THE CENTRAL BOHEMIAN MASSIF, along the northern border of the Czech lands stretch the erupted hills of the Central Bohemian Massif. Its basalt and phonolite groupings of hills created by vulcanic activity, its lonely massive hills and cupolas create picturesque patterns rocks and deep romantic valley. The visit to the Ústí area will open you various landscape panoramas surrounding the main deep valley created by the waters Labe river. The area has been declared a protected natural reservation with sancturaies of precious plants and animals. Let us learn about the nature and try to protect it for those who will come after us. The Labe river enters the Central Bohemian Massif through the valley called Porta Bohemica, where it starts creating picturesque meanders...

    The River Labe approaches Usti nad Labem through a deep canyon valley called the Porta Bohemica or Czech Gateway. It has created unusual landscapes with the deep cutting of the river through the Ceske stredohori or Czech middle mountains. It is possible to take in this wonderful panorama from a number of places, on the right bank is Varhosf hill with its viewing tower built on 1973, while on the left bank St Barbora's Church at Dubice is ideal.

    Below the church is located the village of Doini Zaiezly. This was well known for its winery similar to that near Veike Zemoseky. Well known writer Franz Kafka used to stay in the village during the summer months. On the opposite bank of the Labe stands the village of Cirkvice with its baroque Church of the Assumption and next to it the interesting small bell tower.

    Travelling down stream towards Usti nad Labem one gets a beautiful view of the valley and Strekov Castle. On the left bank lies Vanov with its unusual rock Vrkoc which is an European geological rarity. Its top offers excellent views of the Labe valley. Not far from this place can be found the biggest of eight waterfalls in the Usti region. Many landslides have taken place above Vanov which remind its inhabitants that the Ceske stredo-hori mountains are still one of the youngest geological mountain ranges in Bohemia. Similar romantic natural creations can be found also on the opposite bank in Bma. Regardless of whether it is Prucelska chasm or the Slunecni strati reservation with its guided route, the visitor is always surprised by the beauty of our lands. The well known German writer Karel May came here and was inspired to write such classics about forever living heroes. Old Shatterhand and Vinnetou.