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Overlooking the deep valley of the Strenice Stream—a right-bank tributary of the Jizera River—stands the fairy-tale Stránov Castle, perched on a high rocky promontory. Its predecessor, a Gothic fortress dating back to the 15th century, was transformed into a Renaissance residence during the ownership of the Slavata noble family. The castle’s current Neo-Renaissance appearance, which you can admire today, was created between 1890 and 1894 by the renowned architect Josef Schulz, best known for designing the National Museum in Prague.
In 1917, the castle became the property of Josef Šimonek, director of the Škoda Works, who was later ennobled as a baron for his contributions to industrial development. After the Velvet Revolution, the castle was returned to his descendants, who have been gradually restoring it. They are also involved in restoring Lobče Castle and Houska Castle in the nearby Kokořín region. Bit by bit, Stránov is regaining the romantic charm that once made it a popular filming location as early as the 1920s.
From the Čelákovice train stop, you can follow the yellow hiking trail into the town center. A notable architectural highlight of 5. května Square is the Neo-Baroque town hall from 1911. Continue towards the Elbe River arm, where you'll find a former medieval fortress. Today, it houses the Municipal Museum, which offers exhibits on both local history and the history of the building itself.
From here, follow cycle route 0041, crossing the footbridge over the Elbe and another over its oxbow lake known as Grádo. The route takes you through the forest along a small road to the Baroque chapel of St. Wenceslas, flanked by two angel statues that once marked the boundary between the Brandýs and Lysá estates.
At the Karlov crossroads, the path turns north. Just past Dvorce, you’ll pass Hladoměř Wetlands, a newly created system of ponds where a historic fishpond once stood. From Stará Lysá, continue by road to Čihadla, where the charming Baroque chapel of St. Simeon awaits. It was built by Count František Antonín Špork, the Enlightenment patron and former owner of the Lysá estate.
After passing Předměřice nad Jizerou, you’ll go under the highway and reach Kochánky, where you’ll join cycle route 17 – Greenway Jizera. Riding along the river, you’ll soon arrive in Benátky nad Jizerou, a picturesque town with a charming historic center perched on a hill. Its most prominent feature is the Renaissance-Baroque chateau, now home to a museum that, among other things, commemorates the stay of famed astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Continue through Dražice, where you can spot the ruins of a medieval castle, and through Horky nad Jizerou, home to a Baroque chateau. Eventually, you'll pass under the monumental railway viaduct built in 1924. From here, on the right above the valley, the Stránov Castle in Jizerní Vtelno comes into view. You can tour its interior rooms or climb the tower, which is preserved from the original fortress and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. You may even catch one of the many cultural events frequently hosted at the castle.
From here, return to the Jizera River, which will guide you all the way to Mladá Boleslav—a city well worth setting aside an entire day to explore.
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