Klokočské skály is one of those rare places that genuinely rewards curiosity. This sandstone rock city in the heart of Bohemian Paradise packs towering rock formations, a labyrinth of narrow gorges, 300 pseudokarst caves and sweeping ridge-top views into a single compact nature reserve near Turnov — and it still feels refreshingly off the beaten path.
The reserve splits into two rocky massifs: Betlémské skály in the north and the main Klokočské skály to the east and south. The contrast between the dry, sun-baked plateau — covered in relic Scots pine forests — and the cool, mossy ravines below is striking. The deep Zelený důl valley is a botanical hotspot, where cold-loving mountain plants thrive far below their usual altitude. In autumn the beeches and oaks ignite with colour, while frozen winter gorges have an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The cuesta ridge offers frequent viewpoints; the Zdenčina vyhlídka lookout in the northwest is a particular highlight.
How to get thereThe ruins of Rotštejn Castle — built in the 13th century and burned by the Hussites in 1426 — loom over the southern part of the reserve and shelter colonies of the lesser horseshoe bat, one of the rarest bat species in the Czech Republic.