Overview
This walking tour is an excellent opportunity to spend your holiday discovering unspoiled nature and rich history, hidden in the very heart of Europe. The Bohemian Paradise is a picturesque region situated 90km north of Prague (Czech Republic’s capital). Combining unique nature, sandstone rock cities, spectacular landscapes, remarkable historical sights, and rural architecture, the area is included in UNESCO’s list of Geo-parks.
Your walk will take you through the narrow corridors of “rock cities”, exciting rock labyrinths, and splendid view-points. You will have the opportunity to explore castles, ancient ruins, waterfalls, and stunning rock phenomena. The route will take you for a visit of Trosky castle – the symbol of the Bohemian Paradise and one of the most incredible places to visit in the Czech Republic. Your holiday will start and end in Prague.
- Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Geopark
- Trosky Castle
- Hruba Skala Castle
- Rock cities
- Town of Jicin
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Itinerary
Day 1: Prague – Jičín
Upon arrival at the international Václav Havel airport in Prague you will have two choices: use the city public transport to get to the central bus station and take a coach from there to Jicin. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer. You can also book an extra night in Prague before the start of the holiday.
When you arrive in Jicin, you will check in at your hotel which is situated near the town centre.
If you arrive during the day you will have time to explore the picturesque renaissance town of Jičín, one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic and the gateway to Bohemian Paradise. Sightseeing opportunities include a chance to visit the Baroque chateau and museum, and one of the most beautiful buildings in Jicin, the Hall of Three Emperors. There’s also a chance to explore the historical centre and Wallenstein square, as well as take a walk to the Valdická Gate (a three-storey tower from the late Gothic period) which provides the backdrop for the classic silhouette of the town and excellent views of Jicin. Additional places of interest include the Church of St. James the Elder standing next to the Baroque chateau and Valdicka gate.
- Accommodation: Hotel ReStart or similar
Day 2: Jičín – Prachovské Skály rocks | 11km
You can choose between a longer (11km) and a shorter (7.5km) route on your second day. Both trails take you via an undulating terrain, through the rock city of Prachovské Skály, and end in Prachov.
The longer route starts with a walk from the hotel to Valdštejnská Lodžie, a summer house, which is one of the most interesting landmarks of the Jičín region. It continues with a warm-up on the steep Zebín hill (a conical basalt peak), with a chapel of St. Mary Magdalene on its top. The peak offers a spectacular panoramic view over the entire Jičín region.
The trail continues towards the Prachov village and connects with the shorter route before entering the Prachovské Skály rocks. The beginning of the sandstone formations dates back to the Mesozoic era when the whole area was flooded. Millions of years later, the region was pushed up by tectonic powers, the flood shrank back, and the seabed split into separate blocks. The walk takes approximately 3.5h.
- Accommodation: Park hotel Skalni Mesto or similar
- Walking for the day: Standard route: 11km + circular walk around the Prachovské skály rocks 3.5km (shorter route: 7,5km + circular walk around the Prachovské skály rocks 3.5km)
Day 3: Prachovské Skály rocks – Libošovice | 16km
The third day starts with a walk through a mild terrain with beautiful views to the ruins of the Gothic rock castle Pařez. The castle dates back to the late 14th – early 15th century. Your route then takes you to the small town of Sobotka. The town offers many sights to enjoy.
- Accommodation: Hotel Pošta or similar
- Walking for the day: 16km, 4-5h
Day 4: Libošovice – Hrubá skála | 26km
After breakfast, you will head off to the small village Vesec – a favourite location to many film producers. The walk continues through the valley of Klenice, by the Plakánek stream, passes by the Obora lake and reaches Kost Castle. Kost Castle is the best-preserved Gothic castle in Bohemia. It was built in the end of the 14th century on a sandstone rock formation. You can take a guided tour of the castle.
The next part of the journey continues through the Podtrosecké údolí valley, where in the 16th century locals built a system of ponds, preserved until present day. By one of the eight marshes you will find a suitable for lunch restaurant.
The last stop for the day is the Trosky castle – the symbol of the Bohemian Paradise. It was built in the 14th century between two volcanic rock massifs, with towers located on each hill. The higher tower is called The Maiden, and the lower and more robust is named The Old Woman. Thanks to its defensive stone wall and advantageous strategic position the castle stood well against all military attacks. Since the Thirty Years War the castle has become desolate.
- Accommodation: Hrubá Skála or similar
- Walking for the day: Standard route: 26km (6 – 7h). Shortened route: 18km (4-5h).
Day 5: Hrubá skála – Turnov | 10km or 13km
The day begins with a walk exploring Hrubá Skála rock city. The rock city consists of about 400 sandstone towers. Some of them are 60m high (380m above sea level). The trail leads you through the Bukovina arboretum, the Mouse Hole rock passage, and passes by the cave named Adam’s Bed. You will then reach a spectacular viewpoint called Mariánská vyhlídka, opening Bohemian Paradise’s most beautiful views. The path continues to the upper part of the Hruboskalská Plateau.
You have the option to turn to a unique rock sculpture world around Kopicův statek.
Situated on the plateau is your next stop – the Valdštejn castle, built in the middle of the 13th century. You will then continue to the end of the rock ridge Hlavatice (a lonely rock located at the edge of the Hruboskalská Plateau). You will ascend to the top via stairs with railings to reach an observation point, opening a panoramic view of Turnov, Ještěd hill, and Bezděz.
The trail continues with a descent to Turnov, where you will have the opportunity to visit the museum of the Bohemian Paradise and discover this town located along Jizera river itself.
- Accommodation: Karel IV or similar
- Walking for the day: Basic route: 10km (4h) Extended route 13km (4-5h)
Day 6: Circular Walk around Turnov | 14km, 18km or 23km
After breakfast, your route heads to Dolánky – the modern museum of Bohemian Paradise nature. Then you will continue to Drábovna (a small rock town). A marked path will take you to the ruins of a castle from the Middle ages – Frýdštejn, after which you will descend to the rock castle Vranov, also known as Pantheon. With its length of almost 400m, it is considered the most complicated rock castle in Bohemia. The form of the castle was determined by the sandstone cliffs, on which it was built before 1425. It was abandoned during the 16th century. Later modifications transformed the ruins of the castle into a romantic monument available to the public called the Pantheon. Reconstruction was completed in the summer of 1826 when a chapel was built high above the Jizera valley.
Here you have 3 options:
- Have a rest and return back to Turnov.
- Extension A means making short-circuited in a rock labyrinth and returning back to town for the train ride.
- Extension B is the longest but you will continue from the rock labyrinth to the hotel with extra places to visit.
Extension A:
You will then continue for circuited in the Besedické Skály – a rock labyrinth. The Besedické skály Rocks are located on the left bank of the Jizera River above Malá Skála. The walls of the rock maze hide the Kalich praying room, among other things. A ladder is cut into sandstone, with an inscription bearing the year 1634. At that time, secret services of the Czech Brethren were held during the anti-reformation period. Return back to Malá Skála.
The route ends back in Mala Skala, where you can visit the Bouček’s farm. This is a two-storey wooden building with a gallery – a wonderful example of the rural architecture in Mala Skala region. The gallery, named after Josef Jíra (a famous local artist) exhibits a collection of paintings and sculptures made by more than 120 Czech artists of the 20th century. A separate part contains a permanent showcase of the painter Josef Jíra’s artworks. By train back to station Dolánky (one stop)
In total with an extension 18km.
Extension B:
You will then continue for circuited in the Besedické Skály – a rock labyrinth. The Besedické skály Rocks are located on the left bank of the Jizera River above Malá Skála. The walls of the rock maze hide the Kalich praying room, among other things. A ladder is cut into sandstone, with an inscription bearing the year 1634. At that time, secret services of the Czech Brethren were held during the anti-reformation period. Your route continues to Zbirohy ruins (empty from 15. the century). Descending to the valley and following the calm Jizera river in a picturesque valley. Coming to Dolánky and the hotel.
In total with an extension 23km.
- Accommodation: Karel IV or similar
- Walking for the day: Basic route: 14km, (3.5-4h), Extended route A: 18km, (5.5-6 hours), Extended route B: 23km, (7-7.5h).
Day 7: Departure
Departure to Prague during the day according to the bus schedule (not included). Private transfer is also available upon request and at additional charge.
You will have the opportunity to get to know Prague in person: the City of a Hundred Spires, a UNESCO monument, and one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Take advantage of one of the many free walking tours offered in Prague, or explore the city on your own – the choice is yours. Optional extra night in a 3 or 4-star hotel in Prague.
What to expect
Accommodation
Nice 3-star hotels, as indicated in the itinerary. The hotel in Hrubá Skála offers spa facilities. All places have been carefully handpicked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have tried to choose accommodation that offers friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour. All hotels offer wireless Internet connection.
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Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included. When no restaurant location is available en route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your hotel or from restaurants and taverns in the village nearby.
Difficulty and terrain
Appropriate for regular walkers. Requires a good level of fitness. The trip covers an average of 18km (5-7h) of hiking per day, with a possibility of shorter walks (read more about our difficulty grades). You will walk mostly on forest or meadow roads and through rocks labyrinths. All trails are well-marked. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from April until October. Weather is best in June – September, and most stable in September. As July and August are the busiest months, we advise you to book a departure in this period as early as possible. Prague can become overcrowded in the summer months. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Prague.
By train or bus
Inclusions
Included
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- Accommodation for 6 nights in hand-picked hotels or family-run guesthouses as listed in the itinerary
- 6 Breakfasts
- Daily luggage transport to next hotel of 1 bag of up to 25kg per person
- All internal ground transfers on walking days and baggage transfers as listed in the itinerary
- All baggage transfers as listed in itinerary24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Castles & museum entrance fees: approximately £15 per person (total for all locations)
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Private transfers from/to Prague airport or city
- Extra nights in Prague before or after the holiday
- Downgrade to 3-star hotel on day one
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