Mladoboleslavsko

Route: Turnov – Valdštejn – Hrubá Skála – Podtrosecké ponds – Trosky (approx. 13 km)

Difficulty: Medium

Starting from Turnov’s main square, we follow the red tourist trail through Mašov to Valdštejn Castle. About halfway up, we come to the Hlavatici lookout rock. We continue to the trail crossroads and take a short detour to visit one of the most famous castles in Bohemian Paradise. Crossing the entrance bridge adorned with a gallery of statues of Czech patron saints, we reach the castle courtyard. Here we can see a small chapel with an alleged portrait of Karel Hynek Mácha. The dominant feature of the castle grounds is the Church of St. John of Nepomuk. Passing over the second bridge, we enter a classicist building housing a ceremonial hall and a lounge with a portrait gallery of the Lex family from Aehrenthal.

From the castle, we continue along the red trail to Hrubá Skála chateau. Along the way, magnificent views of the Hruboskalsko rock town and the Bohemian Paradise unfold from various rock viewpoints. The path leads past the Bukovina arboretum, originally a botanical garden founded by forester Leopold Anger on the order of the Hrubá Skála estate owner. Today it contains about thirty tree species, mostly from North America, including Douglas fir, Caucasian fir, giant fir, and tulip tree.

We proceed further along the red trail to a tourist crossroads, where it’s recommended to take another detour to the famous Marian viewpoint. The red trail leads directly to Hrubá Skála chateau. The chateau building serves as accommodation, but the courtyard and viewing tower are accessible to tourists.

From the chateau, we continue on the red trail. For a short while, the path follows a local road, then turns onto a pleasant forest trail descending gently to the Podtrosecké ponds. Since the section from Valdštejn to the ponds overlaps with a cycling route, extra caution is advised, especially during holiday months when there is increased cyclist traffic. At the pond called Věžák, the trail turns left around Krčák pond to Vidlák pond. From there, it ascends gently through the village of Tachov to Trosky Castle, the most famous landmark of Bohemian Paradise. The final climb to the castle is demanding but rewarded by beautiful panoramic views from both castle towers.

After visiting Trosky and resting, you can decide how to continue. Tired hikers can take the blue trail to Borek pod Troskami and return to Turnov by train. More experienced hikers can follow the red trail further, passing through Mladějov to the Prachov Rocks and finishing the 30 km hike in Jičín. You can also extend the trip via Nebákov and Libošovice to Kost Castle or follow the blue trail to Rovensko pod Troskami.