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Few families with children have not yet visited Loučeň, drawn by the charm of its romantic castle grounds, which were given their Baroque appearance in the early 18th century by architect František Maxmilián Kaňka. The English-style castle park has gradually transformed into a unique Labyrintharium, where children especially can enjoy hours of fun. It features twelve different garden labyrinths and mazes, each with a winding path full of forks and turns. These are made from a variety of materials—yew or boxwood hedges, stone, sandstone, palisades, or paving stones. An educational trail connects the mazes, offering information on the history and present of labyrinths as a form of play and meditation.

The park also includes small structures such as Prince Alexander’s timbered cottage, a charming orangery, and many rare trees, including the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).

On a hot summer day, you can start from the Všejany train stop and first head right to a small local swimming area for a refreshing dip. Otherwise, follow the red hiking trail, which continues straight along a road and then through forest paths. For a stretch, the trail runs alongside a cycle route, from which you can make a short detour to Jívový Pond, where a hotel with a restaurant stands on the dam. The red trail then continues through the forest all the way to Loučeň. You’ll likely spend plenty of time exploring the castle grounds. If you're curious about the history, join a guided tour of the aristocratic residence, where you'll learn about the Thurn and Taxis family, who lived here a century ago—your guides are even dressed as members of the noble household!

From the town of Loučeň, head north along the Loučeň educational trail, which leads through the former game reserve along forest paths with sandy terrain. The first stop is the Loučeň gamekeeper’s lodge, which once housed a stud farm and racing stables for Prince Thurn and Taxis. Later, it served as the estate’s forest headquarters. The red trail rejoins here, and soon you’ll pass a monument to fallen soldiers from the late 18th century, in the shape of a military helmet on a column. A bit farther stands a life-sized sandstone statue of Prince Fürstenberg, a former owner of the Loučeň estate.

The red-marked path continues through the forest and game reserve—an area beloved by composer Bedřich Smetana—leading directly to Jabkenice. Smetana spent the final years of his life in the local gamekeeper’s lodge, composing and completing many of his great works here, including the operas The Kiss (Hubička) and The Secret (Tajemství), and parts of the symphonic cycle Má vlast ("My Country"). Today, you can visit the Smetana Memorial, where the main exhibits include the preserved study and family salon, partially furnished with original pieces.

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