The Hasina Valley near Lipenec is a small yet remarkably rich natural gem in the Louny region, where the Hasina stream has carved a scenic ravine exposing rock layers tens of millions of years old. It is a genuine paradise for geology and paleontology enthusiasts - the clay sediments preserve plant imprints from the Cretaceous period, while the limestone rocks hold fossils from an ancient seabed.

Despite its small size, the valley's landscape is surprisingly varied - steep slopes covered with warmth-loving steppe vegetation border the moist stream valley, where remnants of floodplain forest survive. In spring, protected plant species bloom here, in summer butterflies and lizards bask on the rocks, and on frosty winter days a rare climatic phenomenon appears on the slope - so-called ventaroles, cracks from which warm vapor escapes. The whole trail winds through a peaceful, intimate landscape far from crowds.

How to get there

• Start at the parking area along road II/225 Žatec - Louny, between the junction to Tuchořice and Postoloprty and the village of Lipenec - trail approx. 1.5 km, walking time about 45 minutes, easy difficulty
• The nature trail has 10 numbered stops leading through the whole valley

Practical information

• Collecting fossils is prohibited to protect the scientific value of the exposures and for visitor safety
• The area is protected as a natural monument, managed by the Ústí nad Labem Regional Authority
• The trail is maintained by the Czech Union for Nature Conservation Hasina Louny, and the Lipenec Ecological Education Centre operates along the route

This valley was already studied in the 19th century by prominent Czech naturalists, including the renowned professor Antonín Frič - today the trail commemorates local geologist František Štván, the first expert guide to lead young people through this valley.