CZ, Oparenske Valley: Romance in Central Bohemian Uplands - VIDEO

Those who know details of Central Bohemian Uplands, don’t find Oparenske Valley new. Along a wide valley along which the Elbe flows further to Germany, Oparenske Valley is the second most visited valley in the region. No wonder. Nature in this steep terrain beneath Lovos hill or the ruin of Oparno castle makes every season of the year magical.

Variety of local nature

The most beautiful, however, the valley is in spring. The ground is full of colorful blossoms. Those who fancy botanic can enjoy watching Pulmonaria officinalis , Corydalis cava, Anemone nemorosa or Petasites hybridus. Common folk will enjoy rather watching blue, white or yellow flowers.

Oparenske Valley stretches from Zernosky through Oparno to Velemin. Along the Milesovsky creek the landscape changes. On one place it surrounds its visitors with its rocky formations, then it opens to spacious green meadows, and later it continues as forest. Some places have no settlements, somewhere are just cottages. A bit further people live and farm. On one hand life here is not particularly easy, on the other hand the place is great for relax and sports.

There are many bike routes along the valley and also many tourist signs. The walk in valley is also suitable for mothers with strollers or people walking their dogs.

Mills of Oparenske Valley

A walk in Oparenske Valley could a walk in the past. At least to some extent. On a way from Oparno to Velemin, there opens a meadow. It is on a place that seems that has nothing to offer in matter f natural variety. On the meadow there are red roofs of Oparensky mill. This construction still operated during the second world war.

Opárensky mill has undergone renovation recently. But it has not lost anything from its former glory. Who likes historical buildings, will clap for how marvelous it is. Even experts clapped when they awarded the mill in the My country in the heart of Europe contest.

Right by the viaduct in Oparno you will encounter Cernodolsky Mill , another of renovated old mills. This one has been rebuilt as a hotel with a restaurant and a terrace. Recently, a mill wheel started operating again.  

D8 AND UNIQUE BRIDGE

For some a marvel, for some modern monstrosity. That’s how one can understand a recently built freeway bridge stretching across Oparenske valley on a way from Velemin. It is 275 meters long. After the Podolsky Bridge that goes across Orlik and is 15 meters longer, it is the second largest bridge of its kind in the  Czech Republic. The constructors had to respect the protected natural area of Central Bohemian Uplands. This lead to a construction of this unique bridge that does not disturb the characteristics of this valley.

Text/photo/video: Klára Svobodová