The Sphinxes are a small but striking natural monument in the Ore Mountains, where frost weathering carved rock towers up to 15 metres tall. The name is no coincidence - one of the formations really does resemble the shape of the Egyptian Sphinx, catching every hiker's eye.

The site has a unique atmosphere, with the rocks rising above the surrounding forest and offering views over the Ohře valley and the Doupovské hory range. The area around is covered with bilberry and cranberry undergrowth and acidic grassland, home to rare plants and reptiles. In autumn the surrounding beech forests turn golden, while in winter frost coats the rocks, giving them an even more otherworldly look.

How to get there

• From Měděnec - very easy route, about 0.5 km, also accessible to cyclists via cycle route no. 35
• A natural car park is located close to the rocks

Practical information

• The protected area covers only 0.6 hectares, but the rocks are clearly visible from the road
• Climbing the rocks is not allowed - past climbing activity partly damaged the formations
• Protected species found here include the common European adder and the viviparous lizard

Until the 20th century, the Hotel U Sfingy stood nearby, used as an SS recovery centre during the war before its ruins were blown up in 1968 - today no trace of it remains.