Trails of Bohemian Paradise

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.

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.

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)

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.

Walking for the day: 16km, 4-5h

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.

Walking for the day: Standard route: 26km (6 – 7h). Shortened route: 18km (4-5h).

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.

Walking for the day: Basic route: 10km (4h) Extended route 13km (4-5h)

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.

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).

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.