Planning Your Trip from Prague

Bohemian Paradise is located about 90 kilometers northeast of Prague. You can reach the park in about one hour by car. Buses and trains also run regularly from the capital. Learning how to get to Český ráj is the first step for a smooth trip.

The reserve is quite large, so it is best to focus on one area per day. Most visitors choose between the Prachov Rocks or the Hrubá Skála region. Both areas offer excellent trails and lookouts. Public transport is reliable, but a car gives you more flexibility. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.

Before you start your hike, check these quick picks for the best experience:

• Best overall view: Mariánská vyhlídka
• Best for families: Vyhlídka Český lev
• Best for history: Trosky Castle towers
• Best for sunset: Kozákov

10 Best Viewpoints in Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve

The Bohemian Paradise hiking experience is defined by its rock lookouts. Many of these viewpoints are built directly onto the sandstone pillars. Some require climbing steep stairs, while others are easy walks. Here are the top ten spots you should not miss.

1. Name: Vyhlídka Český lev Type: Rock viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic view of the Prachov Rocks sandstone towers. Best for: Photography Where: Prachov Rocks Time: 2 hours for the loop Cost: Small entry fee for the rock city Getting there: Bus from Jičín Tip: Visit early to avoid the crowds on the narrow stairs.
2. Name: Mariánská vyhlídka Type: Scenic lookout Why go: You get a perfect view of Hrubá Skála Castle and the Trosky ruins. Best for: Classic landscapes Where: Near Hrubá Skála Time: 1 hour walk from the castle Cost: Free Getting there: Train to Turnov or Hrubá Skála Tip: This is the most famous photo spot in the entire reserve.
3. Name: Trosky Castle Towers Type: Historic viewpoint Why go: Climb the "Baba" and "Panna" towers for a 360-degree view of the region. Best for: History buffs Where: Trosky Castle Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Paid castle entry Getting there: Hike from Borek pod Troskami Tip: The towers represent the symbol of Bohemian Paradise.
4. Name: Vyhlídka Míru Type: Rock viewpoint Why go: It provides a sweeping view of the "Imperial Corridor" in the Prachov Rocks hiking trails. Best for: Seeing rock formations Where: Prachov Rocks Time: Part of the Great Trail Cost: Included in park entry Getting there: Trailhead near Prachov village Tip: The trail here is very steep, so take your time.
5. Name: Hlavatice Type: Rock lookout Why go: A lonely sandstone rock with a spiral staircase and views of Turnov. Best for: Sunset Where: Near Valdštejn Castle Time: 30 minutes from the road Cost: Free Getting there: Short hike from Turnov Tip: It is a great starting point for a longer hike to Valdštejn.
6. Name: Drábské světničky Type: Rock fortress Why go: Walk through an old rock castle on the edge of a high plateau. Best for: Unique architecture Where: Near Mnichovo Hradiště Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Hike from the village of Dneboh Tip: Be careful on the metal ladders and narrow walkways.
7. Name: Kozákov Type: Mountain peak Why go: This is the highest point in the region with a tall observation tower. Best for: Distant views Where: Kozákov Hill Time: 1 hour Cost: Small fee for the tower Getting there: Drive to the top or hike from Semily Tip: On clear days, you can see the Krkonoše Mountains.
8. Name: Vyhlídka U Lvíčka Type: Nature viewpoint Why go: It offers a deep view into the rock canyons of the Hrubá Skála area. Best for: Seeing the scale of the rocks Where: Hrubá Skála rock city Time: 1.5 hours from the castle Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the Golden Path trail Tip: Look for the rock shaped like a small lion.
9. Name: Janova vyhlídka Type: Quiet lookout Why go: A peaceful spot overlooking the Dragon's Valley rock formations. Best for: Escaping the crowds Where: Hrubá Skála area Time: 2 hours loop Cost: Free Getting there: Hike from Lázně Sedmihorky Tip: The path from the spa town is very scenic.
10. Name: Mužský Type: Basalt peak Why go: A stone monument marks this high point with panoramic views of the Mužský plateau. Best for: 360-degree views Where: Near the village of Mužský Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the village of Olšina Tip: The surrounding orchards are beautiful in the springtime.

Essential Tips for Bohemian Paradise Hiking

Hiking in the Czech Republic is very safe and organized. The trails are marked with color-coded signs on trees and rocks. Red trails are usually the main ridge paths. Yellow and blue trails often connect smaller sites. Always carry a map or use a digital hiking app.

The best time for Bohemian Paradise hiking is late spring or early autumn. The weather is cool and the colors are vibrant. Summer is the busiest season, especially in the Prachov Rocks. If you visit in winter, be prepared for icy steps on the lookouts.

Pack plenty of water and snacks for your trip. While there are kiosks near the main castles, some trails are remote. Respect the nature reserve by staying on marked paths. This protects the fragile sandstone and local wildlife. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.