Turnov City
Historic town in Liberecký kraj
Turnov sells garnet jewelry beside Gothic towers and a small castle. Hikers use it as a base for Bohemian Paradise rock formations, climbing routes, and river walks; expect gem-cutting workshops and hearty Czech taverns.
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Why Visit Turnov?#
Gateway to the Bohemian Paradise, Turnov is known for centuries-old gem-cutting and a strong tradition of Bohemian garnet jewelry. Sandstone formations such as the Prachov Rocks sit just outside town, drawing climbers and photographers, and local workshops and museums make the jewelry craft accessible. Combine outdoor exploration with visits to historic silversmiths and tiny cafés serving Czech pastries for a mix of craft heritage and natural scenery.
Best Things to Do in Turnov#
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Turnov Bucket List#
Museum of Bohemian Paradise (Muzeum Českého ráje v Turnově) - Garnet-focused exhibits, archaeological finds and local history displays in Turnov.
Prachov Rocks (Prachovské skály) - Labyrinth of sandstone towers and trails, excellent for hiking and climbing.
Hrubá Skála Chateau - Romantic castle perched on cliffs within Bohemian Paradise offering views and guided tours.
Turnov town square - Charming square with carved facades, cafes and several longtime local jewelers.
Local garnet workshops - Small ateliers demonstrating garnet cutting and jewellery-making, often open to visitors.
Lookout trails around Turnov - Short forest paths leading to viewpoints over sandstone formations and valley landscapes.
Trosky Castle - Iconic twin-towered castle ruins overlooking Bohemian Paradise landscapes and hiking trails.
Sychrov Castle - Neo-Gothic chateau with French-style interiors, extensive park and guided tours.
Best Time to Visit Turnov#
Visit May through September for warm, mostly dry weather and clear days perfect for hiking in Bohemian Paradise; winters bring snow, cold temperatures and shorter daylight that limit outdoor plans.
December - February
-4 to 3°C (25 to 37°F)
Winter is cold and snowy in the uplands, good for quiet walks or nearby skiing; expect frozen ground and limited daylight for sightseeing.
March - May
4 to 16°C (39 to 61°F)
Spring rapidly turns green-wildflowers and milder weather make trails pleasant, though early spring can still be chilly and muddy on forest paths.
June - August
15 to 26°C (59 to 79°F)
Summer is warm and ideal for climbing sandstone formations, exploring castles and swimming at local reservoirs; afternoons can be hot, so start hikes early.
Turnov's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (577 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 84 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Turnov#
Turnov is a gateway to the Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) region. The best air access is via Prague (PRG), then a direct regional train to Turnov; local buses serve nearby villages and natural attractions.
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): The main international gateway for the region, about 75-110 km from Turnov. From PRG you can take a bus to Prague main stations then a direct train to Turnov; total travel time is commonly 2-3 hours. Taxis from PRG to Turnov are 1.5-2.5 hours and cost more.
Pardubice Airport (PED): Smaller airport used mainly for charter and low-cost flights; it is farther and less convenient for Turnov than Prague, but can be an option depending on schedules.
Train: Turnov has a railway station (Turnov) with regular ČD regional and fast train services to Prague (Hlavní nádraží) and Liberec. Direct trains to Prague take about 1.5-2 hours; fares typically start around 100-200 CZK depending on train type.
Bus: Regional buses connect Turnov with surrounding Bohemian towns and tourist sites (e.g., Hrubá Skála, Český ráj). Buses are useful for reaching villages and attractions not on the rail line; fares are modest and journeys short.
How to Get Around Turnov#
Turnov is best accessed by train from Prague or Liberec, then explored by a mix of regional buses, bicycle and walking. For maximum flexibility when visiting dispersed natural sites, rent a car.
- České dráhy (regional trains) (~100-250 CZK) - Turnov station is on regular ČD routes to Prague and Liberec. Trains are the fastest public option to Prague (≈90-120 minutes) and run several times per day; buy tickets at stations or via the ČD app. Expect clean, reliable regional services.
- Regional buses (~20-80 CZK) - Buses link Turnov with villages, castles and trails in Český ráj. They are essential for reaching some sights that are off the rail network; timetables can be seasonal so check local schedules in advance.
- Taxi / Local shuttles (~200-700 CZK for typical short transfers) - Taxis are useful for early/late arrivals or reaching trailheads without frequent bus service. Local taxi fares are reasonable compared with longer transfers from Prague.
- Car rental / Driving (Costs vary) - Having a car is the most flexible way to explore Český ráj’s dispersed attractions, rock towns and lookout points. Roads are generally good and parking at sights is available but can be busy in summer.
- Bicycle (~200-600 CZK/day) - The area around Turnov is popular with cyclists; there are marked cycle routes and rentals in town. Good for short excursions and accessing scenic spots at a relaxed pace.
- Walking - Turnov’s centre and many nearby rock formations and trails are best explored on foot; hiking is a major reason visitors come here.
Where to Eat in Turnov#
Turnov offers hearty Bohemian cooking in family-run restaurants and pubs - roast meats, dumplings and local beers in a relaxed small-town setting.
- Local restaurace - Czech classics and local beers
- Pivnice / beer pub - Draft beers and hearty dishes
- Cukrárna / café - Cakes, coffee and light meals
Cafés, hotel restaurants and market stalls provide lighter options - coffee, pastries and quick international meals for visitors exploring nearby sandstone formations.
- Hotel restaurants - Polished regional dishes for visitors
- Pizzerias and bistros - Quick international options
- Market and street stalls - Seasonal snacks during festivals
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Turnov’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Turnov#
Turnov is known regionally for gemstone and glasswork, especially Czech garnet jewellery and related items - you’ll find several small shops and workshops in town selling jewellery, souvenirs and locally made glass. Most retail is small-scale and aimed at visitors to the Bohemian Paradise.
Nightlife in Turnov#
Evening life in Turnov is quiet. There are a few cafés, beer pubs and family restaurants in the centre; nightlife is low-key and mostly oriented toward locals and tourists winding down after daytime sightseeing.
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