CHKO Český ráj's Essential Wonders

CHKO Český ráj, or the Bohemian Paradise, is defined by its dramatic sandstone rock cities and a high density of medieval fortresses. This protected area features the iconic twin towers of Trosky Castle, the rock-cut chambers of Drábské světničky, and the Gothic Valdštejn Castle. The landscape is characterized by deep pine forests, volcanic peaks, and Renaissance chateaus like Hrubá Skála and Hrubý Rohozec, connected by a network of trails leading to panoramic overlooks such as Mariánská vyhlídka.

Trosky Castle

Trosky Castle is a castle ruin in the municipality of Troskovice in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic.

Drábské světničky

Drábské světničky is a ruin of a 13th-century rock castle in the Czech Republic.

Valdštejn Castle

Valdštejn Castle is an early Gothic fortress near Turnov, in the Czech Republic.

Hrubý Rohozec Chateau

Hrubý Rohozec is a castle in Turnov, Czech Republic. The original structure was connected to a polygonal tower by a defensive wall.

Vranov

Also known as Pantheon, this is the largest rock castle in Bohemia. Built in the early 15th century on a narrow sandstone cliff, it was later modified into a romantic monument with various chapels and memorials.

hrad Valečov

The ruins of a 14th-century rock castle near the village of Boseň. It features unique rooms carved directly into the sandstone blocks and served as a significant Hussite fortress.

Suché skály

A sharp, jagged sandstone ridge near Malá Skála. Often called the 'Bohemian Dolomites,' this narrow rock wall is a prominent landmark and a popular site for rock climbing.

Mariánská vyhlidka

One of the most famous viewpoints in the Hruboskalsko rock city, offering a classic panoramic view of Trosky Castle and the Hrubá Skála chateau set against the sandstone formations.

zámek Hrubá Skála

A Renaissance chateau built on high sandstone cliffs. Originally a 14th-century castle, it was rebuilt in the 19th century and now serves as a hotel and scenic landmark.

Rotštejn Castle

Rotštejn are ruins of a rock castle around 9 kilometres east of Turnov on the border of the Nature Reserve "Klokočské rocks".

Zámecká vyhlídka

A scenic overlook in the Hruboskalsko rock city providing a direct view of the Hrubá Skála chateau and the surrounding group of sandstone towers known as the Sahara.

Vyhlídka Na Bezděz

A viewpoint on the southwestern edge of the Pohořsko ridge, offering views across the landscape toward the distant Bezděz Castle.

Raisova vyhlídka

Located on a rocky outcrop near the Kozlov castle ruins, this viewpoint offers vistas of the town of Turnov and the Jizera River valley.

Kozlov (Chlum)

Remains of a medieval rock castle situated on several sandstone blocks near Olešnice. The site includes traces of rock-cut rooms and defensive structures.

Drábovna

An archaeological site featuring the remains of a small medieval rock fortress and prehistoric settlements located within a sandstone rock city near Malá Skála.

Píčův statek

The ruins of a 19th-century farmstead located in the Příhrazské rocks, positioned near the Klamorna and Drábské světničky rock castles.