Decin Things to Do

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There is actually not *that* much left of the castle gardens. But it's still enough to spend some time there once you're in the area. First of all don't miss the rosarium - see separate tip. The other gardens are free, though.

Another small door on the left (southern) side of the Long Drive takes you to a small garden that is designed somewhat like a Japanese garden. Nice and offers good views.

An English style park is south of the castle, large lawns alternate with shade providing trees. The large pond is unfortunately separated from the park by a street nowadays. There is also a large playground for kids in the most distant part of the park.

The park along the river below the castle is also very nice. A promenade and bike trail runs through it. The views of the rock on the opposite bank of the river is stunning. A hint: There is a nice path in the shade of the trees that winds up on the northern side (from the town) to the castle from there.

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Part of the castle complex is the rosarium, designed in the 17th century. It is not overly large but very beautiful - right by the entrance is the Sala terrena with stunning frescos created by Guiseppe Bragaglia - reminded me of the one in Valdstejn garden in Prague. On the opposite end of the rosarium is the gloriette with sculptures by local artists.

Not only is the rosarium a great place to relax and forget time - the views of the city and the surrounding landscape are also amazing.

Open daily from May to Sept, weekends and holidays in April and Oct.
Admission fee CZK 15, combined ticket with castle CZK 90

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Decin's castle sits on a rock on the right bank of the Elbe/Labe river. It can look back on a history of about 1000 years - the present buildings, however, are results of the thorough construction works in the late 17th and then again late 18th centuries when the castle was owned by the Thun family. There are still some Renaissance structures preserved, though, especially in the western and southern wings, these dating from the period when the castle was a property of Saxon nobles (Salhausen first, then Bünau).

The whole complex is quite large. Access to the castle is best through the so called "Long Drive", a cobbled alley with walls to both sides, leading from the town straight up to the plateau on which the castle is. On the lower end is a gate with two openings: the left one leads to the castle, the right one to the town centre/church of the cross. Farther up a small gate on the left takes you to a small garden, another one to the right is the entrance to the rosarium (separate tip).

The ticket office is right before the upper gate of the Long Drive on the left side. A bridge leads to the main castle. The courtyard facades are beautifully decorated (see pictures). The castle is only accessible with guided tours that are in Czech mostly (other languages upon reservation in advance, surcharge). Audio guides available in other languages. The interior is well restored. You see numerous beautiful rooms, furniture not original but fitting, the chapel, stables etc, highlight IMO are the uncovered fresco and secco wall decorations from the 18th century.

Open daily, Admission fee CZK 70, combined ticket with rosarium and regional museum in the Eastern wing: CZK 90.

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The catholic parish church in Decin-Podmokly is dedicated to the Saint Francis of Assisi. It was built 1856 - 61 in Neo-Romanesque style. It has only one nave, arcades on the long sides that open to alcoves remind of side naves, some of the alcoves are turned into chapels with altars or have sculptures.

The original main altar, a Neo-Gothic woodcarved piece, is now in a side chapel. It was replaced by a magnificent (Saxon) Renaissance altar of sandstone created by Franz Ditterich in Freiberg in 1605 which was moved from Krasny Studenec, a small village in the region, to Decin-Podmokly.

The church's door is usually open but you can only peek inside through a wrought-iron fence.

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Right on the street that leads up to the Zoo and Pastyrska stena is the Synagogue. It was built 1906-07 in pseudo-oriental style with obvious elements of Czech Art Nouveau (Secession). It is the only Synagogue in the Czech Sudeten region (where until 1945 a German majority lived) which survived WWII.

Since 1996 the Jewish community is again owner of the property. It is nowadays used as exhibit and congress centre - not for services anymore, sadly.

Open daily on workdays from 8-15 h. Small charge if they have an exhibit.

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The Zoo in Decin was founded 1949. It is one of the smaller zoos, but a very beautiful one, located in a forest on the plateau high above the left bank of the Elbe/Labe river (Decin-Podmokly).

You can see 330 animals of 115 species. The kids will probably enjoy the bigger animals the most: Grizzlies, cute deer, goats ... but the smaller ones are interesting, too. There is a large playground also, an inexpensive restaurant, picnic spots.

The zoo is open all year round, in summer 8-18 h, in winter until 16 h only.

Admission fee is CZK 90 for adults in summer, CZK 70 in winter. In October special price is CZK 50. Reduced family tickets available.

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This is the name of a sandstone rock that towers up on the left bank over the Elbe/Labe river. As far as I know (from the German name "Schäferwand") it means "shepherd's wall". The views from there are absolutely gorgeous - see the pictures! The elevation difference to the river level is about 150 m - nothing for people with fear of heights (although you can enjoy the view from a safe terrace set back a few meters).

The the left (north) you see the begin of the river canyon in the sandstone massif of the Bohemian-Saxon National Park, vis-a-vis are the castle of Decin and the old town, to the right (south) you see the begin of other mid-range mountains, the Ceske stredohori.

Access is either walking or driving up a narrow street from Podmokly, take a signposted turn right at Teplicka street or walk (hike!) up a steep path that starts right at the Tyrs bridge.

There is a restaurant on top, never had anything there, sorry. It is also the starting point of several walking/hiking paths that mostly lead through woods. Nearby is the zoo, see separate tip.

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Decin's regional museum found its home in classicistic building that goes back to a hunting lodge of the Thun family built in 1735. It is located in Podmokly (Bodenbach) across the river from the castle. The permanent exhibit is on history of the town and castle, the traffic on the river and also on Gothic art/sculptures. You'll learn that until 1945 about 95% of Decin's population were Germans, especially if you get a guided tour by the former chief historian of the town (now retired), like yours truly did :-)

When I was there they had a special exhibit on the changes in the 19th and 20th centuries in Decin, especially very interesting photographs.

Don't miss to have a closer look at the Gingko biloba in front of the museum - a beautiful old tree!

Address: Československé mládeže 1/31, 405 02 Děčín IV
Opening hours: Tue - Sun 9-12/13- 17
Admission fee: CZK 30
No photography.