Prachov Rock Formations

The majestically beautiful “Prachov Rock Formation” is one of the best-known rock cities in the Czech Republic, which is actually located in northwestern Bohemia between the towns of Jicin and Sobotka. The “Prachov Rock” ranks among the most popular destinations in the Czech Paradise.  The Rock has provides several inspiring sandstone formations set in a romantically varied landscape with several deep gorges and high rock towers providing round-about views. The rock is enormously attracting hikers as well as rock-climbers.

The tourists of the “Prachov Rock Formations” have a choice between two routes with the shorter one taking about 45 minutes though the other one is bit longer and more physically demanding one can take up to 2.5 hours and measures about 3.5 km. The Prachov Rock formations, like other sandstone rock formations of the Czech Paradise, date back to the Mesozoic era during which the entire area used to be the sea bottom. It is heavily segmented plateau was created of sandstones sediments, marlites and arenaceous marls during this era However historically, the “Prachov Rock Formations” belong to the Velis dominion once conquered by the now non-existent Velis Castle, built by the Czech king Premysl Otakar I.

Once the battle of “Bila Hora” ended, the dominion became property of the Schlick family which has taken the ownership of Prachov Rock Formations until 1948 and to whom the area was returned in 1993. The compact plateau that comprises mostly of Cretaceous had been intersected by little volcanic bodies. This actually caused the fracture of former compact plateau. These days’ formations such as rock blocks, towers and pillars have been formed by the water and wind activity, and these Rock formations are almost 40 meters high. The entire area is crisscrossed by marked walking trails that follow gullies and ridges through the thick forest to all the outstanding rock formations of the area. As in all protected landscape areas, it's not permitted to wander off the designated trails. Therefore you need a permit from the Czech Rockclimbing Association or a valid pass from another club affiliated with the International Association of Rockclimbing clubs.

The entry to the “Prachov Rock formations” is paid (however, appropriate discounts offer for students, children and seniors) as is parking at one of the two nearby parking lots. The “Prachov Rock Formations” are open to the public from April to October every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Therefore we suggest combine the trip to the “Prachov Rock Formations” with a visit to the elegant historical centers of the Jicin and Sobotka towns or other natural attractions or historical sights of the Czech Paradise.