Perfect Day In Bohemian Paradise – Czech Republic

Bohemian Paradise One Day Itinerary

Prachov Rocks

Start your day with one of the most famous sights in Bohemian Paradise – the Prachov Rocks. This impressive sandstone formation resembles a stone city, with trails of varying difficulty winding between towering cliffs, narrow gorges, and scenic viewpoints.

I visited early in the morning, before most tourists had arrived, which gave me the chance to fully enjoy a peaceful walk. The Prachov Rocks are among the most popular destinations in Bohemian Paradise, and they impressed me so much that I can honestly say they left a deeper impression than the Adršpach rock formations.

I chose a medium-length circular trail marked in green, which takes about 1.5–2 hours to complete. The trail leads through narrow gorges where the rocks almost touch overhead. Along the way, there are several viewpoints that open up to fairytale-like vistas of the sandstone towers. As I walked, I kept thinking this place could really serve as a perfect filming location for an adventure movie.

Ujezd pod Troskami

On your way from the Prachov Rocks to Trosky Castle, make a short stop in the village of Ujezd pod Troskami. You’ll recognize it by the Church of St. John the Baptist with its red roof, standing by the road next to the cemetery.

This is the main landmark of the village. Usually, you can’t get inside – the doors are often locked – but you can peek through the grates to catch a glimpse of the interior. Around the church, there is a quiet village atmosphere, and from here you can see the distant towers of Trosky Castle on the horizon.

Trosky Castle

The next stop, just a few kilometers from Újezd pod Troskami, is Trosky – one of the most famous and mysterious castles in the Czech Republic, perched on basalt volcanic cones. Its two towers, Baba and Panna, resemble a stone crown on the horizon. Locals say that one symbolizes youth and the other old age. It’s no wonder this castle is considered the symbol of Bohemian Paradise, appearing on many posters and souvenirs.

Although the castle has survived only as impressive ruins, its atmosphere is hard to forget. As you climb up, you can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages, and once you reach the viewing platforms on the towers, a breathtaking panorama opens up – from green plains to sandstone rock formations and small villages scattered in the distance.

Trosky Castle is surrounded by many legends, with stories of hidden treasures, secret tunnels, and the unusual symbolism of its two towers. It’s a place where history intertwines with mystery, and the views all around make a visit truly unforgettable.

Tip: Buy your castle tickets online in advance – especially on summer weekends, because long queues can form at the entrance.

Hike From Hrubá Skála To Valdštejn Castle

Once you’ve explored the Motorcycle Museum Borek, continue your journey back into nature. A great option is a walk from Hrubá Skála Castle to Valdštejn Castle. This stretch is among the most beautiful in Bohemian Paradise, as the trail winds through impressive sandstone formations, forests, and scenic viewpoints.

The hike is not difficult – about 5–6 km – making it ideal for a late afternoon walk. Along the way you’ll pass through rock labyrinths, and from several spots you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Hrubá Skála is worth a stop in its own right. It was once a Gothic castle, later rebuilt into a chateau, and today it serves as EA Zamecky Hotel with a restaurant.

The goal of the hike is Valdštejn Castle, considered the oldest in Bohemian Paradise. Founded in the 13th century by Jaroslav of Hrustice, the castle later came into the hands of the Valdštejn family. While the medieval core has mostly fallen into ruins, later additions – including a Baroque chapel and striking statues of saints at the entrance – give the site a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Tip: If you don’t find a spot in the main parking lot, you can try parking your car here.

Besedice Rocks

Next, head to a less touristy but equally impressive spot – the Besedice Rocks. This hidden gem of Bohemian Paradise offers the chance to enjoy peace and the grandeur of nature without large crowds.

The Besedice Rocks are known for their unique landscape – here you’ll find narrow stone gorges, sandstone towers, and the Skalní bludiště Chléviště, a rock labyrinth with winding passages and dramatic sandstone formations. All of these are connected by cozy forest trails, and from the viewpoints you’ll get stunning views of the Jizera River valley and the surrounding villages.

This place felt especially secluded and peaceful. Here I met a few local visitors and even had a short chat with them. They told me that the Besedice Rocks are their true oasis of peace and a perfect escape from the more touristy Prachov and Hruboskalsko rock areas.

Mnichovo Hradiště Castle

As the day draws to a close, visit Mnichovo Hradiště Castle – an elegant Baroque residence that stands in sharp contrast to the rock formations and medieval castles you’ve seen before. Built in the 17th century, it belonged for a long time to the powerful Valdštejn family, and today it houses a museum telling the story of both the family and the region.

What impressed me most was the sheer size of the castle – more than 100 rooms, some restored with authentic furniture, paintings, and decor. One of the highlights is the library, which holds around 20,000 books. It’s also worth visiting the chapel, where one of Bohemia’s most famous military leaders, Albrecht von Wallenstein, is buried.

The castle is surrounded by a well-kept park, perfect for a slow walk at the end of the day. I found it to be a pleasant retreat to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Good To Know: The castle is open to visitors from spring to autumn. Guided tours are held in Czech, but leaflets in English are available at the ticket office. A full tour takes about 1 hour. There are also several small restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite of traditional Czech food.

Turnov

The final stop of the day is the town of Turnov, known as the gateway to Bohemian Paradise. Located on the Jizera River, it has long been famous for its jewelry-making traditions. Gemstone cutting began here in the 19th century, and to this day Turnov is called the Czech garnet capital.

In the central square you can admire historic buildings and visit a museum that presents the history of gemstone craftsmanship. Other noteworthy sights include the old synagogue and the Church of St. Nicholas.

In the evening, Turnov becomes calm and cozy, with narrow streets, small cafes, and the light-filled square create a special atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to slow down and end the day.

Road Trip From Prague To Bohemian Paradise: On a Map

How to Use the Map: To explore the map, click on the image. Blue icons mark each spot. To plan a drive from one location to another, simply click on a specific place, select the directions icon, and Google Maps will open the route for you.

If you want save the map for future use, click the star next to its title. It will be added to your Google Maps account. You can access it later by opening Google Maps, selecting Your Places, and navigating to the Maps section. I hope this map will be useful for your travels. Safe journey!

How To Get To Bohemian Paradise

There are several ways to reach Bohemian Paradise from Prague. Public transport is technically possible, but it is limited and inconvenient, especially if you want to see more than one site in a single day. The most comfortable and flexible option is by car.

By Car

It’s about 90 kilometers from the center of Prague to Bohemian Paradise. Take the D10 highway towards Mlada Boleslav, then choose your direction depending on where you want to start – head to Jicin if you plan to visit the Prachov Rocks first, or to Turnov if you prefer to continue clockwise. By car, you can easily combine the Prachov Rocks, Trosky Castle, Hrubá Skála, and Besedice Rocks into a one-day trip, just as I did.

By Train

Direct trains run from Prague Main Station to Turnov and Jicin. The journey takes 1.5–2 hours, tickets cost about €6–7, and they can be purchased on the official Czech Railways website or at the station ticket office.

From Turnov it is technically possible to walk to the Hrubá Skála or Valdštejn Castle (about 5–6 km), but it is much more convenient to take a taxi, especially if you want to save time or are traveling with children. From Jicin to the Prachov Rocks is about 7 km. While walking is possible, the easiest option is to take local bus no. 412, which departs from the town center and stops at Holín, odb. Prachovské skály, just a few minutes’ walk from the main entrance. Another alternative is a short taxi ride. Schedules and tickets are available here.

In my opinion, the train is a good choice if you plan to stay in one town or explore Bohemian Paradise over several days. However, trying to connect all the main sites in a single day this way is not practical.

By Bus

Buses run from Prague’s Florenc station to Jicin and Turnov. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, tickets cost €5–6, and the easiest way to buy them is online at idos.cz or regiojet.com. From Jicin, buses stop right near the entrance to the Prachov Rocks. From Turnov, you can reach Hrubá Skála by taxi. Again, I think buses are better suited for visiting one specific site, since schedules are not very frequent and combining several places in one day would take a long time.

By Tour

Guided tours to Bohemian Paradise are also organized from Prague. These include transportation, a guide, and entrance tickets to attractions such as the Prachov Rocks or Trosky Castle. Group tours start at around €100–160 per person, while a private car tour with a guide starts from €270. It’s a more expensive option, but convenient if you don’t want to worry about logistics.

Best Time To Visit Bohemian Paradise

You can visit Bohemian Paradise year-round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn. In spring, the forests turn green, the weather is mild, and there are still relatively few tourists. In autumn, the rocks and forests are painted in bright colors, the weather remains suitable for hiking, and the crowds are smaller.

I visited at the end of summer and I must say, there were quite a lot of people. However, thanks to my experience, I managed to avoid the crowds. I started the day very early at the most popular spot, and later continued to explore the less-known corners. This way I skipped the entrance lines and enjoyed the views in peace.

Where To Eat In the Heart of Czech Nature

If you are traveling by car through Bohemian Paradise, you’ll probably want to stop somewhere for a meal, so here are a few places worth checking out:

• Hospůdka Apolena – a cozy traditional Czech pub in Troskovice, very close to Trosky Castle. A good place to refresh with Czech beer and try simple snacks and light dishes.

• Zmrzlina v Ráji – an ice cream shop in the village of Borek pod Troskami, about 4 km from Trosky Castle. Perfect for a sweet break after your walk.

• Motorest Zavadilka – a roadside inn in Radvanovice, near the town of Hrubá Skála. Convenient for a quick lunch – the menu is simple but filling, with traditional Czech dishes.

• Parking Lot Kiosk – a small eatery by the Besedice Rocks parking lot. Despite the modest name, you can get not only snacks and drinks but also traditional meals here.

• PUKU Bistro – a highly rated bistro in the center of Turnov, offering international cuisine. A nice stop if you’re in the mood for lighter or more varied food than the typical tavern menu.

Where to Stay in Bohemian Paradise

This region offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different travelers’ needs and budgets. If you’re planning an overnight stay, here are a few options to consider.

Hotels in Jicin

• Parkhotel Rock City – located in the village of Pařezská Lhota, right next to the Prachov Rocks. It offers simple but comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a terrace. A convenient spot if you want to start your hikes right from the doorstep.
• Hotel U Krále – a cozy hotel in the center of Jicin, just by the main square. It offers comfortable rooms with breakfast included, with cafes and shops all around.

Hotels near Hrubá Skála

• EA Zámecký Hotel Hrubá Skála – a unique chance to stay in a castle built on a sandstone cliff. The rooms are historic in style, yet comfortable, with excellent views from the windows.
• Pension Harmonie – a family-run guesthouse in a quiet location near the Hrubá Skála rocks. It offers simple rooms and convenient access to nearby nature trails.

Hotels in Turnov

• Hotel Karel IV – a good hotel close to the center of Turnov. It offers simple but tidy rooms, a restaurant, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
• Bohemia Inn Hotel – a modern, higher-standard hotel in the center of Turnov. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, well-rated breakfasts, and a convenient location for exploring the town.