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Adventure in Malá Skála in the Czech Republic - canoe, scooter and castle

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Adventure in Malá Skála in the Czech Republic! Malá Skála is a town in the north of the Czech Republic known for its rock formations, and here you can try different adventures. We went here for a canoe trip, and to visit a castle high up on a cliff.

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Malá Skála in the Czech Republic

Malá Skála is a small town, but if you like nature, this is a great place to visit.

Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien - kanot

Malá Skála is located in the Liberec county of the Czech Republic, about 10 kilometres northwest of the capital city. Prague.

Camping Ostrov

We started our canoe trip at camping Ostrov. You can of course also camp here, but we did not. We just drove here and parked our motorhome, to go on an adventure with a canoe.

Canoeing and rubber rafting is very popular here on the Jizera River and you see people paddling all day long. Our adventure started with equipment and information in English. Then it was time to go!

Camping Ostrov

Canoeing on the river Jizera

The water in the Jizera River is lightly flowing, making it a little easier to paddle. Right at the start there is an extra rapids section, and you can choose to start above or below. We of course started above!

Then it was time to paddle. The trip takes about three hours, or two hours if you paddle at a slightly higher pace. Along the entire route you are surrounded by intense greenery, so it almost feels like you are paddling in the Amazon. You are also surrounded by many other paddlers in kayaks or rubber boats, especially happy young people!

Just before you reach the end of the paddle, you can choose to stop at a restaurant for lunch or maybe a beer. The whole paddle was fantastic, and we can highly recommend it!

At the end of the tour you can pull up your canoe (or rubber boat), and now it's time to head back. The distance back is around 9 kilometres and you can choose to walk, take the train or rent a scooter (scooter).

Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien - kanot

Scooter back to Malá Skála

We made our way back with a scooter, i.e. a non-electric scooter. We're not really super fond of this vehicle, but the route was mostly flat or downhill, so it's relatively smooth.

The route runs alongside green nature, and you will also have the opportunity to look down on other paddlers in the river. A tip for the whole excursion is to bring drinks and snacks, and/or money. Here and there it is possible to buy refreshments.

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Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien - paddla i floden Jizera

Castle Vranov Pantheon

Right next to the Ostrov campsite in Malá Skála is the Vranov Pantheon castle. To get here you have to park at the foot of the mountain and then walk up. The hike is not difficult, but partly exhausting, as you are constantly going upwards.

Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien

The picture below shows the last bend before reaching the castle ...

Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien

Once up at the Vranov Pantheon castle, you have a great view. To see it all, you have to pay a small fee, which includes a small booklet with information in German or English.

You can see the building itself pretty quickly, but after that there's a whole range of sights in the form of ruins, caves, old statues and steep stairs that wind up and down. In the 30-degree heat, we got sweaty walking around.

At the same time, we didn't want to stop looking around, because behind every bend something new was waiting.

Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien - Vranov Pantheon

The castle was built in the early 15th century, but much of what can be seen here dates from later times. In the 19th century, the castle was reconstructed in a romantic style by Franz Zacharias Römisch, who built a summer house here. Today much of it is in ruins, but it's a fascinating place to visit.

Feeling satisfied at the Vranov Pantheon, we sat down for a drink at the tables next to the small kiosk. A nice and interesting excursion!

Äventyr i Malá Skála i Tjeckien - Vranov Pantheon

Film from Malá Skála

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Around Malá Skála there are many other nice places to visit. For example, you can visit Hrubá Skála and Prachovské Skály, which also offer rock formations. It is also close to the city of Liberec, which has a lot to offer, as well as the whole "Crystal Valley" with glass art, nature and breweries.

All our top tips for the Czech Republic. Click on the image!

Have you visited Malá Skála?

Have you visited Malá Skála, or perhaps experienced another adventure in the Czech Republic? Tell us about it!

Facts about Malá Skála

  • County: Liberec
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Residents: More than 1000

Services and practical information

  • Price canoe: For this distance 450 CZK (about 195 kr) in 2022.
  • Price scooter hire: For this distance 180 CZK (approximately 78 SEK) per person.
  • Opening hours Vranov Pantheon: May - August daily 9-18. During April and September - November opening hours are more limited. See the the site's website for up-to-date information.
  • Price Vranov Pantheon: Adults pay 60 CZK (approx. 26 SEK) and pensioners, students and children aged 6-15 pay 40 CZK (approx. 17 SEK) (2022).

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