Activities
Sport
Downhill Skiing
You can enjoy downhill skiing in the nearby ski resorts of the western Krkonoše Mountains. Trips to these resorts are very easy from Helkovice:
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Vysoké nad Jizerou (10 minutes)
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Paseky nad Jizerou (15 minutes)
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Rokytnice nad Jizerou (25 minutes)
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Mísečky-Špindlerův Mlýn (35 minutes)
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Harrachov (30 minutes)
Cross-country Skiing
For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, there are regularly groomed trails available. You can find the current status of cross-country skiing trails here. Possible routes from Helkovice:
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Vysoké nad Jizerou (10 minutes)
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Paseky nad Jizerou (15 minutes)
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Harrachov + Rokytnice nad Jizerou (30 minutes)
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Jakuszyce (35 minutes)
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Mísečky (35 minutes)
There are also plenty of tracks for freestyle cross-country skiing near U Borovice viewpoint in Helkovice. Snowboard and ski enthusiasts can also enjoy excursions here.
Cycling
In Helkovice and the surrounding area, you will find an abundant number of cycling trails suitable for both mountain biking (MTB) and road cycling.
Hiking
From the cottage, several marked hiking trails lead to the surroundings. We recommend visiting:
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Bozkov Dolomite Caves
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The impressive canyon of the Kamenice River with waterfalls on the Palacký Trail
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Dyková Skála, a flooded quarry in Držkov
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Paseky nad Jizerou – the site of Rais's Hidden Patriots
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the Údolí Vošmendy nature reserve, and more.
You can easily reach the busy and forgotten areas of the Krkonoše, Jizera Mountains, and Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) by car.
Rock Climbing
If you're a fan of rock climbing, you can try:
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Via Ferrata Vodní brána in Železný Brod, which is accessible for a wide climbing audience free of charge.
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Malá Skála – climbing for experienced climbers on Panteon and Suché Skály
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Hrubá Skála - more information at https://www.hruboskalsko.cz/
Water Sports
If you enjoy water sports, you can rent boats and rafts at Malá Skála. For more information, visit lodekoza.cz. In case of bad weather, there is a swimming pool available in Vrchlabí, Jablonec nad Nisou, and Liberec – Babylon center.
Culture
Museums
There are some interesting museums in the vicinity of Helkovice and Vysoké nad Jizerou:
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Jilemnice – Museum of Skiing History
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Vrchlabí – KRNAP Museum
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Železný Brod – Glass Museum
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More information at https://www.dumprirody.cz/ceskyraj/
Castles
If you love historical monuments, visit the ruins of Nístějka Castle above the Jizera River or the castles of Vranov, Kost, and Trosky.
Châteaus
Culture enthusiasts can also visit some châteaus in the area:
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Sychrov
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Hrubý Rohozec
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Zákupy
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Svijany
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Vrchlabí
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Horní Branná
Eco Farms
If you love dairy products from pure nature, you can visit the nearby eco farm near Vysoké nad Jizerou or get quality organic beef from Rokytnice nad Jizerou.