Bohemian Paradise Day Trip — Rock Formations and Trosky Castle
An hour northeast of Prague, the landscape changes completely. The flat Bohemian plain gives way to sandstone towers, deep pine forests, and cliff-edge paths that wind through geological formations created over 60 million years ago. This is Český ráj — the Bohemian Paradise — the Czech Republic's first protected landscape area and a UNESCO Global Geopark.
At its centre, the twin-towered ruin of Trosky Castle rises from a pair of volcanic basalt plugs, visible for miles across the countryside. It is one of the most striking silhouettes in Central Europe. And unlike Prague's crowded attractions, you can explore this landscape in near solitude on a weekday.
Trosky Castle
Hrad Trosky is the icon of Bohemian Paradise. Two basalt volcanic necks — the taller Panna (Virgin, 57 metres) and the shorter Bába (Old Woman, 47 metres) — rise from the surrounding sandstone landscape, each crowned with the remains of a medieval castle. The original fortress dates to the late 14th century, built by Čeněk of Vartemberk, who exploited the natural rock pillars as readymade towers.
The castle was damaged repeatedly — during the Hussite Wars, the Thirty Years' War, and finally abandoned in the 18th century. What remains are walls, staircases and viewing platforms on both peaks. The climb to the top of Panna involves steep wooden stairs and narrow passages, but the views from the summit are the reward: 360-degree panorama across the entire Bohemian Paradise, with sandstone rock cities, forests and the distant Giant Mountains on the horizon.
Insider detail: Visit Trosky on a clear morning. The towers face roughly east-west, and morning light catches the basalt columns in a way that reveals the geological structure — hexagonal columnar jointing similar to Giant's Causeway, formed as the volcanic rock cooled 30 million years ago.
Prachovské Skály — The Rock Town
Prachovské skály (Prachov Rocks) is the most accessible of Bohemian Paradise's rock cities — a labyrinth of sandstone towers, narrow passages and elevated viewpoints connected by marked trails. The site has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, and the path infrastructure is well maintained.
Two marked circuits run through the rocks:
- Shorter circuit (about 2 km, 1 hour): passes the key viewpoints including Vyhlídka Českého ráje (Bohemian Paradise Viewpoint) with panoramic views across the rock formations.
- Longer circuit (about 4 km, 2 hours): extends to more remote formations and deeper into the forest.
The paths include iron ladders, narrow squeezes between rock walls, and steep wooden staircases. The difficulty is moderate — fit walkers of all ages manage the shorter circuit comfortably. The longer circuit requires more stamina and some comfort with heights.
Insider detail: The narrowest passage in Prachovské skály is called Myší díra (Mouse Hole). It requires turning sideways to pass through. Larger visitors may need to take the bypass path — no shame in it, the gap is genuinely tight.
Hruboskalské Skalní Město
Hruboskalsko (Hrubá Skála Rock City) is the largest concentration of sandstone towers in Bohemian Paradise — over 400 individual rock pillars, some reaching 60 metres. The area is also the Czech Republic's premier outdoor climbing destination, with hundreds of established routes.
Non-climbers can walk the marked trails through the base of the towers. The path from Hrubá Skála château (now a hotel) winds through the rock formations to Valdštejn Castle — a ruined Gothic fortress on a narrow rock ridge. The walk takes about an hour each way and passes through some of the most dramatic rock scenery.
Hrubá Skála château itself is worth a stop — the terrace restaurant overlooks the rock formations, and the views from the château grounds include some of the most photographed perspectives in Bohemian Paradise.
Valdštejn Castle
Hrad Valdštejn is a small castle built into the sandstone cliffs — partly natural cave, partly medieval construction. Founded in the 13th century, it was the ancestral seat of the Valdštejn (Wallenstein) family, most famous for the general Albrecht von Wallenstein, who built the Wallenstein Palace and Garden in Prague's Malá Strana.
The castle is atmospheric rather than grand — narrow passages through rock, a small Baroque chapel, and views from the cliff edge across the surrounding forest. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to explore and combines naturally with the Hruboskalsko walk.
How to Get There from Prague
By car: Trosky Castle is about 90 km from Prague, roughly 1.5 hours via the R10 highway toward Turnov. Prachovské skály is near Jičín (about 100 km from Prague). Having a car is ideal — the sites are spread across the landscape and public transport connections between them are limited.
By train: Prague to Turnov takes about 2 hours (change in Mladá Boleslav). From Turnov, local buses reach some trailheads, but schedules are infrequent. This option works but requires planning.
By bus: ČSAD buses run from Prague's Černý Most station to Jičín (for Prachovské skály) in about 1.5 hours. From Jičín, it's a 6 km walk or short taxi to the rock entrance.
Insider detail: If driving, park at the Trosky Castle car park and walk up (15 minutes). Then drive to Prachovské skály (20 minutes by car) and do the shorter rock circuit. Finish with lunch at Hrubá Skála château. This sequence covers the three highlights in a comfortable day without excessive driving between sites.
How Much Time to Spend
A full day from Prague gives you Trosky Castle and one of the rock cities comfortably. To see both Prachovské skály and Hruboskalsko plus Valdštejn, budget a long day or consider an overnight stay. The town of Turnov or the château hotel at Hrubá Skála both make good bases.
Where to Eat
Hrubá Skála château restaurant offers Czech dishes with terrace views of the rock formations — a uniquely scenic lunch setting. The menu is standard Czech (svíčková, schnitzel, trout) at moderate prices.
In Jičín (the nearest town to Prachovské skály), the historic main square has several restaurants and cafés. Jičín itself is worth a brief walk — the Renaissance square and Valdice Gate are attractive.
Turnov is the largest town in the area and has a wider restaurant selection, including Pivovar Rohozec — a regional brewery with a pub serving their own lager.
Is It Worth the Trip?
For visitors who love nature, geology or hiking, Bohemian Paradise is the best day trip from Prague that doesn't involve a castle interior. The sandstone landscapes are genuinely spectacular and completely different from anything in Prague. Trosky Castle adds a dramatic historical element to the natural scenery.
It pairs well with other Czech interests. If you've visited Prague's main attractions with a private guide and are looking for a contrasting day in nature, this is the trip. And back in Prague, the Medieval Dinner Show offers an evening that contrasts nicely with a day spent among ancient rock formations.
We can arrange a custom day trip to Bohemian Paradise with private transport and a guide. Contact us through our tours page. Just your group, no strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bohemian Paradise from Prague?
About 90 to 100 km northeast, roughly 1.5 hours by car. The main sites — Trosky Castle, Prachovske skaly and Hruboskalsko — are spread across an area that's best explored by car.
Is Bohemian Paradise suitable for children?
Yes — the rock formations are exciting for children, with narrow passages, ladders and natural tunnels. The shorter circuit at Prachovske skaly is manageable for children aged 6 and up. Trosky Castle's steep stairs may be challenging for younger children.
When is the best time to visit?
May through October for the fullest opening hours at Trosky Castle and the best weather for hiking. Autumn brings spectacular colours in the forests around the rock formations. Summer weekends can be busy — weekdays are significantly quieter.
Can I go rock climbing in Bohemian Paradise?
Hruboskalsko is the Czech Republic's premier outdoor climbing area with hundreds of established routes on sandstone towers. Routes range from beginner to expert. Local climbing guides offer instruction and guided ascents.
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