Bohemian Paradise lives up to its name in every sense — this compact region just 90 kilometres northeast of Prague packs an extraordinary density of natural wonders and medieval ruins into a landscape that feels almost impossibly picturesque. It is the kind of place where a short walk through a sandstone canyon delivers you straight to a Gothic castle ruin perched on a volcanic plug.

The scenery here is defined by ancient sandstone rock towns — forests of eroded towers, narrow gorges, natural arches and hidden caves, all draped in moss and pine. Hiking through Hruboskalsko or the Prachov Rocks feels like wandering through a fairy-tale illustration. Between the rock formations, tranquil fishponds mirror the sky, and the valleys below Trosky and Kost castles are laced with well-marked trails that are gentle enough for all ages. The dominant hill, Kozákov, rewards walkers with sweeping views across the whole region.

• Trosky Castle — twin towers rising from twin basalt plugs, the unforgettable icon of Bohemian Paradise
• Prachov Rocks — the most visited rock town, a labyrinth of sandstone pillars with easy family-friendly trails
• Kost Castle — a remarkably preserved Gothic fortress guarding the lush valleys south of Turnov
• Kozákov (744 m) — the region's highest point, historically famous for semi-precious gemstone deposits

• Best time to visit: May–October — spring brings fresh greenery, autumn turns the sandstone landscape into a warm palette of amber and rust
• Base town: Turnov — the traditional hub of the region, well connected with good accommodation options
• Trail difficulty: easy to moderate — mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, perfect for families and casual hikers
• Getting there: direct train from Prague to Turnov (approx. 1.5 h); by car via motorway D10 toward Mladá Boleslav

Bohemian Paradise became part of the UNESCO European Geoparks Network in 2005, and it holds the title of the oldest protected landscape area in the Czech Republic — a status it has carried since 1955.