BIKING AND SKATING

Did you know? The Elbe cycle route is the most traveled bike trail in the country. It runs the whole length of the river, from its headwaters all the way to the North Sea. The section in the Czech Republic measures 370 km. One of the most beautiful stretches on the trail is the Elbe canyon north of Decin. The massive sandstone bluffs lining the Elbe River corridor make a magnificent backdrop. The trail runs right through the heart of Decin, so there are plenty of cafés along the way. As you peddle along, you can watch the climbers on the via ferrata and take in the boats plying the river. Decin Castle is a perfect place for a stop. Located directly above the bike trail it is one of the region's major landmarks. As the trail nears the German border, it enters Bohemian Switzerland National Park, where it is definitely worth taking a break for a side trip up to Pravcicka brana, the largest natural sandstone bridge on the continent. More information...

THE WATER PARK

Did you know? Decin's swimming complex is a modern recreational facility with a natural thermal water source. It has both indoor and outdoor areas. The pool's thermal water source makes swimming outdoors possible year round. More infromation...

THE SYNAGOGUE

Did you know? Plans for the construction of the synagogue in Decin materialized at the end of the 19th century with a fundraising campaign. The synagogue was built in 1907 in a faux oriental Beaux Arts style on the site of an athletics hall in what is now Zizkova ulice. It was dedicated the same year by Rabbi Max Freund. The destruction of the synagogue in 1939 was prevented at the last moment by the mayor of Podmokly. In 1941 the building was occupied by the Nazis, who painted a map of England on its floor. After World War II the building was not used again until it was made an archive in 1966. More information...

VIA FERRATA

Did you know? Decin is the first Bohemian city with a via ferrata in the heart of town. There are several anchored climbing trails with steel cables and footholds on the cliff face. They climb 90 meters and range from 150 to 170 meters in length. More information...

THE ZOO AND PARADISE ISLANDS

You'd be hard pressed to find a lovelier zoo for a family trip. Located in the woods on the southern slope of Shepherd's Bluff, the Decin zoo is unique in the Czech Republic. Its focus in recent years has been primarily on families with children, offering a fresh look at the animal world. The grizzly bears in their natural habitat area sure to win you over and the park's pair of takins will impress you. There are activities and games throughout the park for children and adults alike. The zoo is open year round and has free wi-fi service.

zoo

The zoo on Shepherd's Bluff in Decin was opened in 1949 - the second in northern Bohemia. A total of 450 animals of 150 species call the park home. Decin specializes in rare and lesser-known animal species, which are not found elsewhere in the country. It is the only zoo in the Czech Republic that keeps grizzly bears.

zoo rajske ostrovy

The Paradise Islands (Rajske ostrovy) is a separate exhibition maintained by Decin Zoo. It is located in the heart of town on Teplicka ulice (roughly 700 m from the zoo gates). It covers four stories in a townhouse, offering visitors a unique look at the flora and fauna native to various regions of the globe. The exhibit includes invertebrates, fish, and reptiles. There is also a zoo clubroom that hosts lectures, exhibits, and educational programs about nature around the world.

Where is it?

Decin Zoo - Shepherd's Bluff
Zizkova ul. 1286/5, Decin IV, tel. +420 412 531 164

Decin Zoo Paradise Islands Exhibit
Teplicka 19, Decin IV, tel. +420 412 531 531

Hours of operation, entry fees, and other information is available at www.zoodecin.cz.

qr kod mapa zoo

Getting there