Top Prachov Rocks Hiking Loops and Sights

The rock city is famous for its vertical towers and deep canyons. There are two main circuits that most visitors follow. Both loops start near the main tourist cottage. You can also explore nearby ruins and ponds for a full experience. Here are the top items to include on your itinerary.

• Quick Picks:
• Best for families: The Small Circle
• Best for views: The Large Circle
• Best for swimming: Jinolice Ponds
• Best for history: Trosky Castle

1. Name: The Small Circle (Yellow Trail) Type: Hiking loop Why go: It offers a quick but intense look at the rock city's heart. Best for: Families with children or those with limited time. Where: Starts at the main entrance (Turistická chata). Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Included in general entrance fee. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail markers from the ticket office. Tip: This route has many stairs but covers the most famous canyon.
2. Name: The Large Circle (Green Trail) Type: Hiking loop Why go: This is the ultimate hiking experience with the best panoramic views. Best for: Active hikers and landscape photographers. Where: Covers the entire central rock area. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Included in general entrance fee. Getting there: Follow the green markers from the main entrance. Tip: Start early to avoid the crowds on the narrow stone staircases.
3. Name: Imperial Corridor (Císařská chodba) Type: Iconic sight Why go: Walk through a massive, narrow canyon between towering rock walls. Best for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers. Where: Located between the main entrance and the first viewpoints. Time: 20 minutes to walk through. Cost: Included in entrance fee. Getting there: Part of both the Yellow and Green hiking loops. Tip: The temperature drops significantly inside, so keep a light jacket handy.
4. Name: Bohemian Paradise Viewpoint (Vyhlídka Českého ráje) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous view of the sandstone needles. Best for: Scenic photography and sunset views. Where: On the eastern side of the Large Circle. Time: 15 minutes at the spot. Cost: Included in entrance fee. Getting there: Accessible only via the Green hiking trail. Tip: This spot can get very crowded on summer weekends.
5. Name: Šikmá věž (Leaning Tower) Type: Rock formation Why go: A unique rock pillar that looks like it might tip over. Best for: Geologists and curious travelers. Where: Near the start of the Small Circle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Included in entrance fee. Getting there: Follow the yellow markers near the entrance. Tip: Look for local rock climbers who often scale this tower.
6. Name: Pechova Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides a quiet overlook of the lush Green Valley. Best for: Peace and quiet away from the main crowds. Where: Northern section of the Green Trail. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in entrance fee. Getting there: Follow the green markers toward the back of the park. Tip: This is one of the best spots for a picnic lunch.
7. Name: Pařez Rock Castle Ruins Type: Day trip Why go: Explore a medieval castle ruins carved directly into the soft sandstone. Best for: History buffs and kids who like to climb. Where: 2km northwest of the Prachov Rocks entrance. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Usually free. Getting there: A short drive or a 30-minute hike from the main parking. Tip: The ruins are small but have very interesting carved rooms.
8. Name: Jinolice Ponds (Jinolické rybníky) Type: Nature/Experience Why go: Cool off in the water with a view of the rocks in the distance. Best for: Summer visitors and families. Where: Near the village of Jinolice. Time: 2–4 hours. Cost: Free swimming; small parking fee. Getting there: 10-minute drive from the rocks. Tip: There are several kiosks nearby selling local Czech beer and fried cheese.
9. Name: Rumcajs Cave (Rumcajsova jeskyně) Type: Local experience Why go: Visit the home of a famous Czech fairytale character. Best for: Families with young children. Where: Near the village of Brada. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute drive from the Prachov Rocks parking lot. Tip: This is a very popular spot for Czech families with toddlers.
10. Name: Jičín Town Square Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: Beautiful Baroque architecture and a historic gate tower. Best for: Culture seekers and foodies. Where: The center of Jičín town. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free to walk; small fee for the tower. Getting there: 15-minute drive from the rocks. Tip: Visit on Saturday morning for the local farmers' market.
11. Name: Trosky Castle Type: Day trip Why go: The most iconic symbol of the Bohemian Paradise region. Best for: Epic views and medieval history. Where: 15km from Prachov Rocks. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Expect to pay around 140 CZK. Getting there: 20-minute drive or local bus from Jičín. Tip: Climb both the "Baba" and "Panna" towers for different views.
12. Name: Podtrosecká Valley Type: Nature/Hiking Why go: A scenic, flat walk past several beautiful ponds and wetlands. Best for: A relaxing walk after the steep stairs of Prachov. Where: Located below Trosky Castle. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Drive to the village of Borek pod Troskami. Tip: This trail is perfect for those who want to avoid steep climbing.

Prachov Rocks Hiking Loops and Entrance Fees for 2026

Understanding the Prachov Rocks hiking loops and entrance fees helps you budget correctly. The site uses a seasonal pricing model. Most visitors buy tickets at the main entrance gates. You can pay with cash or a credit card in most cases. However, carrying some Czech Koruna (CZK) is always a good idea.

For the 2026 season, expect the following price ranges. Adults usually pay around 120 CZK. Reduced tickets for children, students, and seniors are about 80 CZK. Families can save money by purchasing a family pass for roughly 300 CZK. These fees help maintain the trails and protect the nature reserve.

Don't forget the extra costs for pets and vehicles. If you bring a dog, expect to pay a small fee of 30 CZK. You will also need to know where to park at Bohemian Paradise main entrance. Parking fees are typically around 100 CZK per day for a standard car.

Planning Your Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve Weekend

A weekend trip allows you to see more than just the rocks. You should plan your route to include nearby castles and viewpoints. The region is very popular in the summer months. If you prefer quiet trails, try visiting in May or September. The autumn colors on the sandstone towers are truly spectacular.

For those staying overnight, there are many options. You can find cozy pensions in Jičín or nearby villages. Families often enjoy camping sites in Bohemian Paradise for families. These camps are often located near the Jinolice Ponds. They offer a great way to stay close to nature.

Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots for the rock city. The stone steps can be slippery when wet. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are few shops inside the rock city. A small backpack is better than a shoulder bag for the narrow passages.

Logistics: Parking and Getting There from Prague

Prachov Rocks is a popular choice for weekend trips from Prague. The drive takes about 90 minutes via the E65 and Route 16. Most people head toward the town of Jičín first. From there, follow the signs for "Prachovské skály." There are two main parking lots near the entrances.

Public transport is also an option for travelers. You can take a bus from Prague's Černý Most station to Jičín. From Jičín, local buses run to the rocks during the high season. Check the schedules in advance, as they can change. Taxis are also available from the Jičín train station for a reasonable price.

The main entrance is located at the Turistická chata (Tourist Cottage). This is where you will find the most facilities. There is a small restaurant and a souvenir shop here. Another entrance is located near the village of Prachov. Both offer access to the main hiking loops.