Exploring Adršpach Rocks – A Stunning Rock Formation
The Adršpach area is home to a stunning rock formation, considered one of the most impressive natural wonders in the Czech Republic, located near the Polish border in the Broumov region. Since the 18th century, the Adršpach Rocks have amazed visitors with their unusual shapes – towers, gates, walls, and valleys.
Today, well-maintained hiking trails allow everyone to immerse themselves in this stone forest. When I visited, I was struck by the size and diversity of the rocks. In this guide, I’ll share what’s worth seeing in Adršpach, how to get there, and what you should know before heading to these remarkable rock formations.
How The Rocks Were Formed & Discovered
The Adršpach Rocks are a vast sandstone formation that began forming around 90 million years ago, when what is now the Czech Republic was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, the sand on the sea floor compressed into sandstone, and nature continued to shape it over millions of years. Wind, rain, frost, and sunlight slowly carved the rock into towering spires, gates, columns, and narrow corridors. This erosion also created many curious shapes that locals named after what they resembled – for example, the Sugar Loaf or the Lovers.
Although the rocks have stood here since ancient times, people long considered this place harsh and inaccessible. The first written records appeared at the beginning of the 18th century, when curious travelers began to explore this stone forest. At that time, there were no comfortable trails – explorers had to push through dense woods and slippery passes.
Back in the 19th century, Adršpach started to change – the first tourist paths appeared, along with bridges and ladders making the steep rocks easier to explore. The small town beside the rocks became a visitor hub, while locals found a new source of income by offering accommodation and guiding services. The site soon gained fame beyond the Czech borders – writers and artists came here, the most famous being Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Later, the Adršpach Rocks became a favorite among climbers. Although sandstone walls are fragile, they offer unique challenges, making it one of the most popular climbing destinations in Central Europe. Tourism continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and today the Adršpach Rocks are a protected natural reserve and a remarkable sandstone formation with clearly marked trails.
Trails In The Adršpach Rocks
The area offers several marked trails in different colors, each varying in length and difficulty.
The Blue Trail (~1.5 km)
As soon as you enter the nature park, you’ll see Lake Pískovna. In fact, this was once a sandstone quarry that later filled with water. Today, it’s a calm lake with water so clear that in some places you can see right down to the bottom.
The blue trail winds around this lake. At about one and a half kilometers, it’s the shortest route in the Adršpach area. The path is flat, with no steep climbs or difficult stairs, making it accessible for everyone – families with small children, older visitors, or those who just want a gentle walk.
On one side you’ll enjoy views of rocks and forest, while on the other you’ll have the water beside you. The full loop takes about 30–40 minutes, and there are benches along the way where you can pause for a rest. This trail is often chosen as an addition to the main green route – short but pleasant.
The Green Trail (~3.5 km)
Like most visitors, I chose the green trail. Although it’s only about 3.5 kilometers long, I found myself stopping at almost every turn. The rocks reveal new shapes and views again and again, so the hike took me nearly three hours.
The trail constantly changes with sandstone towers, narrow passages between gorges, and stairs going up and down. In some places the path is so tight you have to squeeze through, but it’s well-maintained and adapted for visitors, so it’s never too difficult.
As you’ll see on the map below, the green trail connects with the yellow trail leading into Wolf Gorge (Vlčí rokle), which also links the Adršpach Rocks with the Teplice Rocks. Technically, you could hike both routes in one go, but in my opinion it’s better to give each of them its own time. Since I arrived in the late afternoon, I didn’t have enough time and walked only the green trail.
Along the way, you’ll encounter several of the most impressive sights:
- Lovers (Milenci) – the tallest rock, reaching 81.4 m.
- Mayor (Starosta) – a massive formation resembling a town elder.
- Mayoress (Starostová) – a slimmer rock standing beside the Mayor, forming a pair.
- Sugar Loaf (Cukrová homole) – a cone-shaped rock resembling an old-fashioned lump of sugar.
- Gothic Gate (Gotická branka) – stone gates in Gothic style, built in the 19th century as an entrance for tourists to the trail.
- Great Waterfall (Velký vodopád) – a 16-meter waterfall cascading between the rocks.
- Mouse Hole (Myší díra) – the narrowest passage, only 50 cm wide, where you must turn sideways to pass.
- Great Panorama (Velké Panorama) – a viewpoint with stunning views of the rock formations.
Best Time To Visit Adršpach
The Adršpach Rocks stay open year-round. The scenery changes with the seasons – and so does your experience. In summer, especially on weekends, the crowds pour in, parking lots fill up fast, and lines stretch at the ticket booths. I don’t enjoy overcrowded places, so I was relieved to see the park limits visitor numbers – otherwise it would feel overwhelming.
To dodge the crowds, plan your trip in spring or autumn. Spring paints the forests bright green, while autumn covers them in vibrant colors and brings a calmer vibe. Winter is magical too – the rocks wear snowy caps – but you’ll need proper footwear, as the trails get slippery.
The time of day also matters. I visited in the late afternoon, but I believe the best time to come is early in the morning, right when the gates open. There will be fewer people around, and the soft morning light is perfect for photos.
Tickets, Opening Hours & Tips
You need a ticket to enter the Adršpach Rocks. In the main season, adult tickets cost €7.5 (180 CZK). Children, students, and seniors pay less, while kids under three enter for free. The easiest option is to buy tickets online – in summer, ticket booths get long lines and the park limits the number of visitors.
The park opens daily. In high season, July and August, hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In spring and autumn, it’s usually 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while in winter the gates close earlier, around 4:00 p.m. Times vary by season, so check the official website before you go.
A large paid parking lot sits at the entrance, with day tickets at €7.5 (180 CZK). Like entry tickets, it’s easiest to reserve a parking spot online. The only extra fee applies if you want a boat ride on Lake Pískovna – those tickets are sold on-site and must be paid in cash.
Very Important: Summer Tickets
If you plan to visit the Adršpach Rocks in summer, especially in July or August, keep in mind that the park limits the number of visitors each hour. Online tickets often sell out several days in advance, so arriving without a reservation means you most likely won’t get in.
From my own experience, I found out about the Adršpach Rocks only four days before my trip to the Czech Republic. Luckily, I managed to catch the last tickets – otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to visit the park at all.
If in summer you don’t manage to get tickets to the Adršpach Rocks, I suggest going to the Teplice Rocks. They are only 6 km away, so you can drive there in just a few minutes, and from Adršpach you can also reach them by train. The trails there are calmer, with fewer tourists, but the rocks themselves won’t disappoint you.
Practical Information & Tips
- The Adršpach and Teplice sections have separate entrances. Visiting both requires two tickets.
- The Green Trail has about 2,000 steps – wear comfortable shoes.
- Strollers are not practical. Use a carrier for small children.
- Dogs are allowed for a €2 (50 CZK) fee and must be kept on a leash, but hey are not allowed on boat.
- There are no cafes inside the park, only kiosks near the entrance – bring water and snacks.
- Boat ride tickets are sold only on-site. Boats run in spring, summer, and autumn.
- Guided tours are available from April to October in Czech, English, and German.
- Parking fills up quickly in summer – arrive early.
- Climbing the rocks is only allowed with a special permit.
Discover: Adršpach Rocks Tour With Guide.
How To Get To Adršpach Rocks
A stunning rock formation is located in the northeast of the Czech Republic, right by the Polish border near the village of Adršpach. Because it’s right on the border, the site attracts both Czech and Polish visitors, making it a perfect short trip for many.
By Car
The most convenient way to reach Adršpach is by car. From Prague it’s about 170 km, which takes roughly 2.5 hours. The most straightforward route goes via Hradec Kralove and Trutnov.
From the Polish side, Adršpach is even closer – for example, from Wroclaw it’s only about 110 km, and from Walbrzych just 30 km. Right next to the entrance you’ll find several paid parking lots, one operated by the park and others privately run. I was surprised at the high parking fees – I paid €8 (20 CZK) for a spot in a private lot.
By Train
The Adršpach train station is just a few hundred meters from the park entrance, making it a very convenient option for travelers. From Prague, the journey with transfers takes about 3.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased through the official Czech Railways website.
This route is ideal if you enjoy slow travel. The train winds through valleys, forests, and small Czech villages, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
In high season, there are also direct trains from Wroclaw via Walbrzych on route D28. This is a handy option if you’re coming from Poland. The journey takes about 3.5 hours. Typically, there are two trains per day from Wroclaw – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Return trips are available around midday and in the evening. You can check the full timetable here.
By Bus
There are no direct buses from Prague to Adršpach. If you choose this option, you’ll need to transfer – usually in Hradec Kralove or Nachod. The trip takes longer than by train, around 4–5 hours, so it’s not the most convenient choice, but it’s possible.
Buses are much more practical if you’re already nearby. From towns like Broumov or Police nad Metuji, local buses run directly to Adršpach, and the ride takes just 20–30 minutes.
Where To Stay In Adršpach
Although the village of Adršpach is small, there are plenty of accommodation options. Most are guesthouses set in traditional houses, catering to travelers coming to see the rocks. Staying in Adršpach itself means you’ll be right by the trailhead – in the morning you can start your walk before the crowds arrive.
- Skalní Mlýn Adršpach – a classic choice near the park entrance. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a garden, and the trails begin just a few steps away.
- Hotel Javor – one of the larger hotels in Adršpach, with a terrace and mountain views. A good option if you’re looking for more comfort and want everything on-site.
- Penzion Zámecká – a simple but cozy guesthouse located just a 15-minute walk from the entrance. Rooms are furnished in a traditional style, and there’s a terrace in the courtyard. A good budget-friendly option close to the trails.
Where To Eat In Adršpach
Although there aren’t many restaurants in the village, there are a few good places to grab a bite or enjoy a meal.
- Restaurant Skalní Mlýn – conveniently located at the start of the trail. The food is simple, but it’s a good spot to eat right before or after your walk.
- Hostinec U Tošováka – a local pub serving simple Czech food. It’s not a touristy place but more of a gathering spot for locals, so the atmosphere feels very authentic. Here you can try traditional snacks and order beer at lower prices than in hotel restaurants.
- Kovářova Kobyla – although this restaurant is a bit further from the Adršpach Rocks, I found it to be a real gem. I had hearty Czech dishes here, but what really surprised me was the dessert – it was even better than the dinner. The interior is simple, with plenty of wooden details, and I ended up staying longer than I planned because it felt so cozy.
FAQs About Adršpach Rock Formation
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, especially in summer. The number of visitors is limited, so tickets may be sold out at the ticket office. You can easily buy tickets online, and you can also reserve a parking spot at the same time.
How long does the Green Trail take?
It’s about 3.5 km long, but most visitors spend 2–3 hours. You’ll want to stop often, since the views change at almost every turn.
Can I cycle on the trail?
No, bicycles are not allowed on the trails – they are narrow, with stairs and gorges. However, you can cycle right up to the entrance, where there are bike racks. The best cycling routes are from Teplice nad Metuji, Police nad Metuji, or Broumov – the distances are short and the roads are scenic.
Are there toilets?
Yes, there are public toilets at the entrance. There are none along the trails, so plan ahead.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, you can pay by card at the ticket offices. But for the boat ride, payment is cash only.
Is there a souvenir shop?
Yes, there’s a small shop by the entrance with postcards, magnets, and little gifts.
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Have you visited Adršpach and seen this incredible rock formation? Share your experience in the comments!
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Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
