Šluknov Hook

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The Šluknov Hook (Czech: Šluknovský výběžek; German: Schluckenauer Zipfel or Böhmisches Niederland) or Šluknov Projection is a region found in the northern Czech Republic along the Czech-German border. It lies between the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Lusatian Mountains and administratively is included in Děčín District. The largest towns in the region are Varnsdorf, Rumburk, and Šluknov.

[edit] Tourism

The territory is marked by Roman Catholicism and its textile industry. It has numerous Baroque churches and corresponding cemeteries, as well as many chapels, cloisters, and places of pilgrimage. Many were built on the mountains of the region, while the great Baroque churches are found in each larger town.

Most medieval castles in the area have been destroyed or have fallen into disrepair. Impressive ruins are found in the old town center of Šluknov and in nearby Lipová u Šluknova; they are awaiting further reconstruction and restoration. The wooden houses of the region, already restored for the most part, are also popular with tourists. The local infrastructure is well-constructed in order to accommodate tourists from nearby Germany.

The region is connected with the Bohemian Switzerland; the national park center is located in Krásná Lípa. To the east is the entrance to the Zittau Mountains with its bizarre rock formations and known spas.