okres Náchod

Adršpach Rock Town: the Short Circuit

Distance4.1 km

Elevation gain117 m

DifficultyEasy

Estimated time2 h 38 min

Overview

In the biggest rock town in Czechia, sandstone towers up to 81 m tall stand so close together that the path squeezes between them, through narrow clefts and a stone gate.

Stairs beside a waterfall bring you up to the still, clear lake that feeds it, and steep steps higher up lead to the viewpoints.

The shortest walk in the reserve, and a slow one: a couple of hours of looking up. Good with children who can manage steps, and every step is worth it.

Points of interest

Pískovna — A flooded old sandpit with clear water, and your first look at the towers rising behind it.
Gotická branka — The Gothic Gate, a stone gateway you walk straight through into the rock town.
Krakonošův zub — Krakonoš's Tooth, the first of the named towers, with the Devil's Bridge and Eliška's Tower a few steps on.
Lioness' head formation — A weathered block with a lion's profile, the Carp beside it and the Small Waterfall just off the path. The flat path ends here: turn a pram back.
Velký Vodopád — The Big Waterfall drops 16 m into the gorge, a few steps off the path, near a memorial to Goethe.
Adršpašské jezírko — A still, clear lake at the top of the stairs. Optional: a 20-minute boat trip from May to October, no dogs aboard.
Starosta a Starostová — The Mayor and the Mayoress, two towers side by side, seen from a viewpoint on the steep upper path.
Ozvěna — Ozvěna, the Echo: a roofed shelter on the way back to the entrance.

Trail alerts

Book ahead: Buy an entry hour online and arrive within it. When a day sells out online, the gate sells none either.
Turn back at the lake: Retrace your steps to the green loop. The yellow path onward into the gorge is another walk.

Plan your day

Best time to start: Take the 8:00 or 9:00 entry hour. From 10:00 to 14:00 the paths are at their busiest.
What to bring: Czech crowns in cash for the optional boat.
Food and water: Nothing to buy on the circuit itself. Snack stands open by the entrance in summer.

Trail character

Flat, firm going from the entrance to the Small Waterfall. After that, gravel and long stretches of soft sand, with boardwalks over the wet ground.
Past the Small Waterfall come the steps: a staircase beside the Big Waterfall up to the lake, then steep, narrow flights to the viewpoints.

Access & rules

Getting there: The train stops opposite the entrance, the bus 250 m away. By car, expect traffic lights at a bridge until 31 October 2026.
Parking: Charged by the day, on top of the entry ticket. Places are limited, so book one online when you buy your ticket.
Tickets and fees: Adults 120 to 200 Kč online by season, 50 Kč more at the gate. Dogs need a ticket too.
Rules: Stay on the marked paths, dogs on a lead, children under 15 with an adult. No swimming, drones, bikes or smoking.
Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 except 24 December, to 20:00 in July and August, 18:00 in spring and autumn, 16:00 in winter.
Official info: adrspasskeskaly.cz. Entry is sold by time slot: buy tickets and parking here before you travel.

Browse all ready-made routes