Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area

The local rock towns became the first protected landscape area in our country. Natural elements have worked on the appearance of the sandstone rock towns for centuries. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, Bohemian Paradise is also surrounded by many captivating stories from ancient times. Among the most important sites of the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area are the Prachovské skály rocks, where numerous hiking trails wind their way through sandstone formations. The Hrubá Skála Region will captivate you with its majestic rock towers and deep gorges, while the Malá Skála Region will enchant you with its picturesque landscape around the village of Malá Skála. Geology lovers will find their way to Kozákov, the highest peak of Bohemian Paradise, a famous site for semi-precious stones. 

The landscape of contrasts is an apt description of the protected landscape area, where sandstone rock formations alternate with steep drops into the valley. You can enjoy the views from the long-extinct Tertiary volcanoes, from where you will have an undulating mosaic of forests, blooming meadows, wetlands and ponds like a map in the palm of your hand. The exceptional features that made Bohemian Paradise one of the UNESCO Geoparks are the numerous caves, rock gates and windows. We owe the formation of the rock town of Příhrazské skály and the rock blocks of Valečov Castle to the erosion of sandstone.

• Tip for you: If you are planning a trip to Drábské světničky, a legitimate symbol of the area, hold off on your plans for now or expect restrictions. Rescue work is underway in the former rock fortress, which makes it impossible to walk around the inner circle. Walking through the area along the red trail and wandering around the surroundings are still possible, so you will not be deprived of the views.

Ancient pagans already lived in Bohemian Paradise, and further gradual influence on the character of the landscape came with village architecture and romantic castles and châteaux. An unmissable icon of the landscape is the ruins of Trosky Castle. Its two towers are among the most sought-after objects for photographers and a destination for tourists and history lovers.

• Interesting fact: Few places are as legendary as Trosky Castle. The most famous story tells of two irreconcilable inhabitants of the castle. The original castle lord of Bergov, who built Trosky as a famous residence for all lords and princes, had to leave one day. However, he entrusted the administration of the residence to his daughter Karolína and mother Maria, with the task of taking good care of Trosky. However, instead of ruling, the women only devoted themselves to arguing and bickering. Each of them settled in one of the castle towers, but their constant quarrels were heard throughout the area. The exchanges of opinions only stopped when they both left for the other world, where they found reconciliation. Since then, the castle towers have been nicknamed the Virgin (Panna) and the Old Woman (Baba) in their honour. 

In the southern part of the PLA, you can go for a slice of history to the Gothic Kost Castle, which is reached by an easy walk through the Plakánky Valley. Walking through beautiful nature you can reach the widow Máchalová’s mill. The building, which starred in the famous film fairytale Give the Devil His Due, is located on the shore of the Komorník Pond in the village of Střehom.

What’s next?

After you have fully enjoyed the views of the rocky tricks of nature, you can follow in the footsteps of the brilliant military general Albrecht von Wallenstein. He had them printed at the château in nearby Mnichovo Hradiště, and he is even buried in the château chapel of St. Anne. The extensive Baroque residence of the Wallenstein family has not lost its charm even after many years, see for yourself during a tour of the richly decorated interiors or a walk in the château gardens. Would you rather push your body to the limits? Set off to discover the Golden Trail of the Bohemian Paradise.. This iconic hiking trail is 119 km long. It leads through rock towns, castles, valleys and viewpoints such as Prachovské Skály, Trosky, the Hrubá Skála region or Kozákov. The trail is well marked, offers various accommodation options and is ideal for weekend trips and longer hikes.