Rakousy in the Jizera Valley

Rakousy lies in the Jizera Valley between Turnov and Malá Skála. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between different interests: nature conservation and the river landscape sit alongside local architecture, history and community life. If you are looking for a hotel in Rakousy, you can start by considering which of these themes you want to shape your stay. They include a natural woodland area, trails and a recommended boat trip, as well as timber cottages, a historic cross site and cultural events.

Forest Conservation and River Landscape

The Bučiny u Rakous Nature Reserve protects a natural woodland community consisting predominantly of beech trees. The predominantly beech woodland is 80 to 115 years old and grows on marl sandstone. Bučiny u Rakous is also an ecologically significant biocentre of regional importance, located along a supra-regional biocorridor in the Jizera Valley. The two terms describe different scales: the biocentre highlights regional importance, while the corridor reflects the broader context in the Jizera Valley. For nature-loving travelers, both the specific type of woodland and its ecological connections take center stage.

Trails and Water on the Jizera

Hiking and cycling trails pass through Rakousy. These include the Greenway Jizera and the Průlom Jizery educational trail. The educational trail follows the Jizera from Malá Skála to Turnov. The municipality also recommends that paddlers travel downstream on the Jizera from Malá Skála to Zrcadlová koza. This offers two different ways to plan your trip: trails for walking or cycling, and a journey downstream. Water conditions and launch options may vary seasonally; check both before setting out. It is also advisable to check local conditions before using the trails.

Architecture and History

Rakousy has eight timber cottages of the Turnov type. Their shared type designation identifies the houses as a local group and gives the area’s architecture a clearly defined focus. The first official mention of Rakousy dates to 1540. For historical context, this date should be understood as the first mention, not automatically as the year the settlement was founded.

The iron cross is located on the left side of the dead-end road from Turnov to Rakousy (Zátoň), near the municipal office. The iron cross probably dates from around the turn of the 20th century. The site should be regarded as a cultural heritage marker, not as a monument whose physical condition is certainly intact: its physical state had changed by the end of 2024.

Community Life and Events

The Jizeran theater association contributes to cultural life in Rakousy. It was founded in 1924 and re-established in 1998; the two dates mark different stages in its history. Jizeran takes part in various showcases with theater performances. The association also organizes, among other things, balls, children’s carnivals, children’s days, Shrovetide processions, Easter traditions, Christmas carol singing at the nativity scene and excursions. If you would like to plan your trip around a specific event, check the dates in advance.

Castle Ruins Nearby

The Zbirohy castle ruins are located near Rakousy. They are freely accessible. The surviving remains of the original complex include cellars, a water cistern and, above all, a palace wall up to 10 meters high. Unlike the local woodland and trail attractions, the focus here is on the surviving structures of a castle complex. Check the current conditions at the site before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Lomnice Nad Popelkou, Poniklá, Stružinec, Košov, Bystrá Nad Jizerou, Semily, Bozkov, Roztoky U Jilemnice.

For the broader travel overview: Semily District.