The Adrspach Rocks might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to the Czech Republic, but it should. Just under two and a half hours drive from Czechia’s capital are these stunning rock formations. They are a perfect chance to take a break from the high energy of Prague – you will be blown away by the views they offer. And, yes, they are touristy and attract thousands of visitors. But do not let that put you off because they have one of the most stunning landscapes in central Europe.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about this stunning place. Whether you come here on a day trip or spend a weekend here, there is no shortage of attractions.
Why are the Adrspach Teplice Rocks in the Czech Republic famous?
The Adrspach Rocks are famous because it is the largest rock city in Czechia. It is a national nature reserve with thousands of rock towers and gorgeous views. It has a beautiful landscape with many narrow gorges and unusual sandstone rock formations covered with yellow moss.
One of those hikes you will still be thinking about for many years.
Did you know the Adrspach Rocks is one of the most searched nature locations in the country? They cover 17 km2 in northeastern Bohemia and are also the largest breeding site of falcons in Europe. Plus, they rank among the best day trips from Prague. If you love mountains and outdoor activities, a trip here is definitely worth it.
Fun Fact:
Here’s where it gets juicy: the Adrspach Teplice Rocks are over 89 million years old, can you believe it? If you do not know, rock cities like this park were once at the bottom of the sea. Deposits from the shallow sea that once flooded this area hardened into layers and created sandstone layers. After the sea disappeared, natural forces like wind, the sun and rain shaped this land. The cracks in the rocks separated the blocks from each other and gave them its distinctive shape.
Today, some rock formations reach almost fifty meters (164 feet).
The local legend says the god’s anger formed this rock city. The story goes that the god punished the locals for allowing the robbers on the rich Czech lands. He turned the locals and the town to the stone. Theis rock city supposed to remind us of the people’s betrayal.
It is hard to believe that the world did not discover them until the 19th century. The locals used to come here only when they faced danger from invaders. Tourists started coming here after the fire in 1824. The large fire among the rocks destroyed almost all the forest vegetation, and the sandstone formations stood out. The deforestation of the area showed canyons which became passable. The forest is already back, but the locals created paths and hiking trails throughout the rock city. This is also the time when the local rocks got their names.
This area is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes. Don’t come here if you want to sit somewhere and do nothing. Hiking is the number one activity here.
Did you know?
The Adrspach Teplice Rocks are the second largest national nature reserve in the Czech Republic. The area consists of two rock cities: the Adrspach and Teplice Rocks, and the Wolf Gorge connects both rock cities. You can visit them on the same day with the same entrance ticket.
Don’t forget to bookmark this post so you can quickly find it when visiting these gorgeous natural reserve.
Must visit places at the Adrspach Rocks
So, what are the must-visit attractions? Here are our picks for the most beautiful places in this rock city.
1. The Gothic Gate
Those who have seen the famous fantasy Chronicles of Narnia will recall these rock formations.
2. Elephant square
3. Boat ride
4. the Great and Small waterfall
5. the Sugarloaf
6. the Lovers (Milenci)
7. The Mouse Hole – the narrowest path, only 50 cm wide
8. The Mayor and the Mayor’s Wife
9.Wolf gorge
The trails at Adrspach Teplice Rocks
Lake Boat trail
One of the first things many visitors do is that they walk around its lake. The lake trail loop is about 1.5 km long and offers breathtaking views. You probably do not know, but in the past, the locals used it as transportation for chopped trees. Today it is possible to rent a punt or take a boat ride.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Once here, you can take a boat ride or rent a punt roughly in the middle of the circuit. But do not forget, you can take a boat tour only between May and the end of October (sometimes April). As of May 2024, the boat tour costs 100 CZK (€4) per adult or 50 CZK (€2) for children under 15.
Adrspach trail loop
The trail circuit passes through the most scenic parts of the nature reserve. The main trail loop is about 7 km (4.3 mi) long. It will take you approximately 3 hours to complete it. There are some steep stairs on the path, but nothing extreme.
Get lost in the twisting paths and see various rock formations – they will remind you of various objects. Some of the most famous rock formations are Giant’s Armchair (Krakonošova lenoška), Sugar Loaf (Homole cukru) and also Elephant Square (Sloní náměstí). Our favourites were also the Mayor and the Mayor’s Wife, and the Lovers – Milenci, as the locals call them.
Wolf Gorge (Vlčí rokle)
Afterwards, we recommend you explore the Wolf Gorge. The locals call this path which connects two rock cities, Adrspach and Teplice, Vlčí rokle. Wolf Gorge is less than 4 km (2.5 mi) long. It is a less busy part of this nature reserve. A yellow hiking trail to Vlčí rokle starts in the middle of the Adrspach Rocks tourist circuit near the stairs to the boat tour. Look for the narrow staircase, which will bring you to a wide open valley. Later follow the blue sign at the end of the valley if you also want to explore the Teplice Rocks.
GOOD TO KNOW:
A ticket, which you purchased for the Adrspach Rocks, is also valid here and in the Teplice Rocks. Most of the yellow trail is flat – you need to use the first set of stairs from the Adrspach circuit.
Teplice Rocks
After completing this famous loop, continue through the Wolf Gorge (Vlci Roklina) to the nearby Teplice Rocks. You may not know this, but they are the larger part of the Adrspach Teplice Rocks National Nature Reserve. Teplice Rocks circuit is 6 km (3.7 mi) long and has a blue tourist sign. It has many beautiful rock formations and lovely views. Also, the falcons nest here. Therefore, part of the circuit is usually not open to the public during the spring (April and May). We highly recommend exploring the Teplice Rocks if you have enough energy and time, as they are less visited and offer a more peaceful experience.
How to get to get there
These famous Czech rocks lie in the northern part of the Czech Republic in the Broumov Highlands. You can find this famous rock city just a short 10-minute drive from the southwest border of Poland. The closest Czech towns are Náchod (23 km, 14 mi) and Hradec Králové, which is 49 km (30 mi) away.
Many tourists drive from Wroclaw in Poland or from Prague to Adrspach on a day trip. If you want to visit this rock city from Prague the best is to book a tour or rent a car. The distance from Prague is about 175 km (108 mi). It takes around two hours and 30 minutes to drive here from Prague.
Your second option is to visit it from Polish Wroclaw. It is only about 100 km (62 mi) away.
Opening Times in 2024
They are are open all year round. You can visit them during the main tourist season (1.4. 2024 – 31.10 2024) from 8 am until 6 pm. During the low season (1.11. 2024 – 31.3. 2025), the Rock City sightseeing circuit is open from 8 am until 4 pm.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Do not forget that you need to buy an entry ticket in advance as it is often fully booked during the summer. Also, you cannot fly drones here because the area has one of the largest breeding sites of falcons in Europe.
Parking
In addition to your entry ticket, you need to purchase a parking space. Prices vary for cars, motorcycles, caravans, and motorhomes.
As of May 2024, car parking rates are as follows:
- July and August 2024: 180 CZK (€8) online, 250 CZK (€10) on arrival.
- High season (1 April – 30 June and 1 September – 31 October 2024): 150 CZK (€6) online, 200 CZK (€8) on arrival.
- Low season (November – March 2024): 80 CZK (€3.20) online, 100 CZK (€4) on arrival.
The parking fee is valid all day from 7 am until 9 pm. For overnight parking, the rate is 100 CZK (€4) per hour, as of May 2024.
How much is the entrance fee at the Adrspach Rocks?
Remember, this protected nature park which is a popular tourist destination. From April 1, 2021, there is a new reservation system. This system limits the number of people who can explore it. Because of that, do not forget to pre-book your tickets and a parking space. It saves you a lot of time and also avoids the disappointment of not exploring this place. We strongly recommend you book your tickets on their official website adrspasske skaly.cz.
When booking your tickets, select the day of your arrival and also the time. Choose from available slots (early morning, before noon or afternoon). Do not forget, if there are no online tickets, you cannot buy them at the information centre!
As of May 2024, entrance fees vary depending on the season and time of day. Remember, cheaper tickets are available between 8 am and 10 am and from 2 pm until 6 pm during the top and high seasons. Note that during both the top and high seasons, tickets are more expensive between 10 am and 2 pm. For more details, visit their official website.
Here are the online entrance fees for adults as of May 2024:
1. Top Season (1 July 2024 – 31 August 2024):
- 8 am – 10 am and 2 pm – 6 pm: 130 CZK (€5.25)
- 10 am – 2 pm: 180 CZK (€7.25)
2. High Season (1 April 2024 – 30 June 2024 and 1 September – 31 October 2024):
- 8 am – 10 am and 2 pm – 6 pm: 120 CZK (€4.80)
- 10 am – 2 pm: 130 CZK (€5.25)
3. Low Season (November – 31 March 2025): Online entry fee for adults: 110 CZK (€4.40) all day
If you do not pre-book your tickets online and purchase them at the tourism office, they will cost you more. As of May 2024, during the top season (July and August), the entry fee at the tourism office for adults is 200 CZK (€8). For the high season (1 April – 30 June and 1 September – 31 October 2024), tickets for adults cost 180 CZK (€7.25). Note that between November and 31st March 2025, tickets can be purchased at the ticket office for only 130 CZK (€5.25).
There is a reduced entrance fee for children under 15, students 26 and younger and also senior citizens (65+). As of May 2024, the family ticket (valid for 2 adults and 2 children) is priced at 370 CZK during the low season, 520 CZK during the high season, and 580 CZK during the top season.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Do not forget to keep your ticket – there is a fee for a lost ticket of 1000 CZK (€40). If you visit this rock city with a dog, expect to pay an extra 50 CZK (€2), as of May 2024.
What to do if the tickets to the Adrspach Rocks are sold out?
You can also buy your tickets when you arrive, but there is a big risk of not getting any (which happened to us). If it happens to you, catch a local train from Adrspach to Teplice (1 stop) and try to buy your entry ticket at the tourist information centre. Don’t forget to keep your train ticket as you will get a discount when you purchase your ticket to explore this nature reserve.
Alternatively, drive to nearby Teplice and park at the entrance of the Teplice Rocks (300 m) and catch a train (or walk) on the way back from Adrspach.
When you buy your ticket, you can explore both (Teplice and Adrspach Rocks) on the same day. However, you should know that you need to follow the marked path through the forest. The views are gorgeous, and it takes about 1 hour and a half to get to there. You will get a map at the tourist centre.
Pin the gorgeous Adrspach Teplice Rocks for later!
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Last updated: 30/05/2024