Máchův kraj

Mácha’s region belongs to Ralská pahorkatina (the Ralsko Mountain Range) and its sub-unit Dokeská pahorkatina (the Doksy Range) – including Hradčanské stěny (the Walls of Hradčany), which is further divided into Polomené hory (the Mountains Polomené), Úštěcká pahorkatina (the Hilly Area of Úštěk) and Jestřebská kotlina (the Basin of Jestřebí).

NATIONAL NATURAL ATTRACTION PEKLO (HELL)
This area consists of a canyon of 4km in length, which is situated amongst the villages Zahrádky and Česká Lípa. The valley is in some places up to 60m wide, formed from a 35m to 45m high rift in the rocks that was formed by Robečský potok (Robečský Brook). Its track through the secondary sandstone is a magnificent experience not only for tourists using the local educational footpath but also for geologists. On the rock walls there are diverse geomorphologic formations – honeycombs, overhanging cliffs, caves, ferrous inlays, etc. The canyon bottom is covered with sediments on which typical meadow wildlife developed. Especially in the spring, we can find here the following plants: spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum), coockoopint (Arum maculatum), water arum (Calla palustris) etc. Some 78 kinds of nesting birds are also found here, including the river kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Local mammals include the river otter (Lutra lutra). Formal state protection was extended here in 1967.

BŘEHYNĚ – PECOPALA NATIONAL NATURAL RESERVE
About 3km eastwards from Doksy there is a large territory (903 hectares), which consists of Břehyňský rybník (Břehyňský Brook) with adjacent reed, peat bogs, wetland meadows and a sandstone plateau covered by a pine grove and beech woods. The area is biologically varied and rich in endangered plants and animals. The area is an important roost for birds. Among some of the most important bird dwellers are the ash-gray crane (Grus grus) and sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). The amphibian fauna is also rich and the common viper (Vipera berus) or speckled salamander (Salamandra salamandra) can be seen here. Amongst the rich flora it is possible to identify the white water lily (Nymphaea alba), while other peat or wetland meadow flora are also present. Since 1991 the Břehyňský rybník (Břehyňský Lake) has been protected by the Ramsar convention on the protection of internationally important wetlands. In 1994 the area was covered by the system of European Council reserves. In 2002 the area was nominated as an area for the protection of birds under the European NATURA 2000 scheme.

SWAMPS
This national natural treasure (1.45 hectares, announced in 1972) is situated on the southeast coast of Mácha’s Lake. In the area are more than 170 species of algae and several dozen kinds of algae. Other plants include the zoophagous sundew scuppernong (Drosera Rotundifolia) or the endangered white beak-sedge (Hynchospora Alba). The swamp is accessible via the yellow tourist route leading around Mácha’s Lake.

PROVODÍNSKÉ KAMENY (STONES OF PROVODÍN)
There is a natural treasure formed by a striking basalt hill, known as Lysá skála (Lysá Rock). At an elevation of 419m it is remarkable for existence of thermophilic fauna. It is located near the village of Provodín (8km north of Doksy). The area covers 3.5 hectares and was declared a natural treasure in 1956. The items of protection include the societies of rock prairies towards the peak and an oak grove on its foothill.

BRANIBORSKÁ JESKYNĚ (BRANIBORSKÁ CAVE) NEAR STARÉ SPLAVY
In a westerly direction from Staré Splavy, in a forest full of romantic ravines, Braniborská jeskyně (Braniborská Cave) is hidden. It is an overhanging sandstone rock some 44m long, 12m deep and 6m high. The cave used to be a shelter for local people during wars, as the writing carved into the rock testifies. The writing forms a heart decorated with a crown. The corners of the crown form the letter W (Waldstein) and inside the heart is found a German text with the date 21st December 1741.

PSÍ KOSTELY (DOGS´ CHURCHES) AND SKALNÍ BRÁNA (ROCK GATE) IN HRADČANSKÉ STĚNY (HRADČANSKÉ WALLS)
Psí kostel (Dog´s Church), also called Husův kostel (The Church of Huss), is a jagged sandstone overhanging rock, which turns into a cave. Its corridor on a rock terrace is in some places open to the valley, while in other places it merges into rock slopes supported by natural columns. The span of the overhanging rock is around 35m and the length of the corridor is 80m. Several dozens meters from the caves of Psí kostely (Dogs´ Churches) is Skalní brána (Rock Gate), which is among the biggest caves in the Czech Republic. It looms high over a rock promontory at who’s foot is found numerous fossils from the Mesozoic era. The whole area is situated some 3.5km to the west of the village of Hradčany and 5km from Mimoň. The area is intersected by a tourist track.