The short route is the less time and energy consuming 1.5 km one. There is 1 ascent and 2 lookout points. It leads through the magnificent Emperor’s Pass, and is made for the less demanding tourists.

The short route can be a good way to get acquainted with the landmarks of the Prachov rocks and to have a short stroll. Just like the long route, its starting point is at the Tourist Cottage where we set off, following the yellow tourist markers (along with other colours of tourist markers) towards the mouth of the Emperor’s pass.

And just an interesting fact to note: there are not many instances of all the tourist marking colours being used on one route. The route splits up at the Emperor’s Pass and any way can be chosen. We will however choose to turn right and ascend the Mouse Den (Malá Fortna) to the Bohemian Paradise Lookout -vyhlídka Českého ráje. A large part of the popular, attractive area of the Prachov Rocks can be seen from here. From this lookout, we head off to U Buku crossroads. From there, by following the green markers, we could get to the Peace Lookout – Vyhlídka míru - which is above the Emperor’s Pass, where we will descend later. Then we have to continue to a crossroad. Above the Emperor’s pass it is possible to start following the red markers and descend through the Pass towards the Tourist Cottage. As you can see, it is not in vain that the pass received such an opulent name. After walking through the Emperor’s Pass we find ourselves at the point where we once ascended the Mouse Den. Thus, the only thing left to do is to go back to the Tourist cottage.

Estimated length:

1,5km

Time needed:

About 45 minutes of slow pace

Number of visited lookouts:

2

Lookouts:

Bohemian Paradise Lookout, Peace Lookout

Tourist marking:

Yellow

Assessment:

The route is suitable for a brief acquaintance with the Prachov Rocks or for visiting the rocks with small children or with a time limit. For a better experience, visit the longer route.

The long route will get us acquainted with a wide variety of interesting places in the Prachov Rocks, and is probably the most attractive and most interesting path through the rock masses. We strongly recommend it to all tourists on their first visit.

The long route starts at the Tourist Cottage. We set off following green tourist markers, which marks the route all the way, but in this part are accompanied by red marking leading to Pecha’s Lookout - Pechova vyhlídka. After about 200 metres, the markings separate and an ascend full of hardship is awaiting us on the staircase leading to the lookout. Here we find a view on the Green Ravine – Zelená rokle. After drinking in the scenery, we head off to the Nad Fortnou crossroads, where we rejoin the red markers, and along with them we descend through stone blocks to a place called Fortna. Afterwards, we separate from the red marking and enter a bizarre labyrinth of boulders near the Leaning Tower - Šikmá věž. If we get out of the labyrinth all right, we will get to yet another interesting lookout called the Leaning Tower, providing views of Ostružno and Veliš. From the Leaning Tower, the green markers will guide us across red marking towards Hotel Pod Šikmou věží – Hotel Under the Leaning Tower - and past a memorial plaque of V. Náprstek, then between rocks up towards the crossroad U Buku. From here we continue along with the yellow markers to Peace Lookout, where we can see into the Emperor’s Pass and a view of Zadní točenice. From the lookout, we need to continue now on the ridge of Bukovina to the crossroad above the Emperor’s Pass - Nad císařskou chodbou - and then to Hlahol Lookout - Hlaholská vyhlídka. We can continue a bit further on the ridge leading from the lookout where the route will take us through meandering paths down in between the rock giants. Walking the steps down and up and down again, we pass both Rumcajs and Haken lookouts, which are quite near one another. We zig zag with the pathways until we ascend to Všetečka’s and Schlik’s Lookouts - Všetečkova and Šlikova vyhlídka - and from these two we can see the other side of the Emperor’s Pass. Now we need only descend to the mouth of the Emperor’s Pass and walk back to the Tourist Cottage.

Estimated length:

3,5 km

Time needed:

About 2 hours of slow pace

Number of visited lookouts:

8

Lookouts:

Pecha’s Lookout, Leaning Tower, Peace Lookout, Hlahol Lookout, Rumcajs’ and Haken’s Lookout, Schlik’s Lookout and Všetečka’s Lookout

Tourist marking:

Green

Assessment:

The long route will fully acquaint its visitors with the interesting landmarks of this beautiful place in the Bohemian Paradise. If under a time limit or other limitations, please choose the short route instead.

The Prachov Rocks are not exactly an area where you can get with your pram everywhere. There is, however, a path that can be taken with relative ease.

First and foremost, the pram should be suitable for travelling. You can leave the car at a parking lot in Prachov village and walk along the road passing stalls with snacks and souvenirs. At the end of this, turn diagonally left and continue towards the cash box where you can pay for your entry. There is no charge for the child and pram.

After about 200 metres, we abandon the marked route and take the forest road unmarked for tourists. The road is maintained and is usually not used by forest machines in summer. You can see the first stone blocks on your left. This place is called the Devil’s Kitchen – Čertova kuchyně. We ascend to the top of the path to a crossroad called U buku – At the Beech. There used to be an beech tree, but it has not stood there since hurricane Kyrril. A thick mesh of marked paths awaits us. We can comfortably go through to marked lookouts. From Křižkovský Lookout - Křížkovského vyhlídka – follow the red markers to Pecha’s Lookout - vyhlídka Pechova. Just be aware that there is a rocky path just before the lookouts, but the rest is fine..

Beware of ascending the stone steps of tourist routes because you would soon meet terrain inaccessible for prams. If you insist on going there, leave your pram In the car and use a child carrier. You can spend as much time as you please on the lookout and use the same way you came to get back home.