DAY 1
The tour starts with pick up in your hotel at 9am. After approx. 1,5 hour drive we will park in Hrubá Skála and continue with hiking in a gorgeous part of Czech Paradise called Hruboskalsko Rock Town with iconic sandstone sceneries and the monumental Valdštejn Castle. We will start from Hrubá Skála Chateau and walk the loop trail through the humming pine forests and sandstone rocks formations. There are many stunning lookouts on the way – Prachovna rock formation, (originally a gunpowder storage facility), Vyhlídka na Kapelu (group of rocks called “Kapela” (the Band) and a solitary rock tower called “Kapelník” (Bandleader)) among many others. In the middle of the trail we will visit the amazing Valdštejn Castle, built in the 13th Century. The castle is opened for interested visitors and there is a small pub in front of it for a light refreshment. We will finish the loop back at Hrubá Skála Chateau with lunch in their fantastic restaurant that offers typical Czech meals in a very high standard. The loop trail is about 13 km long and takes approx. 2,5 – 3 hours.
After lunch the tour continues with a stroll through probably the most beautiful part of the Czech Paradise – a trek called the Golden Path. The starting point is the parking lot next to Věžický Pond (10 min. drive from Hrubá Skála Chateau). From there we will walk the marvellous Podtrosecké údolí Valley which is famous for its stunning scenery and many interesting rock formations and ponds. The main point of interest of the hike is the famous Trosky Castle Ruins. We will refresh ourselves with cold drinks and a snack there, visit the ruins and continue the loop back to Věžický Pond. On the way back, the paths leads through the landscape with amazing nature. Like from a fairy tale. It is no surprise that this location has been popular among the Czech and international film makers for its uniqueness and charm. The loop is approximately 10 km long and together with visiting Trosky and refreshment it will take approx. 4 hours.
If you decide for 1 day tour only your trip will be finished here and we will drive you back to your hotel.
If you opt for 2 day tour, your overnight stay will be organized in one of two cosy hotels located in a small village called Malá Skála. This village lies on the banks of the crystal clear Jizera River and is a very relaxing place. There are only two small hotels and campsite for canoers. There is also very good local micro-brewery and famous restaurant Boučkův Statek (Bouček Farm) that servers the best food for miles around. The Farm has a very pleasant beer garden with a superb grill and smoke house where you can try all the tasty Czech barbeque meals, drink beer and relax for the rest of the evening. During very hot days it is also possible to go for a swim in the river which is easily accessible.
DAY 2
Malá Skála is dominated by the knife-edged ridge. Dominating the ridge is Vranov Castle with an exhibition chamber called Pantheon. The castle was built in the 15th Century and renovated at the beginning of 19th Century when the romantic exhibition centre was added to the initial structure. This place offers a fantastic view point overlooking the impressive valley of the Jizera River. The next day after the breakfast we will walk up to check out Vranov Castle with Pantheon and the nearby stunning view point.
From there we will either walk or drive to the other side of the Valley to the hidden spot of this part of Czech Paradise – the Rock Labyrinth. This is really a “secret“ place which is unknown even to most Czech people. It consists of an impressive formations of stacked sandstones hidden in the forest. Also from here there are many amazing lookouts. The walks around Malá Skála will take approx. 2,5 – 3 hours. If you prefer to go by car the walk to the Labyrinth and back to the parking lot would take approx. 1 hour.
Lunch is planned either in the local Maloskalský Brewery or nearby Ábelův Mlýn (Abel´s Mill) depending on your preference. Both places serve excellent food.
For souvenir lovers we can visit the Czech Garnet Gallery in Turnov after lunch. There is a nice exposition with exhibits about this unique blood-red stone which is the official Czech national gem, rated among the world’s finest, and a shop with much better prices than in Prague. If you are not that much of a souvenir hunter we can just chill with a cup of good coffee in Café Panorama located in Turnov near the main square.
The last highlight of this tour is the visit of Drápské světničky near Mnichovo Hradiště town. Drábské světničky is a ruin of a 13th-century rock castle on the ragged edge of a sandstone cliff high above the surrounding landscape. The castle covers a group of seven sandstone rocks, connected with wooden bridges. It has been abandoned since the Hussite wars in 15th century. Depending on your preferences there are a wide variety of hiking trails from the shortest one that includes visit of the castle (approx. 2 km, 40 min) to loops leading to other rock formations and lookouts.
Return to your hotel is planned between 6 and 7pm.
