Amid the dense forests and picturesque landscapes of northern Czechia lies a city made of stone, created solely by millions of years of Mother Nature’s hard work.
The Rock City in the Czech Republic is a nature reserve in the Stołowe Mountains that transports its visitors to a fairy-tale world of rock formations, corridors, caves, and gorges carved by nature. It’s hard to refer to this place as just a typical tourist attraction. It’s more of a wild adventure that will have you squeezing through crevices and using your imagination to see faces, figures, animals, and objects in the rocks.
History and geology of the rock city
To glimpse the origins of this natural wonder, we would need to travel back in time about 89 million years, to a period when the area of present-day Czechia was still at the bottom of a prehistoric ocean. Initially, the terrain was shaped primarily by water and tectonic movements. Over millions of years, the basin repeatedly filled with water, depositing sediments and small rocks on the seabed. The tectonic plates, grinding against each other, gradually caused the land to bulge upward.
When water permanently retreated from the area of today’s Rock City, the other elements took over. Systematic work by frost, rain, wind, and sun collectively shaped the sandstone formations that can be seen today on a trip to Czechia.
From a hidden natural gem to a popular tourist attraction
The first tourists began visiting this site in the early 18th century, and among them was the renowned German Romantic poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. At that time, much of the rocky labyrinths were densely covered with vegetation and almost completely inaccessible. However, the small part of the area that Goethe experienced firsthand completely captivated him.
The full beauty of the labyrinths, rock chimneys, and formations was only revealed after a fire in 1824, which consumed much of the vegetation. Shortly after, Czech baron Ludvik Karel Nádherný took over the stewardship of the rock reserve, contributing significantly to its development. He built access roads and organized walking trails, which are still used today by tourists marveling at the wonders of the Rock City.
The legend of the Rock City
However, this sequence of events isn’t the only explanation for the formation of the Adrspach Rock City. There’s also a legend that suggests the rock formations were created by angry gods. According to the tale, a group of robbers once attacked a wealthy Czech town, robbing its inhabitants of all their valuables. As both punishment and a warning, the gods turned the thieves into stone, placing them along the road leading to the ancient city.
Adršpach Rocks or Teplice Rocks?
In fact, the well-known Czech Rock City consists of two separate areas, located about an hour’s walk apart. Together, they form the largest rock complex in Central Europe, covering around 1,800 hectares. The more popular of the two are the Adršpach Rocks, which, in addition to walking trails, offer visitors a few additional attractions. Meanwhile, the less crowded yet larger area is the Teplice Rocks, which are renowned for their wild, picturesque nature.
If you’re wondering whether to choose the more developed Adršpach Rocks or the quieter, untamed Teplice Rocks, the answer is simple: dedicate a full day to exploring both. That way, you won’t miss any of the stunning views or impressive rock formations.
FUN FACT: The breathtaking landscapes of this area captivate not only hikers, photographers, and nature lovers but also film producers. The Adršpach Rock City served as a backdrop for scenes in “The Chronicles of Narnia”. It was also the filming location for many Czech fairy tale films, such as “The Third Prince” and “The Prince and the Evening Star”.
Hiking Trails in Adršpach Rock City
The rock labyrinths here tempt visitors to tuck away their maps and lose themselves among the rocks and forest nooks. However, if you prefer to stick to marked hiking trails, it’s good to know what trail colors to look out for. Right at the entrance to the reserve, you’ll find the blue trail, which takes visitors on a scenic route around the Crystal Lake. This 1.5 km path is filled with charming spots to rest, although it’s not the most popular trail for exploring the Rock City.
The green trail is the one to follow if you’re interested in the main tourist route. This 3.5 km loop takes you through the most famous rock formations, most of which are marked with informational plaques. Walking the green trail, you’ll make a complete loop, so you won’t have to retrace your steps. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic spots like the Gothic Gate, which marks the original entrance to the Rock City, and the most famous viewpoint in the reserve, known as the Great Panorama.
Exploring the Rock City wouldn’t be complete without a short walk along the yellow trail. While the entire yellow route is longer and leads directly to the Teplice Rocks, the first few hundred meters will take you to the Great Waterfall and Rock Lake, two of the reserve’s most popular sights.
Most interesting rock formations
Beyond the wild nature and stone corridors, what most frequently appears in tourist photos from the Rock City are the fantastically shaped boulders that spark the imagination. Among the most famous formations is the Lovers Rock, resembling the faces of two figures. This is the tallest of all the rocks, standing at an impressive 81.4 meters. Equally popular is the Sugar Loaf Chimney, which looks like a raised finger, Rock King, Thunder Stone, Elephants, Elizabeth’s Tower, and the Jug, the first formation on the tourist route, which some say looks more like a dolphin.
FUN FACT: There’s an interesting story associated with the Thunder Stone. In 1772, a pair of English tourists decided they wanted to experience a storm in the Rock City. However, they quickly regretted their decision when the situation became dangerous. The tourists took shelter under a rock overhang and, shortly after, heard a thunderclap followed by a boulder breaking off the rock face and landing near their feet. Terrified, the couple narrowly escaped harm, and the Thunder Stone remains a feature on the tourist trail to this day.
Some rock formations captivate visitors for a bit longer. One of them is the so-called Mouse Hole, a rock crevice only 50 centimeters wide. This is the narrowest passage in the reserve. At its base, you’ll find small steps, tempting passersby to attempt squeezing through the gap. Group tour participants often take this challenge seriously, turning it into a fun competition during their trek.
Walkers usually make a brief stop at the Sugar Head, which looks as though it’s balancing precariously on its own peak. It’s easy to imagine this when you consider that the top of the column is 13 meters wide, while the base is only 3 meters wide. In fear that the boulder might topple over, tourists often place small stones and sticks at its base, as if supporting the structure.
Additional Attractions
One of the main reasons why Adršpach Rock City enjoys such immense popularity among tourists is the array of attractions waiting to be discovered along the trails. In addition to the fascinating rock formations, you’ll also be captivated by waterfalls and picturesque lakes.
The Great Waterfall
The name of this waterfall is entirely fitting, as it features water cascading into the gorge from a height of 16 meters. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter either a wide and powerful stream or a thin trickle of water. Interestingly, this variation isn’t solely dependent on rainfall. The flow of water is regulated, as it comes from the Rocky Lake, where boat trips are organized.
FUN FACT: It’s said that if you happen upon a small stream of water, you can shout the secret phrase, “Karkonosz, give us water!”, and the waterfall might reveal its full splendor to you.
The Great Waterfall is typically admired from spring to autumn, but it also presents a striking view in winter when it transforms into a frozen icefall. Next to the cascade, you’ll find a bust of Goethe, commemorating the famous German poet’s visit to the largest rock park in this part of Europe. Amid the lush vegetation near the Great Waterfall, you can also spot the charms of the lesser-known Little Waterfall.
Lakes and boat rides
While exploring Adršpach Rock City, you will come across two remarkable bodies of water along the way. The Crystal Lake was originally a quarry, where the Nádherný family extracted sandstone until 1971. Afterward, the excavated pit was filled with water, creating the serene, romantic lake that spans 3 hectares today.
However, it’s not the only lake where you can rest after kilometers of wandering through the rocks. In another part of the reserve lies the much smaller yet equally charming Rocky Lake. Initially used for floating felled trees, it is now primarily known for the boat rides offered on its emerald-green waters. From May to the end of October, visitors can hop into a small boat for a scenic ride, available for an additional fee.
Teplice Rocks
If you’ve made it to Rocky Lake and still have plenty of time left in your day, there’s no need to end your adventure in Adršpach Rock City. A mere 4-kilometer walk through the Wolf Gorge will lead you to the Teplice Rocks. The exploration route of this part of the reserve stretches 6 kilometers and is marked with a blue trail (note, however, that it’s not the same blue trail that circles the lake in Adršpach Rock City). Along the way, not only will you be captivated by the natural surroundings, but you’ll also be able to delve into the history and unique features of this place through the informative stations placed along the route.
The symbol of Teplice Rocks is the imposing Crown Rock. You’ll also come across formations such as the Polar Bear, Butcher’s Axe, and Karkonosz’s Toothpick. For a break, stop by the Maiden’s Cottage, offering a stunning view of the famous Głoska crevice. One of the remarkable features of Teplice Rocks is the so-called Siberia—a spot so cold that snow often lingers there well into the summer months.
GOOD TO KNOW: To enter Teplice Rocks, you’ll need to purchase a separate entry ticket. The ticket for Adršpach Rock City unfortunately doesn’t grant access to this second part of the rock reserve.
How to get from Poland to the Rock City?
The Czech Rock City constantly attracts a large number of Polish tourists (many signs even have information in Polish). This is largely due to its proximity to the Polish border. It’s just a bit over 5 kilometers of travel on Czech roads to reach the entrance of the reserve. The most frequently used border crossing by tourists heading to the town of Adršpach is located near the Polish town of Mieroszów, leading to the Czech town of Zdoňov.
However, if you’re planning your visit during the peak summer season, you might find yourself needing to use another border crossing further east, the one leading to the town of Meziměstí. Though it’s a longer route, it might be worth taking the extra kilometers to avoid the long lines that sometimes form on the shorter access road.
Entrance tickets to the reserve
Why is it so important to get your tickets in advance for the Rock City? The number of tickets issued daily is limited. Moreover, tickets purchased online are significantly cheaper than those bought at the site’s ticket office. Speaking of prices, it’s also worth knowing that ticket prices vary depending on the time of year. You’ll pay the most in July and August, a bit less from early April to the end of October, and the lowest prices are available from the beginning of November through the end of March.
Interestingly, a more economical option is to enter the Rock City before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. During the middle of the day, when the crowds are at their peak, the prices increase. Of course, in addition to regular tickets, you can purchase discounted tickets, family passes, as well as separate tickets for dogs. Additionally, parking must also be paid for (which is also cheaper if purchased online). To avoid transportation issues, you can also opt for organized tours to Rock City. Most of these tours depart from Prague or Wrocław, and you can book such trips through the GetYourGuide website.
Practical information
- It is worth booking tickets for The Rock Town tours in advance. There are many tours available with experienced guides who will show you the most interesting spots, answer questions, and share fascinating facts about the areas being visited.
- Buy a guided tour on GetYourGuide
