A. Wildmann

“ The castle is a veritable museum of antiquities, with its old stained glass, armour, pictures by Rubens, Dürer, Makart and other masters. There is an elegant knights hall. A splendid view of the country is to be had from the balcony.
From Žleb to Třemošnice by the local railway (9 km) and a walk of two miles brings us to the ruins of the castle Lichnice situated amidst beautiful surroundings. Near to Lichnice are the baths of Vápený Podol and the noted marble quarries. ”

“ There, the inhabitants are of Bohemian Slavonic nationality who dwell in a land full of attractions for all lovers of nature; where the people with their simple and quaint manners and customs wearing their pretty national costumes, ever present to strangers an interesting series of living pictures reminiscent of by-gone days. The country all around is rich in historic associations and its scenery is, most beautiful and varied ”

“ Conspicuous is its castle towering high on a great rock, and near at hand is a Franciscan monastery. The church is architecturally very interesting and has several good pictures by the eminent Bohemian painter Škréta (1604—74) . Near the town is a large deer-park and close to it Libušiny Lázně (Libusa’s bath) which enjoys a high reputation. A pleasant walk may be enjoyed in the picturesque wooded valley of the Lužnice—otherwise called Pintovka through which it is an easy stroll to the castle Příběnice near to which visitors may rest and refresh at the excellent new restaurant. ”

“ Crossing the first pond by boat, we reach the ruins of Hrádek („The small castle“) an ancient hunting seat of Charles IV.
Another excursion by rail which ought not to be omitted, is to Krumlov (Krumau 31 km) a town on the Vltava, its situation is strikingly picturesque and there is much in it to interest visitors historically and in the excellence of its architectural features.
Its chief industries are concerned with the manufacture of paper, cloth, cellulose, beer and rope. ”

“ EXCURSIONS FROM KRUMLOV.
To those who care to view nature’s beauties from the heights and do not object to the labour involved in the climb, can ascend Klet (Schöninger) which rises to a height of 1080 m, where on clear day an enchanting view of the southern part of the Šumava can be enjoyed. ”

“ An hour’s ride takes the traveller from Veselí to Budějovice (Budweis 38 km) the scene of the animated strife between the Bohemian majority excluded from the local government and the german minority wielding a power and using an influence incosistent with the rule of a free country where the will of the majority should prevail. This important City is the seat of a bishop, has many schools, government offices, a busy industrial centre having breweries, tobacco factory and several establishments doing an extensive trade in the manufacture of lead pencils. ”

“ The industrial museum is well worthy of a visit. From Ústí as the border town, we go on to Lobosice (22 km.) , noted for its manufacture of sweets and coffee substitutes.
Some six miles distant, standing on the top of a hill is the ruined castle of Košťál.
From Lobosice to Česká Lípa (Böhmisch-Leipa 49 km.) , from thence (26 km.) to Bezděz. The castle standing on the highest top of a twin mountain, dates from the 11th. century and from the high tower one fourth of the kingdom can be surveyed, truly a magnificent panorama. ”

“ Visitors who ascend to the top of the tower are well repaid for their labour in the enjoyment of the wide panoramic view it presents.
The next halting place is Písek (89 km from Zdice) . It is a large town having many good schools, a Municipal Museum, a horse stud under the control of the military authorities Industrial concerns such as tobacco factory, two breweries and a gun-making establishment.
There is an ancient royal castle, a remarkable old bridge with statues; this crosses the Otava,–the townhall and the decanal church complete the list of buildings most worthy of notice. ”

“ The „Panna“ (Maiden) presents almost insurmountable difficulties, but the „Baba“ (Old woman) is an easy task for the experienced rock climber, but whatever be the difficulties and labour involved in making the ascent, all who accomplish the climb are amply rewarded; to see such lovely scenery is worth any amount of toil. From Trosky to Železnice (19 km) we pass to the ruin of the castle Bradlec and enjoye another panoramic view, then finally to Jičín (5 km) . ”

“ We can make „Ústí“ our next halting-place, and there arrange some pleasant outings and enjoy ourselves rambling over hill and dale, visiting interesting old castles such as the ruins of Žampach (four miles) , to Litice (15 km) in the Valley of the Divoká Orlice (Wild eagle river—Wilde Adler) , viewing the well preserved ruins of the castle Litice (13th. century) and 5 km Potštýn a small town on the right bank of the river where it nestles in a pretty valley near to the remains of the noble old castle. ”

“ We start from Mělník, cross the Labe and catch a train on the state railway at Beřkovice for Roudnice (19 km) . Above the town rises the castle of the principal branch of the princely house of Lobkovic. a huge building containing 181 rooms, a well-stocked library having many important manuscripts and rare old prints, a picture gallery and a unique collection of exquisite armour, antique furniture, glass, china, gold etc. The gothic church was founded in the 14th. century. ”

“ To visitors interested in pisciculture, this region can show the latest methods successfully adopted in fish-culture; the living evidence of which is to be seen in the many well-stocked fish-ponds common to this part of the country.
2nd, into the West, the land of romantic beauty, and through the virgin forests of the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) to the seats of the Chods; the old Bohemian borderers and hereditary guardians of the frontier who like their neighbours of Pilsen have preserved their characteristic National Costume. ”

“ We now come to Klášterec (Klösterle 41 km) a large industrial town chiefly concerned with the manufacture of China-ware. Next we reach Kadaň (47 km) a busy centre of glove trade. There are five churches among them there is one founded by the knights of Malta in 1183, it is now the decanal church of the district. The beautiful market-place is well worthy of notice. (From here, it is very easy to make a pleasant excursion to the interesting ruins of the castle of Hasistein.) ”

“ The industrial concerns are: a brewery, distilleries, a sugar and malt factory and a manufactory of machines, tools etc.
At a distance of two miles from Chrudim is Slatiňany; with the castle and beautiful park of prince Auersperg.
From Chrudim we pass by Rosice with its large sugar factory, to Pardubice (12 km) a prosperous town situated on a fertile plain. It is the junction of two great railways and the centre of great industrial activity, having a large petroleum refinery, a succory and candle factories, two breweries and a distillery etc. ”

“ Mary’s (1629) , the castle (17th. century) , St. Ignacius’ (14th. century) the college of the abolished order ot the Jesuits, and some remains of the ancient fortifications.
As a temporary home we can recommend the hotel Hamburg.
A trips to the Prachovské skály (rocks of Prachov) is one certain to be enjoyed by all making it. There, at an excellent pension, guides are provided; it is best to have their services for the charm of the place comes from it being a veritable maze of rocks, the scenery may fairly be described as romantic. ”

“ This is an important vineyard centre, the cultivation of the wine was much improved by Charles IV. importing cuttings of the most approved kinds from Burgundy, and this endeavour to improve is continued under the auspices of the specialists who impart instruction in the „Wine and Fruit-growers School. The quality of the wine can easily be tested by „sampling“ it at V. J. Šimoneks. ”

“ Barbara’s, built by the eminent artists, Matěj Rejsek (1489) , Beneš z Loun (1512—24) and carried on in subsequent years by Nicol Parler and Vlach, although still unfinished in consequence of difficulties resulting from the later troublous times, it is the chief monument of the high civilization of the town. The church is decorated with antique frescoes, and has several fine paintings and exquisitely carved stalls. Passing a bridge with 13 statues, we come to a building ”

“ ROUTE I.
FROM KARLOVY VARY (KARLSBAD) TO PRAGUE.
During the summer season three express trains run every day in from 4 to 41⁄2 hours, by the Buštěhradská dráha to Prague. Fares: 1st Class, 23.20 crowns 2nd Class 14.40 crowns. The railway keeps close to the banks of the Oharka or Ohře (Eger) to Žatec (Saaz) . ”

“ Here it is convenient for the purpose of arranging our excursions to make the pension Prokop our home for the time of our sojourn. For the drives carriages can be provided by our host. The finest trips are ”