Bohemian Paradise Geopark, Czech Republic

This geopark is located 100 km northeast of Prague and covers an area of 700 km². It became a global geopark in 2005. It includes a karst system of Cretaceous limestone. The Izera River formed a scenic valley and flows through the towns of Seminye and Turnov. The gorge is surrounded by dense forests and geological features with remarkable rocks on both sides. Because of these outstanding landscapes, it was set up as a nature reserve. The Loucsky waters used to have nine ponds. Only three ponds currently remain in Cihlak, Krizak and Nohavice, which form the northernmost pond system. Podtrosecka Udoli (valley under Trosky) and the Classic Geologic Square Uile are fascinating scenic sites. As early as the sixteenth century, people had established a pond system that drained floodplains and swamps in the valley to develop the economy of the region. Today, it has become an extraordinary tourist attraction. The unique canyon valley is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, which also lie along the...