Bohemian Paradise: A Guide to Prachov Rocks, Trosky Castle and Czechia's Oldest Protected Landscape
How to visit Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) from Prague — Prachov Rocks, Trosky Castle, prices and opening times for 2026, how to get there, and the best time to go.
Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) is a region of sandstone "rock towns", castle ruins and pine forest about 90 km north-east of Prague. It was the first protected landscape area in the country (1955), and in 2005 it became the first Czech member of the global geopark network — today a UNESCO Global Geopark. The two highlights — Prachov Rocks and Trosky Castle — are an easy day trip from Prague: about 1.5 hours by car. Compared with Bohemian Switzerland it's gentler, quieter and great for families.
I've been walking these trails since I was a kid and now take small groups here from Prague. This is my practical guide.
Bohemian Paradise at a glance
| Where | North-east Bohemia, between Turnov and Jičín |
| Distance from Prague | ~90 km, about 1.5 hours by car |
| Protected since | 1955 (protected landscape area); geopark since 2005, now a UNESCO Global Geopark |
| Top sights | Prachov Rocks, Trosky Castle, Hrubá Skála rock town, Valdštejn Castle |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; well-marked paths with sandstone steps |
| Time needed | One full day |
| Best for | Families, first-time hikers, photographers, castle lovers |
Prachov Rocks (Prachovské skály)
The most famous rock town in Bohemian Paradise: a maze of tall sandstone towers, narrow passages and viewpoints, all inside a nature reserve near Jičín. A well-marked circuit of about 4–5 km takes you through the best parts in 2–3 hours — through tight gaps such as the Emperor's Corridor (Císařská chodba) and up to lookouts over the forest.
- Admission (2026): 150 CZK adults, 100 CZK reduced (children 3–15, students under 26, seniors 65+) from October to May; 200 / 150 CZK from June to September. Family ticket 400 / 550 CZK.
- Parking: 100 CZK per car for the day
- Open: all year. Tickets are sold on site, card accepted, no reservation needed.
- Winter: some paths can be icy and sections may be closed in bad weather — trail shoes with good grip are a must.
Trosky Castle (hrad Trosky)
The symbol of Bohemian Paradise. Two towers sit on top of two volcanic basalt plugs that rise straight out of the landscape: the taller Panna ("the Maiden") and the lower Baba ("the Old Woman"). The castle was built at the end of the 14th century by Čeněk of Vartenberk and has been a ruin since the 17th century. You can see its silhouette from much of northern Bohemia, and from the top of the lower tower you get one of the best views in the region.
- Season 2026: 2 April to 1 November. Closed in winter.
- Opening: daily in July and August; Tuesday to Sunday in May, June and September; weekends and holidays only in April and October (plus 26 October – 1 November daily), usually 9:00–16:00 outside summer.
- Admission: about 180 CZK for adults, with reduced prices for children, students and seniors
- Getting up: a short but steep walk (10–15 min) from the car park in Troskovice
Even when the castle is closed, the walk around the base of the hill is worth it for the view of the two towers.
Other places worth your time
- Hrubá Skála rock town and chateau: sandstone towers right next to a chateau perched on the rocks, with the Mariánská vyhlídka viewpoint over the valley.
- Valdštejn Castle: one of the oldest castles in Bohemia, carved partly into the sandstone, with a stone bridge decorated with statues. A short walk from Hrubá Skála.
- Kost Castle: one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the country, in a quiet valley on the south-east edge of the region.
- Turnov: the gateway town, known for its tradition of cutting Bohemian garnets — good for coffee and lunch.
How to get to Bohemian Paradise from Prague
| Option | Time one way | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Car | ~1.5 h | D10 motorway towards Turnov. Easiest way to combine Prachov and Trosky in one day. |
| Train + bus | ~2–2.5 h | Train to Turnov or Jičín, then local buses or a walk to the trailheads. Connections are sparse at weekends and in winter. |
| Guided day trip | ~1.5 h by car | Prachov Rocks + Trosky Castle + lunch, back in Prague by 17:30 |
Without a car, pick one: either Prachov Rocks (from Jičín) or the Hrubá Skála – Valdštejn – Trosky area (from Turnov). Combining both by public transport in one day is hard.
When to go
- Spring (April–May): fresh beech leaves between the rocks; Trosky opens in early April
- Summer: everything open, warm and busy at weekends — start early
- Autumn (September–October): golden forest, clear air, my favourite time; Trosky is open daily for the last week of the season (26 October – 1 November 2026)
- Winter: Prachov is open and beautiful with snow on the towers, but Trosky is closed — you can still walk up to the base of the hill
Bohemian Paradise or Bohemian Switzerland?
Both are sandstone landscapes, but they feel different:
| Bohemian Paradise | Bohemian Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Prague | ~1.5 h | ~1 h 45 min |
| Walking | 4–5 km, easy | ~8 km, moderate |
| Signature sight | Trosky Castle, Prachov Rocks | Pravčická Gate, Bastei Bridge |
| Crowds | Lower | Higher in summer |
| Best for | Families, relaxed day, castles | Big views, longer hike |
If you have one day and like castles, go to Bohemian Paradise. If you want the most dramatic scenery and don't mind a longer day, go to Bohemian Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Bohemian Paradise as a day trip from Prague?
Yes. It's about 1.5 hours by car, so you can comfortably see Prachov Rocks and Trosky Castle in one day and be back in Prague by early evening. By public transport it's possible but slower, and it's best to pick one area.
How much does it cost to visit Prachov Rocks?
In 2026 admission is 150 CZK for adults from October to May and 200 CZK from June to September. Reduced tickets for children, students and seniors cost 100 or 150 CZK. Parking is 100 CZK per car.
Is Trosky Castle open in winter?
No. Trosky Castle is open from early April to 1 November (in 2026: 2 April – 1 November) and closed in winter. You can still walk up to the base of the hill to see the towers.
Is Bohemian Paradise suitable for children?
Yes. The paths in Prachov Rocks are well marked, the distances are short and the narrow passages are a big hit with kids. Children from about 6 years old manage a full day easily.
What is the best rock town in Bohemian Paradise?
Prachov Rocks is the largest and most dramatic, with the best viewpoints. Hrubá Skála is smaller but combines rocks with a chateau and Valdštejn Castle nearby.
Why is it called Bohemian Paradise?
The name was coined in the 19th century by spa guests in nearby Sedmihorky, who were taken by the mix of rock towns, castles, ponds and forest. It stuck, and today it's the official name of the protected landscape and the UNESCO geopark.