Route descriptions

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Short Route 1.5kmThe 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.
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Long Route 3.5kmThe 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.
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Pram routeThe 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.
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
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.