Dlaskův statek

Dlaskův statek is a historic timbered farmstead in Dolánky near Turnov, set in the scenic valley of the Jizera river, and one of the best-preserved examples of folk architecture from the Pojizeří region. Since 2010 it has held the status of a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic, and since 1969 it has operated as an open-air museum site under the Museum of Czech Paradise in Turnov.

How do you get to Dlaskův statek?

The farmstead sits about 3 km from central Turnov, in the direction of Železný Brod, right next to the Turnov-Dolánky railway station. That makes the train one of the most convenient ways to arrive — from the station it's a short walk along the river valley to the site. Driving or cycling also work well, since the area lies along popular tourist routes through the Czech Paradise (Český ráj) region.

What will you see on site?

The farmstead was built in 1716 as the seat of a freeholder farmer and local magistrate, and went through its largest rebuilding phases in 1794 and 1841. The whole complex is enclosed by a timber rampart with two gates: the masonry upper gate from 1794 carries a small wooden belfry, while the lower gate is built entirely of wood. The residential section together with the adjoining farm buildings forms a single-storey timbered structure typical of Pojizeří architecture, recognizable by its distinctive folded gable (lomenice) and covered gallery (pavlač). The cowsheds and stables are stone-built, raised at the same time as the upper gate.

Inside, visitors find furnished folk interiors alongside exhibits on regional crafts: a carpentry workshop, the work of a wooden-toy painter and a wood-carver, wickerwork weaving, and demonstrations of the trades once practiced here — axemen, shingle makers, and rake makers. Since March 30, 2024, a new permanent exhibition has focused on traditional hand techniques for working wood and wicker. Short-term thematic exhibitions round out the programme throughout the year.

Who were the Dlask family?

The farmstead's original owners were the Dlask family of farmers. The most notable among them was Josef Dlask, born in 1782 — a folk writer, the local magistrate of Dolánky, and an innovative farmer who became an important figure in the region's history. It is his family's story and everyday farm life that the present-day museum exhibition is built around.

When is the best time to visit?

The site is best visited in spring, summer, and early autumn, when full opening hours apply and seasonal craft demonstrations and thematic exhibitions take place. Since parts of the programme are seasonal, it's worth checking the museum's current schedule before you go.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Dlaskův statek from central Turnov? About 3 km, toward Železný Brod, close to the Turnov-Dolánky railway station.

Since when has the farmstead been open to the public? Since 1969, as part of the ethnographic department of the Museum of Czech Paradise in Turnov.

What is the site's main draw? The authentic timbered buildings dating from 1716, with their characteristic Pojizeří folded gable and gallery, along with the living history of the Dlask family, especially Josef Dlask.

Is there anything new to see? Yes — since March 2024 a new permanent exhibition has been dedicated to traditional handmade wood and wicker processing techniques.