Route descriptions
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Yellow route 1.5 kmVisitors to Prachov Rocks can take the yellow route for a short walk that takes in the main attractions of the nature reserve.
Like the green route, it starts by the Turistická chata chalet, where you pay admission at the gate and then head left following the yellow footpath markers towards the Zadní točenice signpost by the fork in the trail. There, turn right and take the steps up through the Mouse Hole – the narrowest point in Prachov Rocks, as far as the Bohemian Paradise viewpoint. Looking out from this viewpoint, it is obvious why it got its name. From there, head to the signpost by the fork called U buku and then follow the route to visit the Peace viewpoint, from where you can see the central part of Prachov Rocks.
Then continue on to where the trail forks at Nad Císařskou chodbou (Above the Emperor’s Passage), and then head down through the Emperor’s Passage. After clambering down several dozen steps, you’ll find yourself back at the Zadní točenice signpost again. You can then return to the Turistická chata chalet.
- APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF ROUTE:
- Roughly 1.5 km
- TIME REQUIRED:
- 45 minutes at a leisurely pace
Tourist map
PECHA’S LOOKOUT
Spectacular views of the central part of the Prachov Rocks, forested hillsides of Starý and Nový hrádek (Old and New Castles), Vyskeř, Ralsko and Lužice mountains present themselves.
It can be found on the green marked route between Tourist Cottage and Nad Fortnou crossroad.
LEANING TOWER
Opened in 1923 and also called Vítek’s tower. Part of the view is obstructed by tree growth. From the top, you can see Jičín, Veliš, Zvičina, Zebín, Loreta, Horní Lochov or Ostružno. Green tourist marking leads here up steps carved into the stone.
PEACE LOOKOUT
On a turn of green marking at the crossroads near Hlahol’s Lookout leading to Leaning Tower. Offers view mainly on the central part of Prachov Rocks with Emperor’s Pass. Trosky, Mužský, Vyskeř, Ještěd, Bezděz, Ralsko and Lužice mountains can be seen in the background.
HLAHOL LOOKOUT
The second lookout on the green tourist route from crossroad U Bratrské modlitebny leading to the Tourist Cottage is Hlahol Lookout. It is the highest positioned lookout place of the Prachov Rocks (altitude of 460 m). It got its name after a Prague singing club Hlahol visited in 1887. It offers views to the east (Raven Rocks, Přivýšina a Jinolice ponds) and north-east (Tábor, Bradlec, Kumburk and Jinolice ponds). Masaryk’s path leads under this lookout.
BOHEMIAN PARADISE LOOKOUT
This lookout, which used to be called The Duchess’, provides a great view of the rock town. You can see the Prachov Needle, Madonna and Plecháč. Visible as well are Trosky and Ještěd. Can be acessed by red tourist markers.
SCHLIK’S LOOKOUT
Near Všetečka’s Lookout, on plateau Plecháč. Provides views of areas of Prachov Rocks, such as Bohemian Paradise and Peace Lookouts and the Emperor’s Pass.
VŠETEČKA’S LOOKOUT
Všetečka’s lookout is yet another lookout on the green route leading through the Prachov Rocks. Is located on Plecháč plateau near Točenice, and closer to the Tourist Cottage. Shows a group of rocks in the direction of Bohemian Paradise lookout.
RUMCAJS’ LOOKOUT
Rumcajs’ Lookout is the second one after entering Prachov Rocks. Together with the two other ones (following this one) they are placed on green route. It gives a very limited view on Raven Rocks because of tall trees standing in the way.
HAKEN’S LOOKOUT
Hakenov’s Lookout is in the centre of the Prachov Rocks on the big (green) route. It gives a very limited view on Raven rocks and Tábor because of tall trees standing in the way. Thus, the best time to visit here is in spring. The lookout is named after professor Haken from Horního Lochova, who started archeological research of the rocks.
KŘÍŽKOVSKÉHO LOOKOUT
Křížkovského vyhlídka (or the Lookout of the Křížkovský Choir, formerly The First Sofa - První pohovka) is the first lookout on the red route coming from Prachov, where the entrance to the Prachov Rocks is placed. It is named after the Křížkovský Choir, after it visited the place on 16th March 1930. It offers wide views of the east (Kumburk and Bradlec), north (Tábor, Morcinov, Kozlov, Kozákov and Jinolice ponds and west (or northwest) of Prachov Rocks (Trosky, Ještěd, Vyskeř, Hrubá Skála area and Krkonoše in the background).
TOURIST COTTAGE
The Tourist Cottage Prachov was built in 1920 and rebult in 1930. It is owned by the Club of Czech Tourists. Despite all reconstruction and modernisation, it has kept its original look and old time charm.
The Cottage is situated in the centre of the Prachov Rocks nature preserve, right near the main entrance to the Prachvo Rocks. The preserve came into existence in 1933 for its outstanding natural and cultural qualities. In 2002 it was spread to almost all area of the Bohemia Paradise, which increases its attractiveness.
Where can I find the cottage?
FORTNA
Fortna is located in the South part of the Prachov Rocks. Red marking leads through this part of the rocks made up by a ravine. About 20 years ago, it was possible to walk through a rock crevice called the Lion’s Den. The coldness of this area is evidenced by snow which stays here until late March.
Rules of conduct
VISITOR RULES
applicable to sightseeing and hiking routes in the Prachov Rocks nature reserve for the tourist season from 1 January to 31 December as defined by the route operator (representative of the owners) J. M. Schlik, s. r. o., with its registered office at Vokšice 1, 506 01 Jičín.
The Prachov Rocks nature reserve is a natural and cultural heritage site with a unique ecosystem comprising the formations making up the rock town, the forest, and wild animals and plants. It is also a place that has been settled by mankind since prehistoric times – the nature reserve includes a prehistoric hillfort with some valuable archaeological finds. In order to preserve the Prachov Rocks nature reserve for future generations, it is essential that rules and defined and duly enforced for the sightseeing and hiking routes. We therefore ask that visitors accept and understand the restrictions imposed by these rules and also the fact that a certain admission fee is charged to walk around Prachov Rocks. These funds help to cover the cost of the necessary maintenance of the nature reserve.
- Visitors to the Prachov Rocks nature reserve are obliged to comply with Act No. 114/1992 Coll., on Act on Nature and Landscape Protection, as amended, Government Regulation No. 508/2002 Coll. (the regulation establishing the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area), Regulation of the Municipal Authority of Jičín No. 2/2000 (on the Protection of the Natural Environment in the Prachov Rocks Nature Reserve), and these Visitor Rules.
- Visitors walking the sightseeing routes are obliged to read and abide by these Visitor Rules.
- Visitors walking the sightseeing routes on their own do so at their own risk.
- Visitors are obliged to keep to the designated routes, viewpoints and marked footpaths. It is prohibited to stray away from the marked footpaths.
- While walking the routes, besides complying with the general laws and regulations, visitors are also obliged to follow the written and spoken instructions of the forest rangers, nature conservation authorities, employees of the Rocks Administration and authorised representatives of the nature reserve owners.
- By entering the Prachov Rocks nature reserve, visitors grant their consent to the possible use of their photographs to be used to promote Prachov Rocks.
- If the ticket office or Tourist Information Centre are open, visitors are obliged to purchase an admission ticket. Guide services can be booked for larger groups.
- The entrances to the sightseeing routes and rock viewpoints are at the car park by the Tourist Chalet (ticket office no. 1) and at the car park in the village of Prachov (ticket office no. 2). Other entrances are by the Skalní město and Šikmá věž hotels.
- From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. visitors to the sightseeing routes are obliged to purchase a ticket from the ticket office before entering. This ticket must be presented when requested by the inspectors as specified in these Visitor Rules.
- The cost of the admission fee is listed at the ticket offices, on the website, and on the admission ticket.
- Members of the Czech Mountaineering Association or the U.I.A.A. may climb on the rocks. They are obliged to pay the full admission price, or may ask to be issued with a Climber’s Pass for Prachov Rocks from ticket office no. 1, which entitles them to enter the rocks any anytime during the season after paying the fee. Climbers are obliged to abide by the rules for sports climbing on the sandstone rocks in Bohemia, as amended.
- link: https://www.horosvaz.cz/res/archive/330/056387.pdf?seek=15924861773
- Visitors on the sightseeing routes who are unable to present a valid ticket, visitors who pose a risk to themselves or others, and anyone committing a gross breach of the peace or violating these Visitor Rules may be banned from the sightseeing routes.
- The following are strictly prohibited throughout the Prachov Rocks nature reserve:
- disrupting the peace and quiet
- damaging the rocks by carving inscriptions, writing on them, throwing stones and rolling boulders
- damaging the railings, steps, benches, information boards, signs and other equipment along the routes
- disturbing water ecosystems and raking litter
- uprooting seedlings and saplings, picking plants, catching wild animals
- smoking, starting a fire, camping and bivouacking
- dropping litter on and around the sightseeing routes
- letting dogs run off the leash
- riding bikes or horses on the sightseeing routes (it is also prohibited to push a bike along as you walk)
- holding any organised or mass sporting or cultural event without the consent of the operator and the local authorities
- driving or riding motor vehicles off the road or outside the designated parking areas; washing, performing maintenance on or changing fluids in motor vehicles
- rangers and Rocks Administration employees are entitled to check visitors’ tickets. In accordance with Section 81, rangers are entitled to ask for proof of identity and can issue a fine or ban visitors from the sightseeing routes if they break the law.
- Wedding ceremonies can be held at Prachov Rocks for a pre-set fee; for more information, please email us at: info@prachovskeskaly.cz
- It is prohibited to fly drones in the Prachov Rocks nature reserve. If you want to fly a drone, you must apply to the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area for an exception to the rules.
- In order to take photographs, shoot films, etc. for commercial purposes, you must first contact the nature reserve administrator and obtain consent. This rule is in place to protect sensitive ecosystems, flora and fauna and to avoid inconveniencing other visitors.
We believe that abiding by these rules will ensure that visitors have an enjoyable time at the Prachov Rocks nature reserve and will help to preserve the natural environment for future generations.
J. M. Schlik, s. r. o.
Nature Reserve Administration
Vokšice čp. 1
Jičín 506 01
ID No.: 28830822
In Vokšice on 28th March 2015
FAQ -Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park, and is it charged?
Central parking lot is placed near the Tourist cottage right near the entrance to the rocks. Go through the village of Prachov and after about 500 m turn left at Lepař memorial. For visitors with prams, it is recommended to park their vehicle in Prachov and walk to the rocks via the top cashbox. The route is described on our website in the Tourism subchapter.
Map of parking Parking pricelistWhen is it allowed to enter the rocks?
Which routes are suitable for children, prams, etc.?
Can I buy edibles or souvenirs anywhere?
Can I pay by card? Where is the nearest ATM?
Can I use shortcuts outside of marked paths?
What is the nearest place for swimming in summer months?
Is it possible to arrange a tour guide and in a foreign language?
Is it prohibited to smoke in the rocks?
Can the Prachov Rocks be visited Outside the tourist season?
Can I exit the Rocks and go back in again?
We arrived to the Prachov Rocks on bikes and want to ride through.
How long does a tour of the Prachov Rocks last?
Do I have to make a booking?
Is there a toilet in the rocks?
Are the rocks accessible for wheelchair?
What should I do if something happens in the rocks?
Tourism
on the Prachov Rocks
The Prachov rocks are one of those places in the Czech Republic that everyone of us has an idea of. It’s a part of how we think of our country and is one of the places where we used to go to for school trips.
Emperor Francis I arrived in Jičín on the evening of June 3, 1813, and after being put up in the Jičín palace, major diplomatic negotiations with Russia and Prussia began the very next day. The emperor took a number of trips around Jičín during his month-long stay. The first was to Prachov Rocks on June 9. While visiting the rock town, he also walked through the gorge that is still named the Emperor's Passage in his honour. It is sometimes claimed that the massive stone staircase was hewn in the Emperor's Passage to mark this important visit. This is possible, but doesn't seem likely given that the emperor's trip was planned at the last minute. The idea that the monarch was carried around the rocks on a stretcher is completely untrue and has no basis in fact. On the same day, the emperor also visited Pařezská Lhota and the nearby Pařez rock castle.
source: Pavel Kracík
What did certainly happen in 1879 was a visit of a Prague businessman Vojta Náprstek and his wife and a club of American ladies. The American ladies did not really come from the USA, as it would be expected. Instead they were a company of energetic and emancipated women who advocated the American way of life. Even the poet Jaroslav Vrchlický was a member of this travelling party. The party was driven to the rock town by carts and then continued on foot. Excited articles in period news came as a result of this visit.
The Club of Czech Tourists has had a branch office in Jičín since 1892. That is thanks to teachers from Jičín grammar school, and especially due to František Lepař, who became chairman of the first committee. The club was very active. It bought a hotel in Horní Lochov in 1912 and transformed it into a base for summer visits of tourists in the Prachov rocks.
Czech Tourist Club can also be thanked for building the tourist routes. After the Austro-Hungarian empire fell apart and the Czechoslovakian state came into existence, the then secretary Prof. Jakub Všetečka commissioned construction of steps and footpaths between stone blocks. The work was performed by soldiers of the 22nd sapper regiment of Jičín as a part of their training. To commemorate this fact, they left a mark of their regiment and year 1922 in a rock on one of the footpaths. Despite being named after the first Czechoslovakian president, he never walked this path. It was only his secretary, during the ceremonial opening.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the first restaurant was built by the owners of the rocks – the Schlick family. It soon showed, however, that it was necessary to build a better one. So, in 1924 the Czech Tourist Club built a base – the Tourist Cottage. In was further enlarged in the 30s into its modern look. The road and parking lot were built at the same time. Prachov Rocks got its current look then.
Modern day tourists drive to the rocks in their cars or in buses. They are awaited by a parking lot, information boards, restaurants and souvenir shops. There are maintained routes and paths in the rock city. It is better to have a full day for the visit in order to have enough time to see everything interesting to be seen in the Prachov Rocks.