- Turnov is the only town in the world where the traditional craft of processing garnets, specifically the Bohemian garnet, has been continuously practiced for several centuries.
- The city serves as the administrative and geographical center of the Bohemian Paradise, which was the first protected landscape area established in Czechoslovakia in 1955.
- Despite its small size, the town is historically divided between regions that once belonged to different feudal estates, which influenced its unique urban layout.
- Turnov maintains a specialized school for jewelry making, upholding its status as a historical hub for the precious stone industry.
About Turnov
Turnov is recognized as the heart of the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) UNESCO Geopark, a landscape defined by dramatic sandstone rock formations and medieval fortifications. The town itself has a centuries-long history as a center for gemstone cutting and jewelry craftsmanship, a legacy still celebrated locally today. Visitors can explore the towering sandstone spires of the Skalní město Hrubá Skála or visit the historic grounds of Valdštejn Castle. The surrounding region is anchored by prominent landmarks such as Chateau Hruby Rohozec, offering a unique blend of geological wonder and architectural heritage.
Highlights of Turnov
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise features a iconic stone bridge decorated with statues.
Natural attractions
Navigate through a dense network of massive sandstone pillars and narrow passages.
Historical places
Tour the well-preserved interiors that showcase centuries of Bohemian noble lifestyle.
Places of interest
Climb the tower on the highest peak of the Geopark for panoramic views of the Jizera Mountains.
Parks
Explore the natural labyrinth of deep sandstone crevices and rock formations.
Historical places
Observe the unique ruins of this castle built directly into the sandstone cliffs.
Historical places
Visit this romantic-style castle to see extensive collections of art and period furniture.
Places of interest
Stop at this viewpoint to look out over the iconic sandstone towers characteristic of the region.
Top things to do in Turnov
The 90 highest-rated places in Turnov, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Kost Castle is one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, situated in the Bohemian Paradise region....
2
Historical places
Trosky Castle is a 14th-century fortress built atop two distinct volcanic basalt plugs known as Panna and Baba. Located...
3
Historical places
Sychrov Castle is a Neo-Gothic chateau located near Turnov, best known as the historic seat of the French Rohan family i...
4
Places of interest
The Bozkovské Dolomite Caves are distinguished by their unique composition of siliceous dolomites rather than typical li...
5
Historical places
Valdštejn Castle is the oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise region, originally established in the 13th century. It si...
6
Historical places
Frýdštejn Castle is a 14th-century rock castle ruin positioned atop a steep sandstone ridge in the Bohemian Paradise reg...
7
Historical places
Vranov, also known as Pantheon, is a 15th-century rock castle integrated directly into a sandstone cliff overlooking the...
8
Historical places
Drábské světničky, locally known as the Henchmen's Hideout, is a complex of medieval rock castle remains carved directly...
9
Places of interest
Kozákov is the highest peak of the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) at 744 meters above sea level. The current steel lookou...
10
Historical places
Chateau Hruby Rohozec is a historic residence located in the Bohemian Paradise region, originally founded in the 13th ce...
11
Historical places
Rotštejn Castle is a medieval rock castle ruin carved directly into sandstone formations located in the Bohemian Paradis...
12
Historical places
Zámek Svijany is a Renaissance manor house that serves as a cultural hub integrated with the adjacent, world-renowned Sv...
13
Places of interest
Rautis, Inc. is a traditional family workshop in Poniklá, Czechia, specializing in the production of hand-blown glass be...
14
Museums
The Giant Mountains Museum at Jilemnice is housed in a former estate of the Counts of Harrach, serving as the cultural h...
15
Museums
MOTOMUZEUM Borek pod Troskami is a private motorcycle museum located in the Bohemian Paradise region of the Czech Republ...
16
Natural attractions
Adamovo lože (Adam's Bed) is a historical sandstone rock formation sculpted into a bench-like shape located within the B...
17
Places of interest
Janova vyhlídka is a scenic observation point situated on a sandstone cliff overlooking the Jizera River valley in Turno...
18
Places of interest
Vyhlídka na Kapelu is a prominent rock viewpoint located within the Hrubá Skála rock town in the Bohemian Paradise regio...
19
Parks
Skalní bludiště Chléviště is a natural sandstone rock labyrinth located within the Besedické skály area of the Bohemian...
20
Historical places
21
Places of interest
22
Historical places
23
Natural attractions
24
Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Places of interest
27
Places of interest
28
Museums
29
Historical places
30
Natural attractions
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Turnov on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Turnov
May through September, as the mild climate is ideal for traversing the extensive hiking trails and visiting the outdoor rock castle sites.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic town center and venture into the immediate surrounding rock cities and castles.
The town center is compact and walkable, while regional bus and train connections efficiently link the town to the surrounding trailheads and castle sites.
Staying near the town center provides convenient access to local transit, while accommodations on the outskirts offer closer proximity to the hiking trail networks.
Mid-range; the region offers a variety of affordable guesthouses and local dining options compared to major European capitals.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 90 curated attractions in and around Turnov, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kost is the highest-rated place to visit in Turnov right now.
The largest category is places of interest, with 31 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary.
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