Your exploration of Teplice’s natural beauty does not have to end when you leave the Botanical Garden. The Garden is located in a green part of the city, with several interesting places nearby where you can discover plants, wildlife, geology, scenic views and local history. All you have to do is step beyond the Garden gates. Choose one of the nearby destinations and continue exploring the natural beauty of Teplice.
Janáčkovy sady Park and the Fairytale Forest
Janáčkovy sady Park provides a pleasant transition between the Botanical Garden and the open landscape of Písečný vrch. This urban woodland is a popular place for walking and relaxing and is also home to the Fairytale Forest.
The Fairytale Forest follows Kmochova cesta. Along the trail, you will encounter wooden fairytale characters, including a dragon, a devil, a water sprite, a king, a princess and Kašpárek, a traditional Czech puppet character. Simple riddles can be found at individual stops, and there are also play elements for children in the surrounding area. You can also walk to the Šanovská viewpoint, which offers a view over Teplice.
Písečný vrch Hill
Just a short walk from the Botanical Garden rises Písečný vrch Hill (252 m above sea level), a place worth visiting for both its geology and wildlife.
The area was once used for quarrying, and traces of the former quarry can still be seen in the landscape. Today, Písečný vrch provides a valuable habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Its slopes are home to dry grassland and other drought-tolerant vegetation, while the small circular pond provides a habitat for amphibians and other aquatic animals as well as water plants such as Hottonia palustris.
Despite its name, which suggests an association with sand, the local bedrock consists mainly of volcanic rocks, including Teplice rhyolite. Písečný vrch offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of Teplice and shows how dramatically the landscape has changed over millions of years.
The Písečný vrch educational trail starts near the playground next to the Botanical Garden. Along the way, you can also see one of twelve fundamental levelling points in the Czech Republic and a memorial dedicated to American airmen.
Doubravská hora (Doubravka Hill)
A prominent landmark on the eastern edge of Teplice is Doubravská hora, locally known simply as Doubravka. This isolated phonolite hill rises to almost 400 metres above sea level and offers beautiful views of Teplice and the surrounding landscape.
The remains of Doubravka Castle can be found at the summit, giving the hill a distinctive historical atmosphere. A trip to Doubravka combines nature, geology, history and scenic views.
The slopes of Doubravská hora are protected as a natural monument. Among the most valuable features are old trees and tree cavities, which provide habitats for numerous insect species. One of the most notable is the hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita), a rare beetle species associated with old and hollow trees and decaying wood.
Where to go next?
The Botanical Garden can be more than just a destination – it can also be the starting point for discovering Teplice and its surroundings. Step beyond the Garden gates and explore places where urban landscapes meet geology, plants, wildlife and history. You may find that there is much more to discover around the Botanical Garden in a single day than you expected.
