Ústí nad Labem was formerly famous mainly for its industry, but it is now a significant cultural, sports and business centre. The city offers many surprises. Above the Laba River, the ruins of Střekov Castle tower majestically. Another significant monument is the Gothic Revival Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. To get to the Větruše Chateau, which has a restaurant with a garden, you can take a really unusual means of transport: A 330-metre cableway leads there from the Forum shopping centre. Also of interest is the Mariánský Bridge, built in 1998.
Location
Ústí nad Labem is a city in north-western Czech Republic and the capital of the Ústí nad Labem region and the Ústí nad Labem district. approx. 10 km from the German border, approximately halfway between Prague and Dresden. Very good motorway connection with Prague (approx. 85 km) means you can reach it in less than an hour.
Strekov Castle
Střekov Castle: one of the best-preserved ruins in northern Bohemia. It is located on a high rock – 100 meters on the right bank of the Elbe in the southern part of the city of Usti nad Labem. Built in 1319 on behalf of John of Luxembourg by the Prague burgher Pešek, it was supposed to guard the waterway.
větruše Summer Castle
The Větruše building is found on the rocky projection of land and terrace of supporting stone walls on the edge of the River Elbe valley beneath Soudný Hill.Nowadays, the chateau of Větruše has become a part of the social life not only for the residents of Ústí nad Labem. The main building of Větruše also comprises a restaurant with an observation terrace, a dance hall and a few lounges that can also be used as conference facilities. An extension holding a hotel is anticipated in the future.
The structure features a 30m high tower, also used as an observation point. The tower offers a marvellous view of the River Elbe basin and the city of Ústí nad Labem. To provide better guidance, the interior displays photographs offering a panoramic view of the countryside around and highlighted places of interest. The tower is open all year round. Another attraction of the place is a mirror labyrinth and a maze, playground and a sports centre.
Church of St. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built around 1318, the church tower was added later, in the second half of the 14th century. The original church was built by German colonists.
Mariansky Bridge (Mariánský most)
In an international survey in 2001, the bridge was placed among the ten most beautiful buildings of the world of the last decade of the last century, mainly thanks to the interesting shape of the structure of a suspended triangle. It is 198 metres long, and its seventy-five metre pylon on the Střekov side opposite the Marian Rock, rising on the other side of the Laba is a dominant feature of the city.
Usti nad Labem Zoo
The Zoo in Usti nad Labem is a zoo located on the outskirts of Krasne Brzezno, close to the center of Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic. Visitors can see over 1,300 animals representing over 200 species. The Ustka ZOO also participates in the global rescue of rare and endangered animal species. It is worth taking part in shows: feeding seals with a guide and exercising elephants, pony rides, feeding lemurs and piranhas or a walk with elephants in the ZOO. A popular means of transport is a machine and three open wagons, i.e. the zoo’s train, which also takes visitors to the upper part of the zoo.
Sport
This region is a perfect place to practice various sports. Nordic walking, cycling, skiing, mountain climbing and water sports. The nearest ski resort is Telnice, located at the eastern end of the ridge of the Krušný Mountains.
Culture
- North Bohemian Theater of Opera and Ballet
- J.E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem
- Drama Theater of Usti nad Labem
Boat cruise on the Laba River
The Laba River provides a picturesque setting for leisurely walks along the waterfront, and boat trips are available for those who want to get to know the river better. A popular attraction for visitors to the city are sightseeing cruises organized on the waters of the Laba river flowing through the city. It is worth taking advantage of the offer of steamships and discovering the unique views and attractions of this region.
