Děčín

Děčín is a nice city in the valley of the Elbe, close to the main railway connecting Saxony and Prague. Before World War II, most of the inhabitants were ethnic Germans. After the war most of the German population was driven out, fled or was resettled and the new communist government redesigned the city destroying many historic buildings and building panel blocks in the process. Because of that, these days there is more than one city center in Děčín, which might be confusing. The main railway and bus station as well as the town hall are all located on the opposite bank of the Elbe than the castle and historical old town. With a population of 50,000 Decin is the 19th largest city in the country. The old German name for the town "Tetschen" most likely has the same root as the Czech name, which becomes obvious when you hear it pronounced in a Saxon accent.

By train

• Děčin main stationDěčín is on the main railway corridor connecting Prague with Germany. From Prague It takes 1hr 30min. by train to get there. From Dresden you can take the direct Eurocity which takes 46 minutes for the very picturesque ride through the Elbe valley and Saxon Switzerland.

• Děčín východThe other railway station

By car

By car it takes around 1hr 25min from Prague.

By bus

There is no direct bus connection and it takes 3hr with several changes of bus.

Děčín is served by 17 bus lines. It is also possible and reasonable to use train, there is 15 train station within whole Decin.

• Decin Castle

  phone: +420 412 518 905
  address: Dlouhá jízda 1254
  Iconic landmark of region, history of Děčín Castle is very interesting and varied. Castle was reconstructed in both renaissance and then baroque style. Frédéric Chopin stayed and composed here a while.

• Old Town BridgeGothic bridge from 16th century with baroque sculptures of Czech saints.

• Synagogue

  phone: +420 412 531 095
  address: Žižkova 4
  Synagogue in Art Deco style from 1907. If you want to see interior, you have to ring the bell and wait for a synagogue employee to unlock the building.

• Decin Zoo

  phone: +420 412 531 164
  address: Žižkova 1286/15
  Very small zoo. Mainly animals inhabiting the Czech Republic and a few exotic species, including anteater and tapir.

• Sheep's BridgeSmall stone bridge from 1561.

• Holy Rood Church

• Swimming pool

  phone: +420 412 704 211
  Both indoor and summer swimming pool. Some other sport activities also possible.

• Boat trips

  phone: +420 777 037 379
  address: Kamenická 692/199
  Boat trips on Elbe (through Elbe Sandstones protected landscape area) to Hrensko (last town on Elbe in the Czech Republic) and Bad Schandau (Germany) or return trips from Děčín to Dresden (with tour in the city) or to Meißen.

• Hiking aroundDěčín is a great starting point for hiking in Central Bohemian Uplands, Elbe Sandstone Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Hiking trails are well marked and go through the city.

• Pivovar Shopping Centre

  phone: +420 412 535 455
  address: Sofijská 2/3
  Normal shopping centre with many shops, department store and cinema.

• Restaurant Fabrika

  phone: +420 412 525 412
  address: Oblouková 1413/3
  Popular restaurant in a former factory complex.

• Pizzeria Ciao Ciao

  address: Teplická 365/60
  Italian cuisine.

• Restaurant Tunel

  phone: +420 412 511 067
  address: U Přívozu 18/4
  International cuisine.

• U Mostu

  phone: +420412532261
  address: Labské nábřeží 304/45
  Bohemian food.

• Bistro Les

  phone: +420607405474
  address: Tyršova 1089/15
  Cozy place offering breakfasts (vegan, vegetarian, meat) and lunch (vegan).

• Pivovar Nomád

  address: U Plovárny
  Local craft beer. Various types brewed at various places, but the recipes are local.

• Coffee & Books

  phone: +420 702 234 076
  address: Pohraniční 462/3
  Cozy café with tons of books to leaf through. Coffee roasted locally. Soy milk available. Snacks include meat, vegetarian and vegan sandwiches.

• Hotel Česká Koruna

  phone: +420 412 516 104
  address: Masarykovo náměstí 60
  Hotel with restaurant.

• Central Bohemian Uplands, Elbe Sandstone Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland National Park - these three areas with beautiful landscape begins just where Děčín ends. It is possible to start connect to hiking trail just in the city.
• Bad Schandau, Dresden and other places in Saxony (D).