Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/227

193 noše (Riesengebirge) into the fertile „golden Strip“ (Zlatý pruh) and along by the river Labe (Elbe).

4th. On to the North, through the vineyards of Mělník and Roudnice to the marvels of the Bohemian Switzerland and the Krkonoše.

Travelling over this land with its wealth of natural beauty and rich historic interest, the visitor may well ask the question, why has such a field been toso [sic] long neglected by the tourist who only requires to see the country, to appreciate its peculiar charms with enthusiasm and acknowwledge that it is well occasionally to leave the ordinary beaten track of the holiday-maker and enjoy the freshness and novelty to be found in this romantic land.

During the summer season three express trains run every day in from 4 to 4½ hours, by the Buštěhradská dráha to Prague. Fares: 1st Class, 23.20 crowns 2nd Class 14.40 crowns. The railway keeps close to the banks of the Oharka or Ohře (Eger) to Žatec (Saaz). Not far from Karlovy Vary on the left is Sedlec where there is an ancient church much frequented by pilgrims. Approaching Velichovice-Vojhovice, the picturesque Valley of the Oharka opens up and presents a succession of lovely views as the train speeds along. Before reaching Hanenstein Varta (27 km), the extensive castle which give the name to the place, is seen towering majestically, on the left, leaving this behind we have a beautiful view of the Valley called Peklo (Hell), and of the Castle Himmelstern which show itself on the same side. We now come to Klášterec (Klösterle 41 km) a large industrial town chiefly concerned with the manufacture of China-ware. Next we reach Kadaň (47 km) a busy centre of glove trade. There are five churches among them there is one founded by the knights of Malta in 1183, it is now the decanal church of the district. The beautiful market-place is well worthy of notice. (From here, it is very easy to make a pleasant excursion to the interesting ruins of the castle of Hasistein.)