Bohemian Paradise earns its poetic name effortlessly — sandstone rock formations, medieval castle ruins perched on volcanic hills, and deep forested valleys combine into one of Central Europe's most rewarding hiking destinations. As the oldest protected landscape area in the Czech Republic, declared on 1 March 1955, it carries both natural and historical weight across its 182 km².

The landscape here is a geological love story between Cretaceous sandstone and Tertiary volcanic intrusions. The sandstone, sculpted by rivers over millennia, forms dramatic labyrinths of towers and crevices, while harder volcanic rock pushed through to create iconic landmarks like the twin-towered ruin of Trosky and the gemstone-rich summit of Kozákov (745 m). The area is split into three sections: the largest stretches between Mnichovo Hradiště, Turnov and Sobotka — home to the Hruboskalsko rock city and the Trosky castle; the second covers the Malá Skála region and Kozákov; the third, smallest section lies near Jičín and includes the stunning Prachov Rocks. Every season brings a different mood — spring carpets the valleys in green, summer fills the trails with climbers and hikers, autumn turns the forests copper and gold, and winter lends the sandstone towers an almost fairy-tale stillness.

How to get there

• Turnov — main hub, well connected by train and bus; starting point for Hruboskalsko and Trosky, easy to moderate trails
• Jičín — gateway to Prachov Rocks, parking available near the reserve entrance, easy to moderate difficulty
• Malá Skála — access point for the Maloskalsko area and Suché skály nature reserve

Practical information

• Two caves — Sklepy pod Troskami and Krtola — are closed to the public to protect the lesser horseshoe bat
• A carved sandstone tunnel at the foot of Kozákov is also closed for the same reason
• Bohemian Paradise has held UNESCO Global Geopark status since 2005
• The Nature House (Dům přírody) in Dolánky near Turnov is a great first stop for maps, exhibits and visitor information

Kozákov hill has been a legendary hunting ground for semi-precious stones for centuries — local gem-cutters in the Turnov area turned this natural wealth into a world-renowned jewellery tradition that continues to this day.