Vltava Views or Drbákov-Albertovy skály

The Drbákov-Albert Rocks National Nature Reserve is the right place for lovers of nature and views of the landscape. On the route of the educational trail of the same name, you will find six well-known lookout points and countless smaller lookouts and vistas.

The nature trail starts at the U Křížku parking lot, a short distance from Nalžovické Podhájí, from where you follow the blue tourist trail. The very first viewpoint Bartůňkova vyhlídka is also the highest point of the entire route.

• Interesting fact: The viewpoint was named after Karel Bartůněk, a bricklayer, stonemason and later a gamekeeper from a nearby settlement, who started building the trail in the 1950s – he carved it into the rocks himself with a pickaxe. He did everything spontaneously and without any compensation. As a nature lover, he wanted to make the beautiful but rough terrain accessible, especially to children from the surrounding camps. The route was further maintained and expanded by his successor František “Robin” Veselý.

The path continues to wind through the forest along the slope of the Drbákov hill. At the tourist signpost and the Drbákov-Albertovy skály rest area, you will get off the blue route and continue only following the nature trail markings in the direction of the Tisová and Bílá skála viewpoints. Here the nature of the path changes and begins to resemble an alpine hike. Along narrow paths and rocky ledges you will pass many other viewpoints above the Vltava meander winding around Smilovice.

The path winds up and down; you will overcome large stones and protruding tree roots, often covered with slippery leaves – caution is advised. Definitely do not bring strollers or small children here, and keep a close eye on your four-legged friends. Also, leave your bikes at home this time.

• Tip for you: On the information boards of the nature trail, you will learn about the local flora and fauna. And there is plenty to see around! The severely endangered red yew grows here, which also gave its name to the former PLA. You may also see the common spotted orchid – a beautiful, pink to purple flowering wild orchid. A rare green lizard basks on the rocks and ridges.

The biggest adventure awaits you at the end of the route – Albertova vyhlídka. Climbing this rock will test your climbing skills, but occasional steps and chains to hold on to will help. If you suffer from dizziness, you’d better skip the climb here, you have already enjoyed many beautiful views anyway.

On the way back, you will have completely different views of the picturesquely soft landscape of the Sedlčany Region.

• Don’t forget: The same rules apply in the national nature reserve as in the national park. Therefore, do not stray from the officially marked trail.