Mariina skála is one of the most charming viewpoints in Bohemian Switzerland — a scenic sandstone massif crowned with three rocky spires and a delightful wooden gazebo that literally juts out beyond the edge of the rock. It is the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a fairy tale.

The landscape surrounding Mariina skála is a classic Czech sandstone scenery — rolling forested hills, deep valleys and distinctive rocky pinnacles. From the gazebo perched on the summit, you get a sweeping view over the surrounding hills and the picturesque tourist village of Jetřichovice nestled at the southern foot of the rock. The area is beautiful in every season: lush and green in summer, ablaze with colour in autumn, and hauntingly atmospheric in winter.

• Jetřichovice (village centre, parking) — the trail leads approximately 1.2 km to the northeast of the village; the final ascent is via a staircase of 240 steps; difficulty: easy to moderate

• Mariina skála is located within Bohemian Switzerland National Park — national park regulations apply throughout the area.
• The summit is reached via a staircase of 240 steps — no special equipment needed, but a reasonable level of fitness is helpful.
• The current wooden gazebo was built in July 2006, replacing the one destroyed by fire in September 2005.

The rock was originally known as Velký Ostrý until 1856, when Prince Ferdinand Kinský had the first viewing platform built here and renamed it in honour of his wife, Princess Marie Anne Kinská — a romantic gesture that has lasted nearly two centuries.