Paleopark Balka
Adventure paleopark near Nová Paka with a nature trail on the geological past, where visitors can try the work of a palaeontologist and panning for garnets.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Paleopark Balka is an entertaining and educational project near Nová Paka. It includes a nature trail on the geological past of the local landscape and of the UNESCO Global Geopark Český ráj, of which Nová Paka forms a substantial part. It is run by the Městské muzeum Nová Paka (Nová Paka Municipal Museum), and the town is its founder.
The site lies at the location of a well-known find spot of fossils and carnelians, and finds can still be made in abundance in the area today. The mascot, the newt-lizard Mlokoještěr Hugo, guides visitors along the trail from the Klenotnice drahých kamenů (Precious Stones Treasury) to the paleopark V Balkách. The project was supported by the Czech-Polish programme Stezky do pravěku (Trails to Prehistory).
On site, people can try the work of a palaeontologist uncovering fossils, learn about prehistoric animals from fossil tracks, pan for Czech garnets and find out more about geology. Lectures and occasional events take place here, for example demonstrations of cutting and polishing precious stones or the making of a fossil replica. Educational programmes in line with the framework education programmes are prepared for school classes and larger groups.
Highlights
- nature trail from the Treasury of Precious Stones to the V Balkách site
- uncovering fossils and the work of a palaeontologist
- identifying prehistoric animals from fossil tracks
- panning for Czech garnets
- mascot Mlokoještěr Hugo, a Tyrannosaurus replica and a slide
Permanent exhibition
- Paleopark Balka – zážitková naučná stezka – Nature trail and site with activities on the geological past of the landscape, fossils and precious stones in the UNESCO Global Geopark Český ráj.
- Founded
- 2024
- Operated by
- Městské muzeum Nová Paka (zřizovatel Město Nová Paka)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 70 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 60 Kčstudents and seniors over 65 |
| Children & teens | 20 Kčfree up to age 2 · Children aged 3–5 pay CZK 20, children aged 6–15 pay CZK 50; children under 3 enter free. |
| Seniors | 60 KčSeniors over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeHolders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | 60 Kč |
| Families | 220 KčFamily ticket 2+2. |
| Combined ticket (Klenotnice, Suchardův dům and Paleopark Balka) – adults | 160 Kč |
| Combined ticket – children aged 6–15 | 100 KčChildren aged 3–5 pay CZK 20. |
| Combined ticket – students and seniors over 65 | 120 Kč |
| Combined ticket – family 2+2 | 420 Kč |
Holders of AMG and ICOM cards, accompanying teachers, journalists and tour operator guides also enter free; discounts require presentation of a card. Large groups must book a guide for the Klenotnice in advance.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 220 Kč · Family ticket 2+2. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Children can try uncovering fossils and panning for garnets on site; the Kamenářské dny (Lapidary Days) are intended for children from 8 years of age and for adults and require advance booking.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School classes and larger groups can take educational programmes in line with the framework education programmes; a school visit can be booked via the contact details of the paleopark. |
