Čap is a small but striking sandstone hill (387 m) crowned with the remains of a medieval rock castle, tucked away in the heart of the Kokořínsko region. It's a place for those who love hidden ruins, quiet trails, and views that punch well above the summit's modest height.

The top is formed by a six-metre sandstone rock tower made of ferruginous stone, known locally as Čapská palice. The bare, tree-free summit rock opens up a surprisingly wide panorama over the Dokesko hills and the České středohoří mountains. Čap lies within the Kokořínsko – Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area, and the rocks themselves form part of the Roverské skály Natura 2000 site. At the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, a short-lived rock castle stood here, founded by the Berka of Dubá family before being abandoned soon after — today only a carved moat, a cellar, and what is likely a storage pit remain, worn down by centuries of erosion. In spring and autumn especially, the sandstone gorges below take on an almost magical atmosphere.

How to reach the summit

• Pavličky — blue-marked trail from the south, easy to moderate difficulty
• From Velký Čapský důl (Great Čap Valley) — a short green-marked branch trail climbing up to the old castle site
• From the junction on the eastern side of Čap — yellow-marked connector trail to Malý Čapský důl (Small Čap Valley)

Practical information

• Descent into Velký Čapský důl is possible via the so-called Stone Steps (Kamenné schody)
• Cycle route no. 0058 also passes through the area
• The nearest village, Pavličky, is less than 2 km from the summit

The vanished castle, reduced almost entirely to weathered rock, still sparks the imagination of hikers who climb up to explore its faint traces.