We shall jump on our bikes in the recreational village of Jetřichovice, which is the main hiking trail crossroad going to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park but also to the Lužické Mountains. The charming character of this picturesque village is further enhanced by many timbered buildings, and by the valuable Church of St. John Nepomucký. We will take the road to Chřibsko and follow it for 8 km. Right from the start we begin to climb sharply uphill. After about a 1.5 km long climb we may rest for a while and take a look at the sculptures of dwarfs carved out of rocks, located on our left hand side. From the village of Rynartice, which offers nice views of the surrounding countryside and mostly of the dominating Studenec peak, we ride down to the valley of Chřibská Kamenice. We continue along the river through the village of Na Potoce, and as we cross over a small hill, we will find ourselves at the beginning of Dolní Chřibská. Here, we follow the road sign instructions and take a left turn towards Doubice. Instead of rocks in the woods we will be accompanied by well-preserved half-timbered houses with bases and gables, richly decorated with pleated slate. We will gradually climb for about 1 km and then ride down and reach a Tourist information centre and the U Sloupu (U Saula) crossroad sign.
Soon after we leave the road and head left along route No. 3029 and cross the border of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The nature that surrounds us immediately lets us know that we are in a park. We continue with a rather comfortable climb through the mysterious rocks scattered around the woods. During the last 0.5 km long climb towards the Na Tokání meadow we will certainly break out in sweat. Hunting cottages and a small chateau were built here in the 19th century. The entire complex burned down in 1905, and was built again in the Alpine style. In the former hunting chateau we can currently find a restaurant where we can refresh ourselves. Rested and refreshed we continue riding along trail No. 3029 towards Mezní Louka. After about 2 km we will be facing a long and sharp downhill ride through a narrow canyon – "Táborový důl" (Camp mine) lined on both sides with huge rocks. Inside a wide valley – "Mokrý důl" (Wet mine) we will encounter a forest road intersection where we turn left and join the "Czech road" as our route No. 3029 follows in the same direction.
We will gradually climb up through the woods, where under the veil of mosses and ferns we see hidden rock labyrinths penetrating deep down into the mysterious rocky towns. At the Czech road junction we join the red tourist signs that go along the Jetřichovické walls educational trail through the most attractive places of the Elbe sandstone area. While following the red signs, the section from Jetřichovice to Hřensko will introduce and show its visitors unique views of Mariina skála (Mary's rock), Vilémina stěna (Wilhelmina wall), the view of the Šaunštejn Robbers' Castle, Small Pravčická gate, and particularly of the largest sandstone bridge in Europe – the Pravčická gate. Unfortunately, you cannot ride your bike to visit any of these natural jewels, but from the Pod Loupežnickým hradem (Below the robbers' castle) crossing you can climb up iron ladders to see the remains of the rocky Šaunštejn Castle. Your bikes however, need to be locked down in the woods near the crossroad. The rock platform is divided into several parts, which are interconnected by bridges with handrails. Breathtaking views of the countryside can be enjoyed from here. Our road under the Robber's Castle and further down to Vysoká Lípa goes through rugged terrain, where we will be repeatedly climbing and descending.
Vysoká Lípa will attract our attention thanks to its valuable collection of folk architecture and half-timbered two-story homes, many of which also have half-timbered gables and second stories. Since leaving the Na Tokáni cottage area, this is the first time we have a chance to refresh ourselves in a hotel or guesthouse. Well rested we return to No. 21 around the Intercamp and comfortably ride back down to Jetřichovice.
Total length 23 km.
