Facts

 

Facts about the Czech Republic

 

Geography

Location: Northwest of Prague, near the towns Mělník, Česká Lípa and Litoměřice.

Kokořínsko is a territory of Bohemian Cretaceous formation with unique geomorphologic relief of cuboidal sandstones.

Basic features of the relief determine the relation of two main groups of surface shapes: plateaus and often deeply countersunk multilevel valleys onedges of which the rocky towns were created. Selective weathering generated rocky towers and plenty of meso- and micro-formations of such form and range that cannot be found in any other sandstone area of the Czech Republic.

Natural rock formations created mainly on hillslopes often create bizarre shapes – we can find here Obří hlava (Giant´s Head), Žába (Frog), Kanec (Boar), Sněhurka a sedm trpaslíků (Snow White & the Seven Dwarves) or the most well known, Pokličky (Pot Lids) – rocky formations created by selective weathering of differently resistant sandstone layers.

Landscape dominants are formed by igneous rocks, which form phonolite, basalt or trachyte piles and cones (Vlhošť – 614 meters, Ronov – 552 meters, Vrátenská Mountain - 507 meters).

The valleys of the Liběchovka and Pšovka streams are typical with their damp meadows, wetland communities and water pools. In November 1997, local wetland communities were included in the protected areas, according to the Ramsar Convention.

The Ramsar Convention (or convention on wetlands of international significance mainly as water fowl biotopes) was the first international convention focused on the protection and reasonable utilization of natural resources, and one of few conventions protecting certain biotope species.This convention provides worldwide protection of all types of wetlands. It was announced in the Iranian city of Ramsar February 2, 1971, and currently has 138 contracting parties. The CzechRepublic entered the Ramsar Convention January 1, 1993, and the Czech Ramsar Committee supervizes fulfilment of obligations resulting from it.

In wetland biotopes, there are plenty of endangered plant and animal species.

All 72% of forest stands are formed with timber species of natural species composition. Rich forest coverage and the traditional sporadic habitation of this region cause its unusual preservation and unique beauty underlined with a high representation of cased, framed or even original brick architecture. The beauty and romanticism of the landscape is enhanced by the well-known Kokořín Castle.

Acreage: 272 km²
Altitude:176 meters (Želízy)
614 meters (Vlhošť)