📜 The Bukovina Arboretum, established in 1860, is a significant collection of living woody plants covering 2.7 hectares near Hrubá Skála in the Bohemian Paradise. It is renowned as one of the oldest areas in Bohemia where foreign species, primarily from North America, were first introduced.
🔍 Initiated by Jan Bedřich Lexa of Aehrenthal with expert supervision from forester Leopold Anger, approximately one-third of the original trees have survived. Notable early plantings include Douglas fir and great fir, possibly the first attempts in Bohemia, alongside Canadian hemlock and American tulip tree.
🌳 Explore a diverse collection of over 40 species of trees, including rare and historic specimens like the giant sequoia and Ginko biloba.
🚶♀️ Walk along the “Golden Trail” as the arboretum is situated directly on this scenic route between Valdštejn Castle and Hrubá Skála Castle.
ℹ️ Visit the Swiss-style half-timbered gazebo, which now houses the information centre for the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area.
🖼️ Admire the "Spirit of the Arboretum" sculpture, carved from a dead Douglas fir by Ivan "Oldman" Šmíd.
🏞️ Enjoy a nice view of part of the Ještěd-Kozák Ridge and observe unique rock formations within the arboretum.
ℹ️ An information centre is located in the historic Swiss-style gazebo.
☕ A tearoom is available during July and August.
🤝 The arboretum is owned by the Lesy ČR association as part of the Hruboskalsko Nature Reserve and the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area.