Sandstone towers soaring high into the sky, narrow gorges full of shadows, and a geological history stretching back an impressive hundred million years. The Prachov Rocks (Prachovské skály) are one of the most famous nature reserves in the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) protected landscape area, and they hold an absolutely irreplaceable spot on any hiker’s map. Lying less than seven kilometres from the town of Jičín, they offer a fascinating look at a unique rock town that formed from sediments deposited on the floor of a shallow Cretaceous sea.
You might be surprised to learn that this natural gem is currently in private ownership, with the grounds belonging to three women from the Schlik family. Sisters Margareta Pospíchalová and Ilona Schliková, together with their cousin Helena Zajíčková, reclaimed the estate through restitution in 1996, and to this day they take care of keeping the trails safe and the viewpoints carefully maintained. That is exactly why an entrance fee has been charged here for over fifty years — money that goes directly toward preserving the visitor infrastructure.
When planning your trip, you’ll appreciate being able to choose from several trails of varying difficulty that guide you through the very best the site has to offer. There’s a route for everyone here, from families with a stroller to enthusiasts who enjoy tackling steep steps, so go ahead and pick yours. I’ll also add a complete overview of current prices, parking, and twelve specific spots that would be a huge shame to skip on your visit.
TL;DR
- Location: A nature reserve in the Bohemian Paradise protected landscape area, roughly 5 to 7 kilometres northwest of Jičín.
- Opening hours: The grounds are open from 7:00 to 19:00, and you must leave the trails no later than 20:00.
- Entrance fee and parking: There’s an all-day entrance fee (200 CZK, about €8, for adults in high season) and parking (100 CZK, about €4, per car), both payable by card.
- Main routes: Yellow (shortest, 1.5 km), green (longest and most demanding, 3.5 km), and the red long-distance connector.
- For strollers: The blue route from the village of Prachov or the new Pelíšek children’s nature trail are the way to go.
- Dogs: Allowed for a fee (50 CZK, about €2, in season; 30 CZK off-season) and must be kept on a lead.
- Top tip: If you have enough time and fitness, definitely choose the green loop, which offers the most spectacular viewpoints.
Which trail to choose
The rock town offers four main marked routes that differ not only in overall length but, above all, in their profile and how demanding the terrain is.
| Route | Length | Walking time | Character of the trail |
|---|---|---|---|
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Yellow (Small Loop) | 1.5 km | at least 45 minutes | The shortest and least demanding option. |
| Green (Big Loop) | 3.5 km | up to 2.5 hours | The longest and most physically demanding, but the most spectacular. |
| Red | 2.5 km | not specified | Mainly serves as a long-distance connector through the area. |
| Blue (from the village of Prachov) | almost 5 km | not specified | Runs along paved paths and is suitable for strollers. |
The yellow trail is the ideal choice for anyone short on time or who’d rather not tackle too much elevation gain. It starts to the left of the Tourist Chalet and, right at the beginning, leads you through a narrow crevice known as the Mouse Hole. You then climb to the famous Bohemian Paradise viewpoint, pass the U Buku junction all the way to the Peace viewpoint, from where the trail continues to the Above the Emperor’s Passage junction. The final descent takes you through the monumental Emperor’s Passage — an experience that thrills absolutely every visitor.
If you’re after the full experience and don’t mind getting a little out of breath on the steps, definitely choose the green trail, which counts as the most beautiful thing you’ll find here. The path takes you to Pech’s viewpoint, squeezes you through the Fortna, and shows you the intriguing Leaning Tower. You’ll also pass the memorial plaque dedicated to Vojta Náprstek, walk through the U Buku junction to the Peace viewpoint, and then continue along the gorgeous Bukovina ridge. You’ll finish the whole journey at the Hlahol viewpoint, which opens up amazing views over the countryside.
Entrance fee, parking, and opening hours
Keeping the staircases, railings, and sandstone paths in perfect condition on such exposed terrain takes enormous effort and no small amount of money. That’s why an all-day entrance fee is charged at the Prachov Rocks, which goes straight back into maintaining and protecting this unique natural monument. You can conveniently buy tickets and parking passes on site, and besides cash you can also pay by card without any trouble, while sporty visitors can even use their Multisport card.
High season (1 June – 30 September):
| Category | Price for 2026 |
|---|---|
| :— | :— |
| Adults | 200 CZK (approx. €8) |
| Children 3–15, students under 26, seniors 65+, disabled | 150 CZK (approx. €6) |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | 550 CZK (approx. €23) |
| Dog | 50 CZK (approx. €2) |
| Children 0–2 | free |
Off-season (1 October – 31 May):
| Category | Price for 2026 |
|---|---|
| :— | :— |
| Adults | 150 CZK (approx. €6) |
| Children 3–15, students under 26, seniors 65+, disabled | 100 CZK (approx. €4) |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | 400 CZK (approx. €16) |
| Dog | 30 CZK (approx. €1) |
| Children 0–2 | free |
If you arrive by car, budget for the all-day parking fee, which for a passenger car and motorbike comes to exactly 100 CZK (about €4). Drivers of buses, campers, and motorhomes should have 500 CZK (about €20) ready, and the car park offers plenty of capacity for normal tourist traffic. Even so, before setting off I recommend checking the current price list on the reserve’s official website to be completely sure.
The whole area throws open its gates every day from 7:00 to 19:00, so both early birds and lovers of late-afternoon strolls will get their fix. Ticket sales and the availability of certain services may shift slightly depending on the weather, but the rule about leaving the rocks applies strictly to everyone. You must leave the sightseeing trails no later than 20:00, mainly to protect the sensitive nature and give the local wildlife some peace.
How to get to the Prachov Rocks
The most convenient way remains your own car, which will get you right up to the designated parking areas at the main entrances to the reserve. The ideal starting point and logical base for the whole trip is the nearby town of Jičín, from which the rocks are just five to seven kilometres to the northwest. The route is very well signposted and will guide you straight to the central car park, where you can pay for both parking and tickets on the spot. If you’re travelling from abroad, the closest major airports are Prague and Wrocław, from where you’ll need a rental car or a regional bus and train connection to Jičín.
With kids and a stroller
Travelling with the littlest explorers takes a bit of planning, because the main viewpoint loops full of steps and narrow crevices aren’t at all suited to wheels. If you’re setting out with a stroller, choose the blue route, which starts from the village of Prachov and runs along comfortable paved paths for a total of almost five kilometres. On top of that, since July 2024 the newly opened Pelíšek children’s nature trail starts near the Tourist Information Centre and safely guides you through flatter terrain around the Pelíšek reservoir.
Where to stay
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation policies. For tickets, tours, and activities, it pays to compare and book through GetYourGuide.
You can definitely find a place to stay here: from a campsite by the pond to cabins in nature to guesthouses in Jičín — just pick whatever suits you best. The ideal base for the whole trip is the nearby town of Jičín, which sits just five to seven kilometres from the entrance gates to the reserve. You can choose from fully equipped campsites in nature to cosy family-run guesthouses that will satisfy even more demanding travellers. If you prefer to be right next to the rocks, the well-known Tourist Chalet stands directly at the entrance to the grounds.
- Autokemp Jinolice sits right next to the Oborský pond, which has the status of an official swimming spot. You get the perfect base in the middle of nature, with the chance for a fabulous refreshing dip after a demanding day exploring the sandstone towers.
- Kemp na Výsluní is right in the village of Jinolice near the Prachov Rocks. It offers very peaceful, intimate lodging in seven carefully maintained cabins that sleep one to four people, which smaller families and couples will appreciate.
- Chatky v Českém ráji lies in the village of Nemyčeves near Jičín and offers great privacy away from the busiest crowds. There are four separate brick cabins, each with its own practical kitchenette, toilet, and shower for maximum comfort.
- Penzion Vlastník is the ideal choice for anyone who prefers a solid roof overhead and all the hotel comforts near Jičín.
Given the huge popularity of the whole Bohemian Paradise area, I recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. Especially in the summer months and over long weekends, the best places get snapped up long ahead of time. Think about whether you prefer peace in nature by the water, or whether you’d rather have the historic centre of Jičín close by, with its choice of evening restaurants and cafés.
Where to eat
After a full day of tackling sandstone steps, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The Tourist Chalet stands right at the entrance to the rocks, where you can beat the worst of your hunger, but it’s best to check the current menu and opening hours in advance, as they change with the season. If you’re after a bigger selection, it’s worth heading back to Jičín.
Right on the picturesque Wallenstein Square and in the streets nearby, you’ll discover several very pleasant restaurants and cosy cafés. Over a great cup of coffee, you can then calmly plan more trips around the area.
12 things not to miss at the Prachov Rocks
If you’re heading to the rock town for the first time, you’re surely wondering which specific spots you shouldn’t miss. I’ve put together twelve locations and highlights that make up the true heart of the Prachov Rocks — from iconic viewpoints and deep gorges to historical traces and nearby landmarks.
1. The monumental Emperor’s Passage
If you set out along the popular yellow loop, sooner or later the trail will lead you to a place where, among the gigantic walls, you suddenly feel like an ant someone forgot here. The Emperor’s Passage is the most famous and widest gorge in the entire nature reserve, where you’ll feel genuinely tiny among the huge stone walls. Walking through this stretch feels immensely majestic — shadows dance on the rough sandstone — and thanks to its great accessibility, even less experienced hikers can enjoy it. You reach this natural wonder via the Above the Emperor’s Passage junction, from where a fascinating descent awaits.
This impressive crevice got its name rather grandly, and it rightly ranks among the most photographed spots in all of Bohemian Paradise. You’ll especially appreciate the descent into its cool shade during the sweltering summer months, when the massive rocks act as the perfect natural air conditioning. Be sure to set aside a little extra time here, stop, and simply watch how high the surrounding rock towers rise.
The whole yellow trail measures just one and a half kilometres, so the walk won’t take you more than forty-five minutes of actual walking time. The Emperor’s Passage forms the grand finale of this small loop, after which you’ll return to the starting point full of impressions. Don’t forget to have your camera ready, because the play of light and shadow in the deep crevice creates absolutely perfect conditions for photos and video.
2. Squeezing through the narrow Mouse Hole
While the monumental Emperor’s Passage amazes with its huge space, the Mouse Hole fascinates with the exact opposite. It’s an extremely narrow rock crevice you have to pass through right at the very start of the yellow trail. If you set off from the popular Tourist Chalet heading to the left, this cramped fissure greets you almost instantly and pulls you straight into the action. Getting through this spot is a huge adventure, especially for children, but even adults often have to turn slightly sideways to squeeze between the cold walls.
It’s precisely this striking contrast between wide valleys and cramped fissures that gives the Prachov Rocks their signature dynamic. The Mouse Hole works as a fantastic hook, instantly transporting you into the mysterious atmosphere of the entire rock town. You’ll physically feel the cool sandstone on both shoulders and get ready for the geological curiosities waiting just around the next bend.
Although this stretch is short, you certainly won’t forget it in a hurry, and it may well become the most talked-about stop of your whole trip. A stroller or a large backpack really won’t fit through here, though, so travel light.
3. The Bohemian Paradise viewpoint
Once you’ve successfully conquered the first climb and threaded your way through the narrow passages of the yellow trail, a reward opens up before you in the form of the Bohemian Paradise viewpoint. This spot is an absolute classic and offers iconic views of the surrounding sandstone massifs that emerge from the dense green forests. You’ll reach this viewpoint safely not long after passing through the Mouse Hole, and suddenly you’ll find yourself high above the treetops. It’s from here that you’ll take the most beautiful panoramic photos, the kind that shine in any family album.
The viewpoint is designed to give you the widest possible view over the surrounding area, and even though it can get fairly busy in season, the view is well worth the short wait. A safe metal railing lines the very edge of the cliff, so you can lean over without worry and study the fascinating shapes of the rock towers far below you.
This spot makes the ideal place for your first longer rest during your wander through the rocks. Here you can catch your breath, sip water from your own supplies, and enjoy the feeling of having this huge nature park entirely in the palm of your hand. Afterward, you’ll continue along the yellow markings toward the U Buku junction.
4. The panoramic Peace viewpoint
Whether you go for the shorter yellow loop or set out on the more demanding green trail, both paths will reliably lead you to the Peace viewpoint in the end. It’s a strategic point from which you can see the central part of the Prachov Rocks in all its incredible beauty. From here you get a great sense of how the whole rock town is laid out and how deep the valleys that cut through it really are. The path here leads from the well-known U Buku junction and is very well signposted.
Many visitors and local guides consider this view to be the most beautiful in the entire nature reserve. Thanks to its central location, it offers a slightly different perspective than the viewpoints on the edges and gives you a wonderful look at the structure of the sandstone blocks. On these steep walls you can often spot, from a distance, the tiny silhouettes of climbers slowly working their way up the challenging routes.
Really don’t skip this spot — it’s here that you’ll finally grasp just how vast this rocky labyrinth actually is. In the summer months you’ll run into more people, but the spectacular panoramic experience more than makes up for any wait for the best spot at the railing.
5. Conquering Pech’s viewpoint
If you’re craving a bit of physical effort and decide on the big green loop, one of your first major goals will be Pech’s viewpoint. The path to it takes some effort, but your reward will be a fantastic view into gorges that aren’t visible at all from other parts of the area. It’s a place where you’ll fully appreciate the raw beauty of the local nature and the enormous height of the individual stone blocks. The whole green trail measures three and a half kilometres, so feel free to set aside up to two and a half hours for it.
The approach to this viewpoint is lined with steeper stone steps, so far fewer people head here than to the central, easily accessible yellow trail. That makes for a somewhat calmer atmosphere, where you can sit down in peace, catch your breath after the climb, and admire the power of nature undisturbed. You’ll get the feeling that, at least for a while, you have part of the reserve all to yourself.
The climb to Pech’s viewpoint will thoroughly test your fitness right in the first third of the trip. So don’t forget to bring sturdy hiking boots with good soles, because the steps here can occasionally be covered with fine sand and are easy to slip on.
6. The fascinating Leaning Tower and Fortna
The green trail hides a whole range of unique rock formations, among which the so-called Leaning Tower absolutely stands out. This massive sandstone block seems, at first glance, to defy all the laws of gravity and forms one of the strangest photo spots in the reserve. The tilted wall looks as if it might topple over at any moment, yet it has stood here safely for thousands of years. Just nearby you’ll come across a dramatic passage called the Fortna, which adds another pinch of adventure to the trail and forces you to watch every step carefully.
As you make your way through this part of the loop, don’t forget to notice the small details carved into the stone. Along the way you’ll pass the memorial plaque of Vojta Náprstek, which recalls the wonderful history of Czech tourism and gives this stretch an interesting cultural dimension. It’s thanks to enthusiasts like him that today we can comfortably walk along marked, safe trails.
The combination of unusual shapes, deep passages, and historical references makes the green trail a truly complete experience for all the senses. This section calls for a bit more attention while walking, but the visual reward in the form of bizarre rock formations is one hundred percent worth the effort.
7. The Bukovina ridge and the Hlahol viewpoint
As you continue along the green markings beyond the Peace viewpoint, you’ll reach a gorgeous wooded ridge called Bukovina. This part of the trail is extremely pleasant, because it runs mostly along more relaxed level ground and you’re shaded by mature deciduous trees that blaze with colour in autumn. It’s a very welcome change after tackling steep steps in deep gorges. The ridge itself then ends at the stunning Hlahol viewpoint, which serves as the perfect full stop to the whole big loop.
From the Hlahol viewpoint, a wide, open view over the countryside opens up, sharply contrasting with the cramped vistas from within the rock town. You can feast your eyes on the surrounding green landscape of Bohemian Paradise and gaze at the gently rolling horizon, which breathes an enormous sense of calm over you. This spot is one of the most laid-back places in the entire area.
It’s the ideal place to sit down, exhale, and calmly take in everything you’ve seen that day before heading back down. You can have a snack from your own supplies here and soak up all the impressions from a full day’s wander among the sandstone towers before setting off home or back to your accommodation.
8. The historic Schlik viewpoint
The famous Schlik viewpoint is named in honour of the family that shaped the history of the entire region and to whom the Prachov Rocks still belong. This historic house was elevated to lordly rank as early as 1437, when Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg ceremonially promoted the then chancellor Kašpar Schlik. The whole family subsequently grew immensely wealthy from silver ore mining and became famous, among other things, for minting the world-renowned Joachimsthaler coins that influenced the European economy.
Interestingly, the Schliks acquired the estate with the Prachov Rocks in 1637 and, with a short break, have looked after it to this day. After 1810 they even carried out large clear-cutting here, followed by deliberate artificial reforestation that laid the firm foundation for today’s mature forests. From the viewpoint that bears their famous name, you can therefore gaze out over a landscape whose fate has been firmly bound to this family for centuries.
Today the grounds belong to three women of this family, namely sisters Margareta Pospíchalová and Ilona Schliková and their cousin Helena Zajíčková. These ladies reclaimed the family estate through restitution in 1996 and carefully see to it that the whole reserve flourishes. From the viewpoint, then, you admire not just nature but also a piece of fascinating Czech history.
9. The mysterious American Cave
Away from the main ridges and sunlit viewpoints, the Prachov Rocks also hide intriguing nooks, such as the American Cave (Americká sluj). This striking natural formation makes for a fascinating geological stop that reveals a slightly different face of the sandstone massif. The dark, cool environment of the cave forms a great contrast, both in temperature and appearance, to the warm, sun-drenched towers on the surface of the rock town.
A stop at the American Cave will help you understand far better how water and wind gradually eroded the soft rock layers. The whole area is essentially one enormous geological cake of alternating layers of sandstone, marlstone, and marlite, which formed on the seabed a hundred million years ago — so feel free to let that sink in for a moment. It’s a place where you can vividly see the immense power of the natural elements in long-term action.
I recommend stopping at the cave for a moment and taking a close look at the structure of the walls. You’ll marvel at the diversity of shapes nature can create over hundreds of thousands of years without any human intervention. This spot will especially appeal to those of you looking for quieter, more reflective places away from the main photo points.
10. The rock town as a geology textbook
The entire massif of the Prachov Rocks is essentially one enormous history book that formed during the Mesozoic era, roughly a hundred million years ago. Back then, the whole area lay on the floor of a shallow Cretaceous sea, where thick layers of sediment were deposited gradually and very slowly. When, after millions of years, the prehistoric sea receded, the exposed geological plateau made of sandstone, marlstone, and marlite began to crumble under the influence of harsh weather and take shape into what we see today.
But the story of this fascinating place doesn’t end with marine sediments. Later, small volcanic bodies penetrated these sedimentary rocks, which strongly disrupted the whole structure. It was precisely this volcanic activity that gave rise to those narrow gorges, deep chasms, and tall rock towers that we admire with such wonder today. A walk among the rocks is therefore quite literally a journey in a time machine deep into our planet’s geological past.
As you thread your way through the narrow crevices or climb the carved steps, try taking a close look at the structure of the stone. In many places you’ll clearly see the individual layers of deposited sand, which tell the story of a long-vanished ocean. It’s an absolutely unique chance to picture, in practice, the immense forces that shaped the surface of the Earth long before humans arrived.
11. The ruins of Pařez Castle
At the southwestern end of the rock area, you’ll come across breathtaking remnants of history in the form of the medieval Pařez Castle. This fascinating structure was carved directly into an isolated rock block whose unique shape really does resemble a giant tree stump (which is what “pařez” means in Czech). It’s an absolutely superb example of how medieval builders made full use of the natural terrain to construct an impregnable, well-protected residence deep in the forests.
A visit to the castle makes a great change of pace on a nature-focused trip and definitely shouldn’t escape your attention. Exploring the ancient corridors and carved chambers delights adults and little explorers alike, and gives the whole trip a slightly different, romantic feel. Give yourself at least a quarter of an hour to explore the carved passages — it is worth it.
Getting to Pařez isn’t at all difficult, and the route pairs beautifully with a walk around the outer parts of the Prachov Rocks. You’ll enjoy a wonderful atmosphere of times past here and get lovely photos of a monument that organically grows together with the sandstone rock. It’s a perfect addition to your itinerary if you love history combined with wild nature.
12. The town of Jičín and the Wallenstein Loggia
Even though the sandstone rocks themselves offer a rich program for a full day, it would be a huge shame to skip their immediate surroundings. As mentioned at the start, the logical starting point is the town of Jičín, just five to seven kilometres away. This historic town of Jičín with its beautiful square offers plenty of great cafés and restaurants where you can wind down a demanding day on the hiking trails over some good food.
Right next to Jičín, moreover, lies the gorgeous Wallenstein Loggia, an early Baroque summer palace with an adjacent park, built by the famous Albrecht von Wallenstein. It’s an incredibly photogenic, peaceful place that makes the perfect cultural counterpoint to the wild nature. A stroll through the landscaped park around this architectural gem will recharge you with positive energy and is sure to delight all history lovers.
Jičín is overall a very lively town that acts as the beating heart of the whole Bohemian Paradise region. Besides the landmarks themselves, you can get all the gear you need here, stock up on groceries for the coming days, and pick up more trip ideas at the local information centre. Combining a visit to the rocks with a tour of this fairytale town is simply a safe bet.
When to visit the Prachov Rocks
The nature reserve shows its friendly face in every season, but for the absolute best experience it pays to think carefully about the timing of your visit. In the peak summer season, expect queues to form on the narrow trails and viewpoints, as crowds of tourists head here from all over the country and abroad. If crowds aren’t your thing, come early in the morning, right at seven o’clock when the grounds open, when the awakening nature has an unrepeatable atmosphere. Alternatively, save your visit for the spring or autumn months, when the air is clearer and the mixed forests glow in beautiful colours.
The whole area is open every day from 7:00 to 19:00, so you can easily plan a morning trip or a late-afternoon stroll. One thing, though, applies without exception: you must leave the sightseeing trails no later than 20:00, mainly to protect the sensitive nature and ensure peace for the local wildlife. Respect this rule so you don’t disturb the natural biorhythm of the animals that live here and need quiet at night.
The off-season from October to May also brings a pleasant bonus in the form of lower entrance fees, which is sure to please the family budget. While at peak summer an adult visitor pays 200 CZK (about €8), off-season it’s a pleasant 150 CZK (about €6). Whichever date you choose, don’t forget to check the current weather forecast before setting off, because wet sandstone steps can be very treacherous and slippery after rain.
Practical tips to finish
💡 Tip: Think carefully about suitable footwear. Leave the sandals at home and put on quality hiking boots with good soles, because the sandstone steps can be dangerously slippery after rain. 💡 Tip: On hot days, bring plenty of fluids — there’s nowhere to refill your water on the loops themselves, and the climbs to the viewpoints are hard work. 💡 Tip: If you’re into rock climbing, check the operator’s official website in advance for the exact rules and information on issuing permits. 💡 Tip: By the Pelíšek reservoir you’ll find a pleasant children’s nature trail, but keep in mind that the reservoir itself serves more as a walking destination than an attractive swimming spot. 💡 Tip: If you’re travelling with a pet, have some small change ready for the dog fee and remember that throughout the reserve it must be strictly kept on a lead.
Where to go next
- Where to holiday in East Bohemia
- Where to holiday in the Czech Republic
- 20 weekend trip ideas in the Czech Republic
- Where to holiday in North Bohemia
- The best water parks in the Czech Republic
Frequently asked questions
When planning a trip to Bohemian Paradise, people most often ask about a few basic practical things. Here I’ve put together answers to the most important ones for you.
How long does it take to walk through Prachovské skály?
The duration of your visit depends on the chosen route. You can complete the shortest yellow circuit at a brisk pace in about 45 minutes. In contrast, the longest and most challenging green trail will easily take up to two and a half hours, especially if you frequently stop at viewpoints.
How much is the entrance fee to Prachovské skály?
In the main summer season, adult visitors pay €8 (200 Kč), while children, students and seniors have discounted tickets for €6 (150 Kč). Family admission comes to €22 (550 Kč). Outside the season, prices are generally lower and I recommend always checking them on the official website.
Who owns Prachovské skály?
This nature reserve is privately owned by the Schlick family. Specifically, the area today belongs to three women: sisters Margareta Pospíchalová and Ilona Schliková and their cousin Helena Zajíčková, who acquired the estate through restitution in 1996. The family carefully maintains the area and entrance fees collected go directly back into the maintenance of tourist trails.
How do you get to Prachovské skály?
The easiest access is by your own car, which you can drive right to the official paid parking lots directly at the entrances to the area. All-day parking for a passenger car costs €4 (one hundred crowns). The ideal base for a trip is then the historic town of Jičín, which is located just five to seven kilometres from the nature reserve itself and offers all amenities.
Can you visit Prachovské skály with a stroller?
The main sightseeing circuits full of stairs and narrow crevices are unfortunately not suitable for strollers. However, you can take the nearly five-kilometre blue trail leading from the village of Prachov, or use the new Pelíšek children’s nature trail. It was opened in July 2024, starts at the information centre and leads through flatter terrain around the Pelíšek water reservoir.
Can you visit Prachovské skály with a dog?
Yes, your four-legged friends have permitted access to the entire area. An all-day entrance fee is charged for them, which is €2 (50 Kč) in the main summer season and €1.20 (30 Kč) outside it. Please note, however, that dogs must be kept strictly on a leash throughout the visit to protect nature and local wildlife.
Which circuit should you choose?
If you have limited time or lower fitness levels, choose the shorter yellow circuit with the monumental Emperor’s Corridor and the Český ráj viewpoint. For a comprehensive experience and lovers of beautiful views, the longer green trail is ideal, which measures three and a half kilometres and takes you through the absolutely best spots in the reserve including the Leaning Tower.
What should you visit in Prachovské skály?
Definitely don’t miss passing through the extremely narrow Mouse Hole and the majestic Emperor’s Corridor. Among the sandstone viewpoints, the iconic Český ráj viewpoint, the central Peace viewpoint or the so-called Leaning Tower are worth conquering. The medieval castle Pařez, which was carved into an isolated rock block on the edge of the reserve, is also worth attention.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
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