Let us invite you to the Bohemian Paradise – a picturesque region situated 100 km north of the Czech capital Prague. The name expresses unique harmony of natural beauty, sandstone rock cities and various landscape with valuable historical sights and folk architecture. The Bohemian Paradise is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the geoparks category. This walking tour is an excellent opportunity to spend your holiday discovering beautiful nature and history - you will pass through narrow corridors of rock cities, interesting rock labyrinths and splendid view-points. The cozy hotel rooms and friendly staff will be a real award on each day of your stay in the Bohemian Paradise.
Tour highlights:
♦ Prague - one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe
♦ Bohemian Paradise Geopark - famous for its wide range of geological, mineralogical and archaeological features
♦ The ruins of Vranov Castle near Mala Skala
Itinerary:
Day 1. Prague - Jicin
Arrival to Prague airport. Public bus to Jicin. Accommodation at a hotel in Jicin and overnight.-/-/-
Day 2. Jicin - Prachovske Skaly
The route leads through an undulating terrain and ends in a rugged rock city. Following the well-marked paths you will leave Jicin walking up Zebin hill, from where a beautiful view to Jicin region is revealed. You continue downhill to the villages of Kbelnice and Brada. The path will finally take you to the rock city in Prachov. Take your time for some hiking in the park (entrance ticket is required, not included in the price). Overnight at a hotel in the natural reserve of Prachovske Skaly (rocks). B/-/-
Walking: 11 km + circuit trip through the Prachovské skály rocks.
Shorter option: 7,5 km + circuit trip through the Prachovské skály rocks
Day 3. Prachovske Skaly - Libošovice
The walk folllows a mild terrain with beautiful views from Prachovske Skaly to the small village of Neprivec in the outskirts of the town of Sobotka. Well-marked paths will take you the town of Mladejov, passing by the romantic rock castle Parez. You will continue to the village of Steblovice and then to the town of Sobotka. Don't miss a visit to the Baroque Humprecht castle. Overnight in Libošovice. B/-/-
Walking: 16 km
Day 4. Libošovice - Hruba Skala
The route runs in the undulating terrain of enchanting valleys with nice views and romantic castles. After you leave Neprivec you will pass by the village of Vesec with its typical folk architecture houses. Then you cross Plakanek valley to reach the beautiful castle of Kost. You continue to the village of Libosovice and the symbol of the Bohemian paradise - Trosky castle. After you pass by Vidlak tourist restaurant you end your hiking at Hruba Skala. Your hotel in Hruba Skala is situated in a former chateau standing on the rock blocks with a unique view. B/-/-
Walking: 26 km
Shorter option: 18 km
Day 5. Hruba Skala - Mala Skala
The trail leads in a rock city along a hilly terrain with nice views and little rock castles. Before leaving Hruba Skala you can do some climbing to the rock viewpoint of Prachovna next to your hotel. The well marked path will take you to the Valdstejn castle - you have enough time to visit the castle and then continue to Turnov. A visit to the Turnov museum is recommended with its interesting ethnographic exposition. You continue to Frydstejn rock castle before you start walking down to Mala Skala. If time permits you can visit the ruins of Vranov castle or leave it for the next day. You will stay for 2 nights at Mala Skala at a hotel close to the train station. B/-/-
Walking: 22 km
Shorter option: 15,5 km
Day 6. Mala Skala
Tour around Mala Skala with a diverse track featuring uphill climbing and passing through a rock labyrinth. If time was not enough yesterday do visit Vranov castle today. Then continue your walking program following a marked path along Jizera rivera to the village of Lisny. Crossing the village and the surrounding meadows you continue to Suche Skaly rocks and the cottage of U Kalicha. After you visit the nearby rock labyrinths you start descending from U Kalicha to Mala Skala. B/-/-
Walking: 16 km
Day 7. Departure
Departure by the local bus to Prague. Possibility to prolong your stay in Prague. B/-/-
Practical information: ►There are regular buses from both Prague airport and Prague city to Jicin and from Mala Skala to Prague - timetable can be checked herе. ►You follow well-marked tourist paths. The length of the 1 day route is 10 – 22 km. There is also possibility to modify the route for bikers. ►This walking tour passes by some famous Czech castles as Kost, Vranov, Trosky, Humprecht etc.
Necessary equipment: sturdy walking boots and walking socks, a small rucksack, a water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity, sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, rainwear, insect repellent.