Prachov Rocks are a stunning sandstone labyrinth in the heart of Bohemian Paradise — a place where narrow gorges, soaring rock towers and secret viewpoints make every turn feel like a discovery. Situated just 5–7 km north-west of Jičín, this nature reserve draws around 300,000 visitors a year, and once you step inside, it is easy to see why.

The landscape shifts beautifully with the seasons: in spring, mosses and wildflowers soften the grey sandstone walls; summer brings cool shade in the ravines; autumn wraps the whole area in warm amber and rust; and a light winter frost turns the rocks into something straight out of a fairy tale. The terrain is mostly easy to moderate — well-marked paths wind through the formations — but some sections over uneven rock require careful footing. Named viewpoints dot the reserve, each offering a different perspective over the sea of spires.

• Jičín (car park near the reserve entrance) — marked hiking trails, approx. 10–15 min from town centre, easy to moderate
• Jinolice or Hrdoňovice train/bus stop — the reserve is well served by public transport

• Entrance fee applies for general visitors; members of ČHS or any UIAA member organisation enter free of charge
• Hiking season is open all year; climbing season runs from 1 April to 31 October
• Climbers with valid UIAA membership may leave marked trails
• Three waymarked loop circuits are available for tourists
• A natural swimming pond called Pelíšek is located in the centre of the reserve — check current condition before visiting

The rocks were formed as sediments of a shallow Cretaceous sea, and humans have sheltered among them since the Stone Age — Slavic tribes once used the natural fortress long before tourism arrived in the late 19th century.