Klácelka is a fascinating sandstone cave and rock formation tucked into the valley of the Liběchovka River, its walls carved with animal figures, Czech folk heroes and dwarves. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale — yet every relief here is a genuine work of art, carved by sculptor Václav Levý back in the 1840s.

You enter through a decorated portal, with stone benches lining the walls and reliefs depicting animal characters from the fable Ferina the Fox by writer F. M. Klácel — each figure representing a human weakness. In front of the cave lies a space called Blaník, where Hussite leaders Jan Žižka and Prokop Holý are carved into the rock, along with the sleeping Blaník army and dwarves forging weapons for them. Nearby, a small rock bears a carved chalice. The valley has a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere in every season — sandstone cliffs, dappled shade and birdsong make it a lovely stop whatever the weather, though autumn light does wonders for the carvings.

How to get there

• Liběchov or Želízy — blue-marked trail, circular route, easy difficulty
• The trail also passes through Tupadly and by another Václav Levý work, the Devil's Head above Želízy

Practical information

• The reliefs are significantly weathered and damaged by careless visitors — please treat this heritage site with respect
• Free entry, accessible year-round

About 2.5 km northwest of Želízy you'll find two more of Levý's carvings — the Harpist and the Snake — so it's well worth turning this into a longer walk tracing his work through the landscape.