Žandov – Cultural History and Hiking Trails

Žandov lies in the Ploučnice Valley. The town’s historical details and varied trails make it an interesting place to look for a hotel: the stone well and sandstone column represent different chapters in the town’s history, while a longer hiking stage and a short nature trail offer two different types of route. When planning your trip, you can decide whether monuments, a hike or nature-related topics in the surrounding area should shape your stay.

Cultural Monuments and Local History

The stone town well bears the town coat of arms and the year 1853. That year, it replaced an earlier wooden well; it was restored in 1997. The well is a national cultural monument. It brings together a visible civic emblem, a precise date and two historical milestones: the change from a wooden to a stone well and its later restoration. The year 1853 refers to the stone well, while 1997 marks a later chapter in its history.

The sandstone column with a statue of Saint Sebastian reveals a different period. Excluding the statue, which is temporarily kept in the church, the column is about six metres tall. It bears a German inscription in capital letters, dated 1717. The inscription dates from well before the 1853 well; the material and approximate height also offer different points of reference from the coat of arms and restoration dates. Those interested in local history can compare the dates and visible design features of these two monuments.

Koruna House also connects architectural and transport history. The house’s main corridor was once a passage to the courtyard, where horses were changed. The inn in Koruna House was initially called “U císaře rakouského” and was renamed “U Koruny” after 1918. The former corridor points to the house’s function at the time; the name change adds a later development after 1918. Together with the 1717 inscription and the 1853 well, these details span several periods of history.

Hiking, Nature and Landscape

Stage II of the Výroční stezka Češka – Slunečná – Žandov is 14 kilometres long and classified as a moderately difficult hiking route. It reaches Žandov via a blue-marked hiking trail through Radeč and along Dvorský kopec. After 1.5 kilometres from Volfartice, the stage joins the paved cycle path No. 15, “Ploučnice, Varhany.” Its length, difficulty and route describe different aspects of the stage; its connection to the cycle path provides an additional point of reference for route planning.

Near Žandov is the Okolím Karlovských rybníků za poznáním educational trail. It is a marked, easy, two-kilometre circular route with seven stops; allow about an hour to visit it. The information boards cover the area’s history and the lives of local aquatic and forest animals and plants. Compared with the 14-kilometre stage, this circular route is shorter and explicitly classified as easy. Its maintenance is not guaranteed in winter. The Žandov area includes Zones I to IV of the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area.

A Running Event in November

The Žandovská desítka is an annual running event held in November; editions from 2014 to 2026 are listed for Žandov. In the 2025 edition, the route started at the Žandov swimming pool and followed a loop through the forest around the Karlovské rybníky ponds. If you would like to combine your trip with the race, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Discover more destinations: Krompach V Cechách, Zákupy, Chotovice U Nového Boru, Radvanec, Bohatice U Zákup, Brniště, Kamenický Šenov, Svojkov

Back to the regional travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.