An excursion for Czech and German students to historic sites in the Czech border region
On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, we organised a joint excursion as part of the InterBridge project for students from Christian Weise Gymnasium in Zittau and children from the Primary School and School of Arts in Jablonné v Podještědí. The aim was to discover several fascinating places in the Czech border region, explore their history and architecture, and learn about the stories associated with them. As it turned out, the day was full of memorable experiences. Sloup rock castle: views across the countryside
Our first stop was Sloup Rock Castle in Sloup v Čechách, one of the most interesting historical landmarks in our region. The castle is literally carved into a massive sandstone rock formation. It once served as a medieval fortified residence and later became a hermitage, with a chapel and other rooms built directly into the rock. The weather was reasonably kind to us: although it was cold, the sun was shining, allowing us to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The rock passageways, staircases and hidden corners also offered plenty of opportunities to explore and imagine what life here might have been like centuries ago.
Pekelné doly: an underground site with an unusual history
From the castle, we continued to Pekelné Doly, near Lindava, an extensive underground complex created by sandstone quarrying. Today, the cave system is best known for its unusual atmosphere and its use as a restaurant popular with motorcyclists.
Pekelné Doly also has an industrial past. The artificially created underground spaces have been used for various purposes over the years, and their history is also connected with the wartime period. Places like this remind us how former industrial and economic sites can gradually change and find new uses.
A lunch to remember
After the morning programme, the Czech group returned to school, while the German students continued to lunch in Jablonné v Podještědí. We enjoyed our meal at Lenka Bílková’s restaurant.
Among the options were goulash soup and semolina soup. Most of the group opted for the goulash soup, but one person chose differently – the author of this article! :-) I simply couldn’t resist the semolina soup with vegetables. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a delicious chicken schnitzel that was so large it covered most of the plate. As a lovely parting surprise, we were also given delicious homemade doughnuts filled with poppy seeds, jam or quark. They were so good that it would have been a shame not to share this experience. We would therefore like to thank the restaurant for the tasty food, warm welcome and very reasonable prices.
The day ends at the Basilica of St Lawrence and St Zdislava
Our final stop was the Basilica of St Lawrence and St Zdislava in Jablonné v Podještědí, an important Baroque landmark associated with the story of St Zdislava of Lemberk. Her relics are kept in the crypt beneath the basilica, which we also visited as part of the tour.
A recent criminal incident involving the theft of St Zdislava’s skull, followed by a dramatic turn of events, is recalled inside the basilica by a shattered, now-empty reliquary. The recovered skull is no longer on public display and is being kept in a secret location.
Our guide spoke German, allowing our German guests to fully appreciate the basilica’s history and architecture. And it was here that we experienced the most beautiful surprise of the day.
Felix Weigelt, the German students’ class teacher, is not only an educator but also an excellent musician. First, he demonstrated his playing on a smaller organ in one of the rooms. He then took his place at the magnificent church organ inside the basilica itself.
The powerful sound of the instrument filled the entire church, creating an extraordinary atmosphere within its monumental space. It was one of those moments when you stop thinking about the schedule, the time or your other responsibilities for a while and simply listen.
Shared experiences across borders
The excursion brought Czech and German students together to discover the history and architecture of the Czech border region and gave them an opportunity to spend time together. The children had a chance to talk in both Czech and German, as both classes study the neighbouring country’s language. Through activities like these, children from both sides of the border discover not only new places but also one another.
And that is precisely what the InterBridge project is about: creating opportunities for people to meet and naturally connecting education, culture and people from both sides of the border.
Hana Křížová
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