Top 10 Parking Spots for Bohemian Paradise

Finding the right starting point is vital for a smooth trip. Each major attraction has a designated parking area nearby. Here are the top ten locations to leave your car safely while you explore the rock formations.

• Best overall: Prachov Rocks Main Parking
• Best for families: Kost Castle Parking
• Best for views: Hrubá Skála Castle Lot
• Best free option: Borecké skály roadside (limited)

1. Name: Prachov Rocks Main Entrance (Turistická chata) Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous entry to the rock city. Best for: Iconic sandstone towers and narrow crevices. Where: Near the village of Prachov. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Approx. 100-150 CZK per day. Getting there: Drive 10 minutes from Jičín. Tip: This lot fills by 10:00 AM on weekends.
2. Name: Hrubá Skála Castle Parking Type: Sight Why go: It offers direct access to the castle and the Hruboskalsko rock town. Best for: Stunning viewpoints and castle tours. Where: Directly in front of the Hrubá Skála chateau. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Usually 100 CZK. Getting there: Follow the signs from the village of Doubravice. Tip: Walk from here to the Mariánská vyhlídka viewpoint.
3. Name: Kost Castle Parking (Podkost) Type: Sight Why go: It is the best-preserved Gothic castle in the country. Best for: History buffs and easy valley walks. Where: In the valley below the castle walls. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Around 60-100 CZK. Getting there: Located near the town of Sobotka. Tip: Visit the nearby Plakánek valley for a flat, scenic hike.
4. Name: Valdštejn Castle Parking (Pelešany) Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise region. Best for: Woodland walks and medieval architecture. Where: The village of Pelešany, a short walk from the castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate daily fee. Getting there: Drive south from the town of Turnov. Tip: The walk from the lot to the castle is uphill.
5. Name: Malá Skála Central Parking Type: Experience Why go: It is the hub for river rafting and the Pantheon rock castle. Best for: Active travelers and water sports. Where: In the center of Malá Skála village. Time: Full day. Cost: Paid by the hour or day. Getting there: Easily reached via the R10 highway from Prague. Tip: Rent a canoe here for a trip down the Jizera river.
6. Name: Borek pod Troskami (Trosky Castle) Type: Sight Why go: This lot serves the iconic twin towers of Trosky Castle. Best for: Photography and panoramic landscape views. Where: Just below the castle hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Standard daily rate applies. Getting there: Well-marked from the main road between Turnov and Jičín. Tip: The climb to the castle is steep but paved.
7. Name: Besedice Parking Lot Type: Nature Why go: It provides access to the Besedice rock maze and Suché skály. Best for: Families with children who love exploring small caves. Where: In the village of Besedice. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly local fee. Getting there: Narrow roads lead here from Malá Skála. Tip: Look for the "Kalich" rock prayer room nearby.
8. Name: Dneboh Parking (Drábské světničky) Type: Sight Why go: This is the gateway to ancient rock dwellings built into cliffs. Best for: Adventurous hikers and history lovers. Where: At the edge of Dneboh village. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Often free or very cheap. Getting there: Near the town of Mnichovo Hradiště. Tip: Check local signs as some cliff paths may have restrictions.
9. Name: Borecké skály Parking Type: Nature Why go: It is a quieter alternative to the busy Prachov Rocks. Best for: Peace, quiet, and local pine forests. Where: Near the village of Borek. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Usually free at the trailhead. Getting there: A short drive from the town of Rovensko pod Troskami. Tip: Visit the "Čechova vyhlídka" for a great view of Trosky.
10. Name: Frýdštejn Village Parking Type: Sight Why go: This lot is perfect for visiting the Frýdštejn castle ruins. Best for: Fans of fairy-tale filming locations. Where: In the center of Frýdštejn village. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee collected by the municipality. Getting there: Follow the scenic ridge road from Turnov. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the Vranov-Pantheon rock complex.

Planning Your Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve Weekend

A weekend trip from Prague is the perfect way to see this region. Most visitors start their journey early on Saturday morning. The drive from Prague usually takes about one hour. You should aim to arrive at your first parking spot by 9:00 AM. This ensures you avoid the largest crowds at the Prachov Rocks hiking loops and entrance fees kiosks. Many people choose to stay overnight in local guest houses. You can also find great camping sites in Bohemian Paradise for families near the lakes. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal event updates. Exploring different areas over two days allows for a deeper experience. You can see the castles on day one and the rocks on day two.

Essential Tips for Parking and Logistics

Navigating the parking situation requires some local knowledge. Many smaller lots only accept Czech Koruna (CZK) in cash. However, larger sites near Prachov and Hrubá Skála now accept cards. Look for the "P" signs with a ticket machine icon. Some areas use mobile apps for payment, which are very convenient. Always display your ticket clearly on the dashboard to avoid fines. Roads within the reserve can be quite narrow and winding. Drive slowly and watch for hikers crossing the road. If a lot is full, do not park on the grass or road edge. Police often patrol these areas during the high season. For more ideas on regional travel, see our guide to weekend trips from Prague.