Šluknov Hook

The Šluknov Hook (Czech: Šluknovský výběžek, pronounced [ˈʃluknofskiː ˈviːbjɛʒɛk]; German: Schluckenauer Zipfel or Böhmisches Niederland) or Šluknov Spur or Šluknov Projection is a "panhandle" region found in the northern Czech Republic along the border with Germany. The area is part of the southern Lusatian Highlands, between the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in the west and the Lusatian Mountains in the east. It is administratively included in the northeastern Děčín District. The largest towns in the region are Varnsdorf, Rumburk, and Šluknov, after which it is named.

The territory has traditionally been 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.

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Wikipedia