A unique combination of outlandish rock formations, dense pine forests, lordly castles and chateaux, countless lofty viewing points, hiking and cycling trails through the heart of the idyllic sandstone rocks, trips in the footsteps of Albrecht von Wallenstein and the chateau at Hrubá Skála as well as the Gold Route from the Bohemian Paradise area to Trosky Castle – you’ll find it all, and more, in Bohemian Paradise.
The Hrubá Skála circuit
This circuit begins and ends at Hrubá Skála Chateau, which stands atop two sandstone towers. A pleasant forest track runs via the Adam’s Balcony viewing point in the direction of Valdštejn Castle. Panoramic views of Hrubá Skála come at the Mariánská viewing point, where in good visibility you can see the weird and wonderful Ještěd tower in the Jizera Mountains. Valdštejn itself is the oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise area, and was built by the predecessors of the Lords of Wallenstein (Valdštejn). On the way back take the Gold Route, which leads to Hrubá Skála but first heads to the cliff top U Lvíčka viewing point, then past the Bukovina arboretum boasting many rare tree species.
Long circuit in the Prachovské Rocks
This long circuit begins at the hikers’ refuge. Head up the stone steps chiselled into the rock and leading up to Pechova viewing point, from where there are exceptional vistas of the Zelená Ravine. Then descend through the Labyrinth of strange rock formations around Šikmá Tower to a place called Fortna. Climb through the rocks to the Peace lookout where there are great views of the tops of the cliffs lining the Císařská passageway and the Drážďanská and Americká towers. We then continue along the ridge to Hlaholská viewing point. From there the circuit takes a zigzagging route down through the rocks. There are steps that help you climb then descend to Rumcajsova and Hakenova lookouts. We then continue on a winding route to Všetečková and Šlikova lookout points, from where we descend to the Císařská passageway to return to the refuge.
Where next?
In the Bohemian Paradise area you can also visit the Drábské světničky fortress, which, thanks to its position and use of the rock’s natural defensive forms, was not taken for many a century. The fortress is one of the most popular sites in the Bohemian Paradise area thanks to the views it affords of the surrounding countryside.