You won’t see this anywhere else

The largest rock labyrinth
in the Czech Republic

The Adršpach-Teplice Rocks are the largest and most rugged rock city in Central Europe. The first tourists visited the rocks all the way back in the 18th century. 100 years later, a large fire broke out among the rocks, lasting several weeks and destroying nearly all the forest vegetation. Thus, the rocks became more passable, the beauty of the sandstone formations more apparent, and the first hiking paths were made.

The first tower climb:
The King

The first mountaineers arrived in Adršpach from Saxony. A group guided by Willi Adam made the first ascent on the 20th of May, 1923, to the top of a tower dubbed ‘The King’. They didn’t stop there, however, instead choosing to conquer The Battlements, The Saxon Head, Martin’s Crown, and The Eagle. The enthused German climbers were captivated with the wonder of the Adršpach Rocks and returned many times.

The Gothic
Gate

The Gothic Gate first made its appearance in the City of Rocks in 1839, when Ludvik Karel Nádherný had it built together with a network of hiking paths, bridges, footbridges, and stairs. The Gothic Gate now guards the former entrance to the park.

3.5 km
hiking trail

The hiking trail around the City of Rocks is led by the green markers. When embarking on this path, plan at least 3 hours.

Boat
ride

In the past, the local lake was used for moving lumber. Over 150 years ago, however, the first tourists were taken on the lake, thus embarking on the first boat ride. The lake’s overflow creates The Great Waterfall, which is particularly magical in winter, as it freezes over every year.

The crystal
sand quarry

Those who long for romance must not miss the Crystal Sandpit.

Sand mining began here in 1920 when the Adršpach was owned by the Nádherný family and continued until 1971. Then the former sandstone quarry was flooded, creating this lake with crystal-clear water. Since 1988, a picturesque path has been leading around the shores of the sandpit. The total area of the sandpit is approximately 3 hectares, and its maximum depth reaches 12.5 meters.

Thousands of
rock towers

The magical nature of the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks entices visitors with its thousands of rock towers and spires.

The 16-metre high
Great Waterfall

A gorgeous view is waiting for you at The Great Waterfall, which rolls down into a rock gorge from a height of 16 metres. The waterfall’s flow rate is regulated, as a lake is situated directly above it, where the boat rides take place. If you shout out the secret password (“Rübezahl, give us water!”), the watergate will open. In winter, The Great Waterfall transforms into the most marvellous icefall.

Noteworthy
views

At Adršpach, you’ll find many views that will take your breath away. From these viewpoints, you can admire rock formations such as The Lovers, Mr and Mrs Mayor, Štěpánek’s Crown, and the Small and Large Aldermen. Set out on the nature trail “Under Cross Hill”, where a wonderful panoramic view of the rocks is waiting for you. The trail starts at the main car park and is marked by white squares with a green stripe. You can also discover the view on Starozámecký Hill, where ruins of the Adršpach castle can be found. From here, you’ll have the entire City of Rocks in the palm of your hand.

Falcons
at Adršpach

In the past, the peaks of these stone towers were ruled by their king: The Peregrine falcon. Seven pairs of falcons once made their nests in the Broumovsko region until the end of the 1950s. Due to poor management in the region, however, the falcons completely disappeared from the area. Thanks to the continuous care of nature conservationists, they appeared once more at the end of the century. As of 2000, the falcons were successful in making their nest not far from the Adršpach Rocks.

The
Sugarloaf

One of the most peculiar structures in the City of Rocks is called ‘The Sugarloaf’. It’s peculiar in that it’s standing on its point. The upper section is 13 metres wide and the bottom only measures 3 metres, thus creating an overturned tenpin. From the fear of it toppling down, tourists have jammed small sticks at its base.

The 50 cm wide
Mouse Hole

While trekking around the rocks, you can try to squeeze yourself through a 50 cm wide gap. It’s called The Mouse Hole and it’s the narrowest alleyway in the City of Rocks. Can you make it through?

The
Jug

One of the grandest structures in the City of Rocks is surely The Jug. This massive tower was first ascended by Josef Janeba, Miroslav Jedlička, and the pioneer of climbing Rudolf Otto Bauš in May of 1935. This initial climb followed along the crack on the left side of the face, leading to the large window, then on to the peak. The unique, six-metre window creates The Jug’s “handle”, thanks to which the tower received its name. It’s also often said that the formation has the likeness of a dolphin.

The tallest rock:
The Lovers - 81,4 metres

One of the most interesting formations at the Adršpach Rocks is also its tallest. Again, the first to conquer its peak were the Germans. Otto Rülke, Otto Dietrich, and Wilhelm Fiehl made the first ascent atop the highest Adršpach rock on June 18th, 1923.

A region known for
many fairy tales

The rock city of Adršpach has enchanted filmmakers with its magical atmosphere for many decades, playing an important role in numerous well-known fairy tales. Some familiar titles include The Third Prince, The Prince and The Evening Star, and Hell with Princess. A number of international works were also filmed here, including The Chronicles of Narnia and Climbing Paradise.

Thunder
Rock

Within the park, visitors will discover a fallen chunk of rock that is tied with an unbelievable story. In 1772, two Englishmen visited the Adršpach Rocks, as they hoped to watch a storm from one of the high viewpoints. They waited a total of eight days to see a worthy natural phenomenon. When it finally came, the storm was so powerful that the Englishmen were quick to seek shelter. They hid themselves under an overhanging rock, as lightning struck within their near vicinity. The strike hit the precipice opposite them, loosening a piece of the rock, which fell directly in front of the frightened Englishmen. Miraculously, neither of the adventurers was injured.

Goethe at
Adršpach

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also made his way to the City of Rocks on 31.8.1790. Among other subjects, the famous poet was intensely interested in botany and geology, and the Adršpach rock formations captivated him. To honour his visit, the park cast a bronze bust of his likeness, which was ceremonially revealed on 10. 7. 1932. You can find Goethe near the entrance to The Great Waterfall.

The Sugar-Making
Chimney

This rock, which resembles fingers reaching towards the sky, was first climbed using a special technique: By wrapping a rope around the stone again and again. This climbing style is no longer in use today.