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Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj)
Czechia / North Bohemia: Sandstone Country / Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj)

Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj)

Rock Towns, Castle Ruins and Forest Trails

Plan this trip
1 dayIdeal stay₹5,280From / night₹1,760Food / day₹660Entry

The country's oldest protected landscape, north-east of Prague: "rock towns" of sandstone pillars at Prachov and Hrubá Skála threaded with stairs and narrow passages, the twin-towered ruin of Trosky Castle on its volcanic plugs, and Valdštejn and Kost castles, all linked by marked trails. Turnov, the usual base, is the home of Czech garnet jewellery and is about 1.5 hours from Prague by coach. It is walking country: bring good shoes and give it a full day of trails.

Highlights

  • Hrubá Skála rock town and its viewpoints
  • Trosky Castle on twin volcanic plugs
  • Prachov Rocks' narrow passages
  • Valdštejn Castle among the rocks
  • Kost Castle
  • Czech garnet jewellery in Turnov

Things to do

  • Hrubá Skála rock town and Valdštejn Castle walkMorning · 4h
  • Prachov Rocks trails and viewpointsMorning · 3h 30m
  • Trosky Castle ruinsAfternoon · 2h
  • Kost CastleAfternoon · 2h
  • Garnet museum and jewellers in TurnovAfternoon · 1h 30m

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: May – October

Heads up

Icy Rock-Town Trails

In winter the stairs and passages of the rock towns can be icy and some castles (Trosky, Kost, Valdštejn) are closed or open only at weekends. Bring shoes with grip, and check opening days before you go.

  • Witches' Night (Pálení čarodějnic) — On the evening of 30 April towns and villages burn straw witches on bonfires to see out the winter; in Prague the biggest fires are on Petřín and in the parks. Family-friendly, with sausages and beer.