Interesting Frontier Attractions: A 3-day trip from Poland to the Czech Republic
June 11, 2025
The Czech borderland is a treasure trove of extraordinary attractions that can be visited during a short three-day trip from Poland. Spectacular views from the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, scenic mountain trails in the Karkonosze Mountains, mysterious rock formations reminiscent of fairy-tale cities, and fascinating encounters with exotic animals - all this awaits adventurous travelers just a few dozen kilometers from the Polish border. Plan your adventure in the Czech Republic and discover places that will stay in your memory for a long time.
Ad
Day One: Sky adventures in Dolní Morava
For the first day of your trip, head to the village of Dolní Morava, located in the Śnieżnik Massif, just 19 kilometers from the Polish border crossing in Międzylesie. It is here that you will find two spectacular attractions that will take your breath away and attract tourists from all over Europe.
The first is Sky Bridge 721 - the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. This impressive structure, opened in May 2022, is exactly 721 meters long and is suspended 95 meters above the Mlýnský Brook valley. The bridge connects two mountain ridges - Slamník and Chlum, offering incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Walking across it is a real test for those with a fear of heights, but the reward is breathtaking panoramas of the Sněžník Massif and the Jeseníky Mountains.
There is an interesting local legend associated with the bridge. According to locals' stories, during the construction of the bridge, workers repeatedly heard mysterious sounds coming from the valley, resembling the whispering of mountain spirits. Some believe that these are the spirits of ancient shepherds who roamed the area for centuries, now guarding the bridge and ensuring the safety of passersby.
After crossing the bridge, take the 'Bridge of Time' educational path, which leads through the forest and tells the history of the region over the past 12,000 years. Information boards show how the landscape, climate and people's lives in the area have changed from the Ice Age to the present day.
Just a few hundred meters from the Sky Bridge is the second unusual attraction - the Path in the Clouds (Stezka v oblacích). This 55-meter-high spiral structure opened in 2015 and quickly became one of the symbols of the region. The tower has a unique shape reminiscent of a bird's flight, and its highest point is 1116 meters above sea level. The viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the Snieznik Massif, the Jeseníky Mountains, and on a clear day you can even see the Polish Krkonoše Mountains.
The bravest tourists can take advantage of additional attractions on the Path in the Clouds - a 101-meter slide that leads in a spiral way down the structure, or a net stretched at a height of 50 meters, on which you can crawl. Adrenaline lovers will also enjoy a 100-meter rope slide.
It is interesting to note that the Path in the Clouds was designed by renowned Czech architect Zdeňek Fránek and won the prestigious Construction Journal Award for its innovative structural solutions. The structure was made of larch wood and steel, and more than 550 tons of materials were used in its construction.
Both attractions are open year-round, but it is advisable to check up-to-date information before visiting, as they may be temporarily closed for safety reasons in case of adverse weather conditions (high winds, storms, icing). Ticket prices are at an average level, and it is worth knowing that it is possible to purchase a combined ticket for both attractions at a more favorable price.
Day Two: Giant Mountains and Safari in Dvůr Králové
The second day of the trip should be spent exploring two completely different but equally fascinating places - the majestic Giant Mountains and one of the best zoos in Europe.
Krkonoše National Park (Karkonosze National Park) is the oldest national park in the Czech Republic, established in 1963. It encompasses the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic and Poland - the Krkonoše Mountains, with its highest peak Sněžka (1603 meters above sea level). The park is famous for its unique tundra ecosystems, which are a remnant of the Ice Age and found only in a few places in Europe. These arctic-alpine meadows, called 'Krkonoše tundra' in the Czech Republic, are home to many rare plant and animal species.
One of the most distinctive features of the Giant Mountains landscape are the glacial cirques, the most famous of which are the Sněžné kotle (Sněžné jámy) and the Velký and Malý rybník (Great and Small Ponds). These natural formations were created by glacial activity some 10,000 years ago, and today are some of the most beautiful places in the entire range.
There are many legends associated with the Krkonoše Mountains, and the most famous concerns the Spirit of the Mountains - Krakonoš, who, according to legends, guards nature and punishes those who destroy it. This mythical figure is deeply rooted in the local culture and you can find images of him throughout the region. According to legend, Krakonoš can change the weather in the mountains in the blink of an eye, sending fog or storms on reckless hikers.
The park has more than 800 kilometers of hiking trails of varying difficulty. For less experienced hikers, I recommend the route from Pec pod Sněžkou to the Výrovka chalet, which offers spectacular views with moderate effort. More advanced hikers may be tempted to climb Sněžka on one of several available trails.
In the afternoon, head to the town of Dvůr Králové nad Labem, home to one of the most unusual zoos in Europe. Dvůr Králové Zoo, founded in 1946, specializes in African fauna and is the second largest zoo in the Czech Republic. The 72-hectare area is home to more than 2,500 animals representing some 500 species.
What sets this zoo apart from others is the opportunity to go on a real safari. In a specially designated area of 30 hectares, you can observe African animals in near-natural conditions. Visitors can traverse the area in special safari buses or in their own cars, admiring giraffes, zebras, wildebeest antelopes, rhinos and many other species up close.
Dvůr Králové Zoo is also famous for its breeding programs for endangered species. The most successful is the conservation program for the northern white rhinoceros, which is on the verge of extinction. In 2009, the zoo transported the last four rhinos of this subspecies from the Czech Republic to the Ol Pejeta Reserve in Kenya, hoping that the natural habitat would increase the chances of their propagation. Unfortunately, today there are only two females of the subspecies left in the world, but scientists in Dvůr Králové are still working on methods of artificial reproduction that could save the species.
Also of interest is the African Pavilion, a huge 1500 m² hall with a tropical climate all year round. There you can admire exotic birds, monkeys, reptiles and lush vegetation characteristic of African rainforests. The pavilion also has an underwater window through which you can watch hippos as they swim.
The zoo also offers a night safari where you can observe the behavior of animals active after dark, a unique attraction in Europe. Ticket prices are mid-range, and the park is open year-round, although some attractions, such as a safari in your own car, are only available during the summer season.
Day Three: Rocky Towns and Historic Cieszyn
The third day of the trip is an excellent opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic - Adršpašskoteplické skály, and then stop in historic Cieszyn on the way back to Poland.
Adršpašskoteplické skály (Rock Town of Adršpach-Teplice) is a fascinating rock labyrinth located in northeastern Bohemia, just 10 km from the Polish border. Established in 1933, this remarkable nature reserve covers an area of about 17 km² and consists of two parts - Adršpašskoteplické skály (Adršpach and Teplice rocks), connected by a picturesque path called Vlčí rokle (Wolf's Gorge).
The rock formations were created by the erosion of sandstone that formed the bottom of a prehistoric sea about 100 million years ago. Over millions of years, water, wind and temperature changes carved fantastic shapes into the rocks, which today resemble figures, animals or objects. Among the most famous formations are: Lovers (Milenci), Mayor and Mayoress (Starosta a Starostová), Sugar Head (Homole cukru) or the impressive 90-meter-high Great Atlantis (Velká Atlantida).
It is interesting to note that in 1783 Johann Wolfgang Goethe, fascinated by the beauty of the place, called it 'stone city', which gave rise to the term 'rock city', still used today. It is also worth mentioning that in the 1970s, scenes for the cult film fairy tale 'The Third Prince' (Třetí princ) were filmed in Adršpašské skaly, which further made the place famous.
Two main hiking trails lead through the Rock Town - the red one in Adršpašské skaly (about 3.5 km) and the yellow one in Teplice rocks (about 6 km). Both offer unforgettable views and passages through narrow rock crevices, the most famous of which is the Mysia Dziura (Myší díra), where tourists have to squeeze sideways through a narrow rock corridor.
One of the biggest attractions is also the Great Waterfall (Velký vodopád), where the waters of the Metuje stream fall from a height of 16 meters. According to local legend, hidden behind the waterfall is a cave where a stone knight sleeps, who will wake up when the Czechs are in the greatest danger.
In the center of the rock city is a picturesque lake (Adršpašské jezírko), where you can take boats. During the cruise, transporters tell legends related to the place and demonstrate the unusual echo that bounces off the rock walls. The echoes are said to be the voices of spirits trapped in the rocks, who respond to the cries of the living.
Admission prices to the Rock City are at an average level, and it takes about 4-5 hours to explore the entire complex. It is worth remembering that the place is very popular during the summer season, so it is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
On the way back to Poland, it is worth stopping in Cieszyn, a city divided by the Polish-Czech border, where Cieszyn Castle is located. This historic building, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest monuments in Cieszyn Silesia.
The most valuable object of the castle complex is the Romanesque Rotunda of St. Nicholas and St. Wenceslas, dating back to the 11th century - the oldest surviving religious building in Poland. This small stone temple is so important to Polish history that its image was included on the 20-zloty banknote used before the 1995 denomination.
From the castle hill, there is a beautiful view of the Polish and Czech parts of the city, separated by the Olza River. From here you can see the characteristic buildings of both parts of Cieszyn and feel its unique multicultural atmosphere.
The castle is linked to the legend of three brothers - Bolek, Leszek and Cieszek, who, after a long hike, met at a spring and, glad to meet again, founded the city, which they called Cieszyn. To commemorate this event on Castle Hill is the Well of the Three Brothers, which is one of the symbols of the city.
Castle Cieszyn is now not only a monument, but also a thriving center of design and entrepreneurship, where exhibitions, workshops and conferences are held. Admission to the castle hill is free, and for a small fee you can visit the interior of the rotunda and the castle tower.
This three-day tour of the Czech border region offers a remarkable variety of attractions - from modern engineering structures and wild natural beauty to fascinating animal encounters and historical landmarks. Each day brings new impressions and discoveries, all just a few dozen kilometers from the Polish border.
Similar articles
Ad