovna) in town, which brings these fairy tale characters to life.

Beyond Jičín: Regional Treasures

Your Jičín base camp puts you within easy reach of some of the Czech Republic’s most dramatic castles:

Trosky Castle: Hrad Trosky is one of the most famous landmarks in the Czech Republic, and one you’re bound to see if you travel anywhere between Jičín and Turnov. These two medieval castle towers, built on two outcrops of volcanic rock, with a wall walk linking the two. The towers are nicknamed “Baba” (Old Woman) and “Panna” (Virgin) – climbing them offers views that will make your Instagram followers seriously jealous.

Kost Castle: One of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, famous for its unique triangular tower.

Hrubá Skála: Another spectacular rock castle perched dramatically on sandstone towers.

Planning Your Jičín Adventure

Coordinates: 50°26′12″N 15°21′6″E

Getting there: The easiest way to get from Prague to Jičín is via the regular bus from Černý Most. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs roughly 100-150 CZK ($4-6 USD).

Best time to visit: Spring through fall offers the best weather for outdoor activities. If you’re a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Jicin between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest.

How long to stay: Plan at least 2-3 days to properly explore Jičín and the surrounding Bohemian Paradise. We greatly enjoyed Jičín – and ended up spending more time there than we had planned.

The Accessibility Advantage

Unlike some Czech destinations that cater primarily to hardcore hikers, Jičín offers options for everyone. Pram route – unfortunately, it’s not possible to access every corner of Prachov rocks with a stroller or a pram, so this is just an alternative route to families with babies. It passes by the lookout points and offers a walk in the forest. Families, casual walkers, and serious hikers all find their perfect adventure here.

Why Jičín Beats the Tourist Traps

If you want a taste of the Czech Republic largely untouched by tourism, this is a great place to start your journey. You’ll experience authentic Czech hospitality, reasonable prices, and the rare joy of exploring stunning landscapes without fighting crowds for the perfect photo.

The town maintains its lived-in charm – this isn’t a museum piece, but a vibrant community where locals still go about their daily lives against a backdrop of centuries-old architecture. You’ll hear more Czech than English on the streets, eat at family-run restaurants where the menu might not be translated, and discover hidden corners that guidebooks haven’t spoiled yet.

Your Czech Adventure Awaits

Jičín represents something special in European travel: a destination that offers world-class natural beauty, rich history, and authentic culture without the tourist circus. Whether you’re scrambling through the narrow passages of Prachov Rocks, sipping Czech beer in a Renaissance square, or watching the sunset paint Trosky Castle’s twin towers golden, you’ll understand why this corner of Bohemia has been captivating visitors for centuries.

Ready to trade the crowded tourist trail for something genuinely magical? Jičín is waiting to show you that the best Czech adventures happen when you venture beyond the obvious choices. Pack your hiking boots, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to fall in love with one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Planning tip: Book accommodations in advance during summer months, and don’t forget to download the hiking trail maps from the official Bohemian Paradise website before you go. The adventure of a lifetime is just a bus ride from Prague.