Day 1: Set off to Jičín to meet Rumcajs and the magic of the rocks

Where else to start your fairytale holidays than in Jičín – City of fairytales? Preferably during the festival of the same name with a fun programme for the whole family. The square, dominated by Valdická brána, whose roof resembles the hat of the robber Rumcajs, is usually full of attractions, performances and fairytale characters. You will have to climb 156 steps to reach the Valdická brána lookout point, which will reward you with a view of the entire Český ráj. During the season various theatrical performances take place inside. 
Just below Valdická brána, you will find a children’s playground, near which there is a pleasant café where parents can watch their children and enjoy a moment of peace. Just a short walk away is Rumcajs’ shoemaker’s shop with characters from the night-time cartoon by Radek Pilař – Manka, Cipísek and Rumcajs. Aside from the fairytale exhibition, which reminds us of the household of Rumcajs the shoemaker from the time when he was not a robber but an honest craftsman, there is also Manka’s herb garden and a courtyard with various entertaining elements.

Tip: Excellent cuisine and a children’s playroom guarantee satisfaction for parents and children. Try the Jičín restaurant La Favorita.

If you pick up a map of the Rumcajs trail at the local information centre, you can enjoy a twelve-kilometre route that will take you through Holín, Prachov and Brada hill to Kbelnice. On the way you can refresh yourself at the Kníže swimming pool, or feed the ducks at the pond of the same name. 

However, if you prefer shade and mystery head to Prachovské skály. Here, in the Císařská chodba, a corridor through which Emperor Francis I once passed, a scene from The Little Mermaid fairytale was filmed, but today’s children will probably no longer remember it. However, they can guess the name of each rock. Children’s imaginations can be inspired by the shapes of rock towers and other formations to create their own stories.

TIP: Visit at least three places associated with the famous military leader and get a commemorative coin with the motivational In the Footsteps of Albrecht von Wallenstein game. If you’d rather have a cup of coffee and cake with Albrecht and enjoy a bit of relaxation, take a walk from Jičín along the linden alley to Café Loggie. Here, in the Wallenstein Loggia, you will experience the genius loci of the place and perhaps take part in one of the festivities organised by the local castellan.