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
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Red Route 2.5kmThe red route takes in lots of interesting parts of Prachov Rocks and its length and difficulty make it a popular route for families with older children as well as active more elderly visitors. It is also a good choice if you do not have enough time to take the green route.
Start the red route by the Turistická chata chalet. Go through the entrance gate and turn right to follow the red footpath markers past the totem, and then begin your ascent up through the Green Gorge. At the top, turn left to the Bohemian Paradise viewpoint. This offers a wonderful view of the Bohemian Paradise, hence the name. From the viewpoint, head towards the signpost by the U buku fork and then turn left towards the Peace viewpoint, from where you can see the central part of Prachov Rocks, Trosky, Ještěd and, in clear weather, also the castle of Bezděz. Then continue left following the red markers to where the trail forks at Nad Císařskou chodbou (Above the Emperor’s Passage), and then on to the Křížkovského viewpoint.
Watch out here, as you don’t go down the steps towards Prachov, but go back following the red footpath markers. On the way, turn right to the Hlaholská viewpoint and after visiting that, re-join the red route and follow it as far as the fork above the Emperor’s Passage, and then take the steps down. Legend has it that this name is derived from a visit by Emperor Francis I of Austria. Before going down as far as the Zadní točenice signpost, you have a view of the highest rock, called The Monk, which is also where the history of the Prachov Climbing Club began. When you get to the Zadní točenice signpost, follow the red markers back to the Turistická chata chalet.
- APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF ROUTE:
- Roughly 2.5 km
- TIME REQUIRED:
- 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace
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Green Route 3.5kmThe green route takes you around a great many interesting places in Prachov Rocks and is probably the prettiest and most captivating route through the rock massifs. We recommend this route for anyone who has plenty of time and would like to get to know pretty much the whole of Prachov Rocks.
The green route starts by the Turistická chata chalet. Go through the entrance gate and follow the green footpath markers, which actually mark the whole of the route; for now, they are accompanied by the red markers, leading towards the Pech viewpoint. After 200 metres or so the markers separate and you’re now faced with a fairly steep ascent up a lot of stone steps to the Pech viewpoint. From there, you have a lovely view into the Green Gorge.
After admiring the scenery, keep on going to the signpost at the Nad Fortnou fork and then walk down between the rocks to the place known as Fortna. There, you enter a strange labyrinth of rock massifs by the Šikmá věž (Leaning Tower) viewpoint.
The Šikmá věž viewpoint provides a wonderful view south towards Ostružno and Veliš, and as far as Jičín and Zebín hill. From Šikmá věž the green route leads through a rock labyrinth past a plaque commemorating the philanthropist V. Náprstek, and up between the rocks to the U buku (Beech Tree) signpost.
The footpath then joins the yellow route and you continue on to the Peace viewpoint. From there, follow the Bukovina ridge to where the trail forks at Nad Císařskou chodbou (Above the Emperor’s Passage) and then follow the green footpath markers to the Hlaholská viewpoint.
From the viewpoint, continue along the ridge for a little while and then the green route leads down between the huge rock formations along what is known as the Masaryk Trail. After descending several times, you then immediately head up the sandstone steps, passing the Rumcajs and Haken viewpoints (which are very close to one another). You then weave up between the rocks until you get to the Všeteč and Šlik viewpoints, which offer fine views across to the other side of the rock town.
All you need to do now is go back down to the mouth of the Emperor’s Passage and re-join the other marked footpaths to get back to the Turistická chata chalet.
- APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF ROUTE:
- Roughly 3.5 km
- TIME REQUIRED:
- 2 hours at a leisurely pace
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Route for pushchairsIt’s not really possible to get to all the places in Prachov Rocks with a pushchair. Even so, there are parts that can be reached fairly easily. This route is suitable for pushchairs designed for walks, ideally sportier types. So, let’s go!
Leave your car at the car park in Prachov village. Follow the road past the refreshment and souvenir stands. After passing those, take the track that slants off to the left as far as the entrance gate, where you pay admission (children and pushchairs are free of charge). This is where the pushchair route starts, marked in blue.
Around 200 metres after the admission gate, turn left along the forest path following the blue markers. The route is well-maintained, and does not tend to be used by forestry machinery in the summer. On the right-hand side you’ll see the first blocks of rock – this part is called the Devil’s Kitchen. Keep going up as far as the U buku (Beech Tree) signpost at the top of the path. There used to be a beech tree there, but it was blown down during Cyclone Kyrill in 2007. You can now choose from a dense network of marked footpaths. From U Buku you can get to the Pech viewpoint, the Bohemian Paradise viewpoint, the Peace viewpoint, the Hlaholská viewpoint and the Křížkovského viewpoint; from there, go back to the U buku signpost and follow the blue markers back to the village of Prachov.
Avoid going up the steps on the tour routes, as you’d soon run into some difficult places that you won’t get through with a pushchair. If you still fancy walking there, it would probably be best to use an ergonomic baby carrier; walking with a backpack can be difficult in the narrower places. You can spend as long as you want when up on the plateau with the viewpoints – to get back, you have to retrace the route you took up to the top.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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PRACHOV
Prachov is a village, a part of Holín in the Jičín region. It is located about 2 km northwest of Holín. In 2009, 69 houses of residence were registered. In 2001, 98 people lived here permanently.
There is a parking lot and top entrance to the Prachov Rocks with a cashier located here.
Rules of conduct
Rules of conduct
Of tourist routes in the natural preserve of the Prachov Rocks
Set for the tourist season from 1st March to 31st October by the keeper of tourist routes (and representative of owners) J.M.Schlik , ltd. , Vokšice 1, 506 01 JIČÍN.
Nature reserve. Prachov Rocks is a unique natural and cultural sight with a unique ecosystem made up by mutual connections between the rock town, forest environment, plants and wild animals. At the same time, it is a place which has been settled by people since ancient times – a part of the Prachov Rocks is an ancient settlement rich with archeological findings.
To preserve the Prachov rocks reservation for future generations, it is necessary regulate behaviour on tourist routes. With that we ask you, visitors, to kindly accept restrictions set by this code and also the fact, that you have to pay specified entry fee. With that, you help facilitate necessary maintenance of the reservation, and the routes especially.
1. Visitors of tourist routes must acquaint themselves with ruling of the Regional municipal office in Jičín No. 2/2000 and with this tourist code and keep its rules.
2. Visitors enter the tourist routes of their own free will and do so at their own risk.
3. Visitor are only allowed to use set routes, lookouts and marked paths. Trespassing anywhere outside of these places is prohibited.
4. Visitors must abide by generally valid laws while visiting the routes and also to follow instructions given by forest guards, environmental protection officers and authorised representatives of the owners of the natural preserve.br>
5. Entrance points to the tourist routes and lookouts are at the parking lot and near the Tourist Cottage (cashbox No. 1) and at the parking lot in Prachov village (cashbox No. 2).
6. The visitor of tourist routes must purchase a ticket with a specified entrance fee between the visiting hours of 7.00 to 18.00. If asked, the visitor must produce such a ticket to authorities specified in point No. 4. Current price for tickets is available in pricelists shown on cashboxes.
7. Entrance and actions of climbers are specified in an amendment to this tourist code.
8. Visitor unable to produce a valid ticket, a visitor endangering themselves or others, or a visitor disturbing peace or acting against this code of conduct might be escorted out of the route.
9. Banned in all of the preserve:
disturbing the peace
damaging rocks by carving inscriptions and throwing or moving rocks
damaging railings, steps, benches, information boards, tourist markers and other equipment of tourist routes
disturbing bodies of water or collecting leaf litter
removing seedlings, young trees or plants, catching wild animals
smoking in the forest, starting fires and camping
littering
letting dogs run free and unattended
riding horses outside of routes specified for this action
organizing sporting or cultural events without letting the keeper of the reserve know of such an event and without the consent of Czech state administration
driving motorised vehicles outside parking lots
performing maintenance, cleaning or liquid exchange in motorised vehicles
We believe that keeping these rules on the routes will ensure comfort of visitors to the Prachov Rocks nature preserve and maintaining it for future generations of visitors.
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?
The tourist season lasts usually from the 1st April until 31st October. In case of good weather, it can be prolonged. During holidays, it is open between 8.00 to 18.00. And from April to June and from September to October the opening hours are from 9.00 to 17.00.
Which routes are suitable for children, prams, etc.?
It is impossible to walk through tourist routes with a pram. There is a large number of steps and narrow passes. For prams, we recommend the route specifically for prams described above. From the parking lot in Prachov, you can access a number of lookouts from a forest pathway.
We think that children can manage the yellow route, but it is necessary to ensure their safety on steps, which can be slippery. Lookouts are also a place, where you should not let your offspring out of your sight.
Can I buy edibles or souvenirs anywhere?
Some souvenirs can be purchased in the cashboxes, however the best choice is in the infocentre, which is opposite the Tourist Cottage near the central parking lot. There is a wide variety of refreshment opportunities. There is a restaurant at the Tourist Cottage and there is also a kiosk and confectioner’s shop.
Can I pay by card? Where is the nearest ATM?
Both entrance fee and parking fee can be paid by card. We do not accept Sodexo Flexi pass, Active pass and similar benefit cards.
In case you need cash, the nearest ATMs are in Jičín - Tesco, Kaufland, Žižka’s and Wallenstein’s squares.
Can I use shortcuts outside of marked paths?
Routes are in the first zone of a protected landscape area, so walking outside marked routes is prohibited.
What is the nearest place for swimming in summer months?
Jinolice Ponds are the nearest recreational area. Alternatively, you can visit swimming pools in Jičín and Sobotka. In case of bad weather, there is also an indoor swimming pool in Jičín, which offers a sauna as well.
Is it possible to arrange a tour guide and in a foreign language?
Is is possible to arrange a tour guide for a bigger group. A tour guide in foreign languages is not a part of our team but can be arranged. Price for the guide depends on group size and length of the tour. For further information about the Prachov Rocks we recommend purchasing a written guide called The Prachov Rocks.
Is it prohibited to smoke in the rocks?
Smoking is strictly prohibited along with firestarting.
Can the Prachov Rocks be visited Outside the tourist season?
The Prachov Rocks do not get closed and can be accessed outside of the season. However, no services (refreshment, toilet) are provided. It is necessary to be extra careful in winter months. Especially when roads and steps are icy, visits are not recommended.
Can I exit the Rocks and go back in again?
Yes, the entrance fee is for the whole day. It is necessary to show your ticket when your re-enter, so keep it safe.
We arrived to the Prachov Rocks on bikes and want to ride through.
Riding bikes on routes is banned. Bikes can be safekept in a storage facility. More infromation at the infocentre.
How long does a tour of the Prachov Rocks last?
It depends on which route you choose. Yellow route takes maximum of 90 minutes. Green route or a combination of both routes takes more time. It can be said that you can spend an hour or a whole day in the Prachov Rocks.
Do I have to make a booking?
No, not even for bigger groups.
Is there a toilet in the rocks?
There is not a toilet in the rocks. You can use a free of charge toilet at the information centre.
Are the rocks accessible for wheelchair?
Technically not. If a wheelchair bound person wants to see just a little bit, they can access the part from the lower cashbox to the crossroad at Zadní točenici, where the central part of the Prachov Rocks is visible.
What should I do if something happens in the rocks?
There are SOS points with important phone numbers and ID numbers placed on crossroads. In case of fire or other problems, tell the operator the ID of the closest SOS point.
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.
Prachov Rocks is a place long visited. The first recorded tourist is the Holy Roman Emperor Francis I (1768 - 1835), who according to legend visited the Prachov rocks and was carried on a sedan through a pass, which was later named The Emperor’s Pass. It supposedly happened during his visit of Jičín in 1804. Negotiations about a treaty of alliance with the Russian czar Alexander I were being led during the Napoleonic conflict. Modern day historians, however, take this piece of information with a grain of salt. The name of the The Emperor’s Pass remains though.
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 1923 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.
