Planning Your Bohemian Paradise Adventure

Cesky Raj is the oldest nature reserve in the country. It is famous for its unique sandstone rock cities. Many travelers choose this area for one of their best excursions from Prague. The landscape features deep pine forests and dramatic cliffs. You will also find romantic ruins scattered across the hills.

Before you head out, consider these quick picks for your journey:

• Best overall: Vyhlídka Českého ráje
• Best for families: Hrubá Skála Castle
• Best for history: Trosky Castle Towers
• Best free view: Hlavatice Lookout

Most visitors start their journey in the town of Jičín or Turnov. These towns serve as gateways to the main trails. You should wear comfortable hiking shoes for the rocky terrain. The paths can be steep and narrow in some sections.

10 Best Viewpoints in Cesky Raj Day Trip

Exploring the region requires a good plan to see the highlights. Here are the top spots to enjoy the scenery. Each location offers a unique perspective on the sandstone towers and lush valleys.

1. Name: Vyhlídka Českého ráje Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous view in the Prachov Rocks area. Best for: Iconic photos of rock needles. Where: Prachov Rocks (Prachovské skály). Time: 30 minutes at the spot. Cost: Included in park entry fee. Getting there: Follow the green trail from the main entrance. Tip: Arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid the largest tour groups.
2. Name: Vyhlídka Míru Type: Sight Why go: It offers a vast panoramic view of the entire rock city. Best for: Seeing the scale of the sandstone formations. Where: Central Prachov Rocks. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in park entry. Getting there: Located on the main circular hiking route. Tip: This spot is great for sunset photography if you stay late.
3. Name: Mariánská vyhlídka Type: Experience Why go: You get a perfect view of Trosky Castle and Hrubá Skála. Best for: Romantic landscape views. Where: Hruboskalsko rock town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free access. Getting there: Walk from Hrubá Skála Castle along the yellow trail. Tip: This is often considered the most beautiful view in the region.
4. Name: Trosky Castle Towers Type: Sight Why go: You can climb the two distinct volcanic towers named Baba and Panna. Best for: 360-degree views of the entire Bohemian Paradise. Where: Troskovice. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for the castle ruins. Getting there: Bus from Turnov or a long hike from Borek. Tip: Check the official Visit Czechia site for seasonal opening hours.
5. Name: Hlavatice Lookout Type: Experience Why go: An iron staircase leads to a rock platform overlooking Turnov. Best for: Seeing the Jizera River valley. Where: Near Turnov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the edge of Turnov. Tip: It is a great first stop if you arrive by train.
6. Name: Valdštejn Castle Bridge Type: Sight Why go: The bridge is lined with baroque statues overlooking a deep moat. Best for: Architecture lovers and history buffs. Where: Near Turnov. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Fee to enter the castle interior. Getting there: Follow the Golden Path trail from Hlavatice. Tip: The castle often hosts medieval festivals in the summer months.
7. Name: Sokol Viewpoint Type: Nature Why go: It provides a unique look at the Dry Rocks (Suché skály) formation. Best for: Seeing the "Czech Dolomites." Where: Besedice Rocks. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike from the village of Besedice. Tip: The trail through the rock labyrinth here is very fun.
8. Name: Drábské světničky Type: Experience Why go: These are ruins of a rock fortress built into the cliffs. Best for: Adventurous hikers who enjoy narrow walkways. Where: Near Mnichovo Hradiště. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike from the village of Dneboh. Tip: Wear shoes with excellent grip for the rock stairs.
9. Name: Kozákov Hill Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the highest peak in the region with a metal tower. Best for: Seeing as far as the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše). Where: Near Semily. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for the tower stairs. Getting there: Best reached by car or a steep hike. Tip: Look for semi-precious stones which are often found on the slopes.
10. Name: Vyhlídka u Lvíčka Type: Sight Why go: Offers a dramatic look down into the Saharská valley. Best for: Seeing climbers on the sandstone towers. Where: Hruboskalsko. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the main ridge trail near Hrubá Skála. Tip: Bring binoculars to watch the rock climbers in action.

Mastering the Bohemian Paradise Prachov Rocks Hike

The Bohemian Paradise Prachov Rocks hike is the highlight for most visitors. This area is a protected UNESCO Geopark site. It features a dense network of trails through narrow rock clefts. You can choose between several colored routes based on your fitness. The green trail is the most comprehensive for seeing viewpoints.

Navigating the park is easy with a good map. You should check the Prachov Rocks hiking trails map and difficulty before starting. Some passages are only 60 centimeters wide. These spots can be challenging if you carry a large backpack. However, the effort is rewarded with incredible views at every turn.

Photography is very popular in this rock city. The light is best in the early morning or late afternoon. Shadows create deep contrast between the tall rock towers. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged. You will want to take photos constantly while walking through the stone labyrinth.

Essential Tips for Your Trip from Prague

Getting to the park is simple if you plan ahead. Many people wonder how to get to Bohemian Paradise from Prague efficiently. Driving is the fastest way and takes about 60 to 90 minutes. You can also take a train from Prague Main Station to Turnov or Jičín. Trains are comfortable and offer beautiful views of the countryside.

Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hike. While there are small kiosks near the entrances, options are limited inside. A light rain jacket is useful even in summer. The weather in the rock cities can change quickly. Always stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile environment.

If you visit in 2026, expect some digital ticketing options. Many parks are moving toward online bookings for parking. This helps manage the crowds during peak weekends. Try to visit on a weekday if possible. You will enjoy a much quieter experience in the woods.