Bohemian Paradise – ancient castles hiking tour

Three days of trekking in the beautiful protected nature park Bohemian Paradise (czech: Český ráj) past historic fortresses and castles. You will see a varied cultural landscape along the way, sandstone rock labyrinths and traditional buildings in tiny villages along the 43km long route. Accommodation is provided in hotels or pensions, in private family or private more bedded rooms with own facilities. The starting point is easily accessible by car or by bus, there is also direct connection from Prague several times a day.

Day 1 Mnichovo Hradiště Castle - Valečov Castle Ruins - Kost Castle

The hiking tour starts in the town of Mnichovo Hradiště. There is a beautiful Renaissance castle with white and red plaster. You can admire collections of paintings, porcelain and ceramics, an old library that was once managed by Giacomo Casanova and the castle park with the church of Saint Anne, where the tomb of the famous czech general Duke of Wallenstein is located.
Following the red route you will reach the ruins of Valecov Castle after five kilometers. The castle was looted during the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century. The remains of the walls used to be covered with a wooden roof. The next castle on the route is Kost. A well-preserved medieval castle, which has been burnt down and rebuilt countless times - hence its Gothic appearance. Inside you can see the so-called "black kitchen" and a historical collection of weapons. In the high season there are performances by a cheerful medieval theater company and beautiful knight tournaments.
TIP: if you have any energy left: hike through the romantic stream valley Plakánek (Údolí Plakánek).
From your overnight stay you have a view to this castle. In case of insufficient capacity, an alternative accommodation will be offered.

Distance: 19 km
Climbing: 296 m
Descent: 221 m
Overnight: Hotel Pošta, Sobotka.

Day 2 Castle ruin Trosky – Hrubá Skála castle

Right at the start of the day you will see the most famous dominant of the Bohemian Paradise: Trosky Castle. The route leads you to this castle ruin, which is protected as a national cultural monument.
The castle is built on two volcanic peaks and consists of two towers, which dominate the whole area. The lowest and also the thickest is called Baba (Old woman) and the highest and thinnest is called Panna (Virgin). The towers offer great views over the landscape.
From Trosky you descend to the pond Vidlák. Through the forests you come to the castle Hrubá Skála, in its vicinity are many sandstone rocks that are so typical of this area. Hrubá Skála Castle is built on rocky plateaus and, unlike in the past, you no longer have to walk over a drawbridge to reach the courtyard. You can climb the castle tower to end this day and, with a bit of luck, enjoy a beautiful sunset within this romantic setting.

Distance: 16 km
Climbing: 308 m
Descent: 263 m
Overnight: Hrubá Skála Castle (upgrade) or Hotel Štekl

Day 3 Valdštejn Castle - Hrubý Rohozec Castle

You walk from Hrubá Skála to the castle Valdštejn past innumerable rocks and rock groups and viewing plateaus, so-called rock cities.
All rocks also have their own names: the Evening Tower, the Kattenkop, the Conductor and so on. And with a little imagination you will also find out why. An imposing stone bridge with Baroque statues of some czech patron saints leads to the gate of the gothic castle Valdštejn. This fortress with its chapel was a popular pilgrimage site. The baroque castle was later renovated in a romantic style. Walking through the woods you come to the town of Turnov. A town known as a fairytale city and where traditionally jewelry with dragged stones (garnets) is produced. They can also be viewed in the local museum.
You walk straight through the city to the castle Hrubý Rohozec, where, among other things, the living and clothing trends from the Renaissance onwards. The castle park invites you to rest in the shade of centuries-old beech trees.
You walk to the station in Turnov where your car is parked and / or where you take the train to continue your journey elsewhere.

Distance: 7,5 km
Climbing: 93 m
Descent: 189 m
Overnight: none