Český Ráj (Bohemian Paradise), a landscape of natural treasures enhanced by historical monuments, was named in  the second half of the 19^th Century. This countryside has been modified by man for thousands of years, though   in relative harmony with nature.

The Český Ráj PLA was the first to be designated  in the Czech Republic in 1955.

The aim is to conserve geomorphological treasures, the character of the landscape and biodiversity. The area is formed mainly of block sandstone, which was deposited on the seashore in the Mesozoic period. The current form of the rocks is the result of the long-term effects of forces rising  the Earth’s core and of  long-term erosion. The rock-column  landscape and Tertiary uplands of volcanic origin make this countryside unique. Caves, pseudo-sinkholes, rock gates and windows are interesting aspects of this rock-column landscape. The Trosky castle ruins with its unique form is the symbol of the area. Despite the rich diversity of biotopes, flora and fauna consist  mainly by rock-column landscape and wetland species. The biodiversity is enriched by mountainous and thermophilous species.