hruba skala - rock city

Hidden in forrest, coloured by fallen leaves, place of almost religious admiration by Czech climbers community...

Hruba Skala is one of the main attractions of Cesky Raj (Bohemian Paradise). This might overstate it slightly but it is an attractive region of limestone formations. This trail to Hruba Skala can be picked up directly from Turnov, near the Turnov mesto station. The trail follows along the ridge top through the Hruba Skaly rock town (not really a town, just a series of limestone pillars that look like a city). Turnov is an attractive town that makes a good base. We found the Hotel Paradis (just past the central square) pretty good value with a nice in-house restaurant.

This place was amazing. We went there after visiting the Bozkov caves. The formations of eroded sandstone is simply fantastic. We could go upto the top. What a view. Natural beauty at its best!

One of the best spots in Cesky raj. You can walk in the forest, appear in one of the high peaks to see the cliffs from above or suddenly find yourselves in between those in the shadow of forest. Very much recommended

As soon as you start walking you are astonished about the beauty of this place and it goes on and on. Definitely a must do when you are in the neighbourhood.

The chateau Gorge, deep and narrow gorges of the rock towns, and just follow the trails. There are various viewpoints along the tracks.

Wonderful place to walk for couple hours and take great photos! Routes with different levels of difficulties from kids to experienced hikers.

and you will be in a different world! You can leave your car at the parking place in Hruba Skala and go for pleasant 5 km hike (even with stroller or smaller children accesable) to Valdstejn castle. You will admire rock formations on the way and when coming back, you can have lunch at the hotel Stekl or on the terace of hotel Hruba Skala. Perfect day trip!

Beautiful nature and lots of prospects in the surrounding area. In the end we had a picnic and went completely satisfied.

From the center of Turnov, it is a 1.5 hour hike to reach Hruba Skala. The castle as such is nothing spectacular. Some parts have been beautifully renovated and the bar in teh far corner of the castle is very nice. On the other hand, the view you have on the valley is impressive. Also the rock formations in the neighborhood are worth the hike. I recommend to start the hike in Turnov, pass Valdstejn castla up to Hruba Skala castle and return back via Sedmihorky. You can followed marked hiking paths all the way.

A friend and I enjoyed a morning of hiking through the rock towns. We parked outside of the chalet (80 crowns for a full day of parking), purchased a map of the area (35 crowns), and then set off toward Valdstejn. We hiked on the green and yellow trails to Valdstejn, and then the red trail on the way back to Hrubu Skala. We were very glad for our map on our way to Valdstejn, because there was one section of the yellow trail that had been logged out, so trail markers were no where to be seen for a little while. When we arrived at Valdstejn, we were disappointed to realize that the castle was only open on the weekends during April (we arrived on a Thursday). Even without being able to go in the castle, we still had an enjoyable time, and were in awe of the many amazing views throughout our hike.

Park your car in Sedmihorky. Then go to Hruba Scala Castle by green track (appr. hour with kids). Important note: all tracks are marked - don't follow any unauthorized arrows (by the way, we bought a Hruboskalska regional tracks map, very recommended). The last part of green track fascinating - huge rocks in the middle of the forest. But it's only the beginning. Near hotel Stekl there are several places to eat and rest. Then it's possibility to continue by red track: 300 meters by road from parking and up, then to the right into the forest. On the red track there are at least three viewpoints. If you didn't visit the you didn't see nothing in Ceske Raj. Vihladka a Kapelu - it's amazing! Must see. Free your imagination and enjoy the best views! By the way, we did it in two days, I wish I had more days planned for this place.I got a recommendation to continue the red track to Valdstein Castle and than to close the loop to Sedmihorky parking by another track. We stopped at the third viewpoint and then turned back.

Beautiful rooms brings you feelings that you are the princess in your own kingdom. The countryside around is full of posibilities, old sights, castles, rock mountains. I can only recommend for all those who like to feel special. It's a great experience.

I was several times there, always amazed. Hruba Skala could be quite crowded and you can have hard time to park. Therefore I leave the car at the paid parking at Sedmihorky, going from here for a round trip of about 12 kms over all nice places around Hruba Skala.You can buy the map at the kiosk at the parking place. Trails are well marked. Trip for 4-5 hours or more.

Great place for walking and biking, the walking in the park is easy with very good paths. Free entry to the park which is a forest with many rocks of all shapes and sizes, don't miss the look out point at Hruboskalske skalni mesto. The Hotel Zamek near the start of the walk into the park is also worth a look, there are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the hotel's courtyard. However, if you do not have a car, it could be quite a hike up from the train station before the start of the walk.