Our adventure begins in the heart of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, which is famous for its impressive rock formations and wildlife. The park is located in northern Bohemia, not far from the German border. The easiest way to get here is by car or bus from the nearby town of Děčín.

The main route leads to the famous Pravčická brána (Pravčická Gate), the largest natural rock bridge in Europe. The trail begins in the village of Hřensko, where you will find a large parking lot (fee about 200 Czech crowns per day). The route is about 16 km round trip and takes an average of 5-6 hours.

Important information:

• Admission tickets to the park: adults 100 CZK, children (6-15 years) 50 CZK, children under 6 free (as of 2023)
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (April-October), shorter in other months
• The route is moderately difficult, suitable for children over 6 years old
• Recommended trekking shoes and a supply of water

On the route you will be treated to extraordinary attractions:

1. the Pravčická Gate - a monumental rock arch with a span of 26.5 m
2. Gabrielina stezka observation deck - panoramic view of Czech and Saxon Switzerland
3. Sokolí hnízdo refuge - opportunity for rest and refreshment

Note: After the 2022 fire, some trails may be closed or more difficult to access. Before your hike, check the current status of the trails on the park's official website: www.npcs.cz

For families with small children, we recommend the shorter route to Three Pigs (Tři prasata), a rock formation that resembles pigs. It's an easy 3-kilometer trail, perfect for a short walk.

In the area it is worth visiting:

• Kamenice River Gorge - boat cruises through the picturesque gorge
• Děčínský Sněžník - observation tower with panoramic views of the area

The Czech Switzerland National Park is a place where nature creates true wonders. Walking among the majestic rocks, you will feel like you are in a fairytale land. This is the perfect place for a family adventure that will long be remembered by adults and children alike.

Our next adventure takes us to the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, where two fascinating routes await us: through the picturesque Adršpaš-Teplice rocks and through the impressive Tiské stěny.

Route 2: Adršpašsko-Teplice rocks This route is located in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic, about 45 km from Trutnov. It is most conveniently accessible by car, but you can also use train connections to Teplice nad Metují nebo Adršpach station.

Practical information:

• Parking: 150 CZK per day (2023)
• Admission tickets: adults 180 CZK, children (6-15 years) 100 CZK, family (2+2) 460 CZK
• Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (April-October), 9:00-16:00 (November-March)
• Route length: about 4 km, walking time 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: easy to medium, suitable for families with children over 5 years old

Main attractions:

1. Adršpašské Lake - a picturesque reservoir with the possibility of a boat cruise
2. the Great Waterfall - a 16-meter cascade
3. Lovers - a characteristic rock formation
4. Old Man and Old Woman - monumental rock towers

Route 3: Tiské stěny We now move to northwestern Bohemia, where the spectacular Tiské stěny are located. This place is located about 20 km from Děčín.

Practical information:

• Parking: 100 CZK per day (2023)
• Admission tickets: adults 50 CZK, children (6-15 years) 25 CZK
• Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (April-October)
• Tour length: Small circle about 1.5 km (1 hour), Large circle about 3.5 km (2-3 hours)
• Difficulty: easy to medium, suitable for families with children

Main attractions:

1. rock labyrinth - a fascinating system of narrow passages between rocks
2. viewpoints - breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area
3. distinctive rock formations, such as 'Imperial Throne' or 'Mushroom'

For both routes we recommend:

• Comfortable, full trekking shoes
• Adequate water and snacks
• Clothing suitable for the changing weather
• A camera or smartphone to capture the amazing views

Worth seeing in the area:

• Cat's Rocks (Kočičí skály) - picturesque rock formations ideal for a short walk
• The Gothic Gate in Adršpach - a distinctive entry point to the rock city

Both Adršpaš-Teplice rocks and Tiské stěny offer an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Hiking through these rock labyrinths is not only an opportunity for active recreation, but also an extraordinary lesson in geology and nature. Children will be delighted to explore narrow passages and discover mysterious nooks and crannies, while adults will appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the tranquility of the surrounding nature.

To conclude our adventure in the Czech forests, we suggest two shorter but equally fascinating routes: the Cat's Rocks and the trail to the Gothic Gate. These places, although lesser known, offer equally spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.

Route 4: Cat's Rocks The Cat Rocks are located in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic, in the Broumovsko region, about 5 km from the town of Teplice nad Metují.

Practical information:

• Directions: best by car to the parking lot in the settlement of Skály (GPS: 50.5953506N, 16.1349622E)
• Parking: free
• Admission: free of charge
• Route length: about 2 km one way
• Walking time: about 1-1.5 hours
• Difficulty: medium, steep approaches in places
• Best time to visit: April-October

Main attractions:

1. picturesque rock formations resembling cat silhouettes
2. vantage points with panoramic views of the Table Mountains
3. passages through narrow rock crevices

The route is ideal for families with children over 7 years old who like a little challenge. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the path can be slippery, especially after rain.

Route 5: Gothic Gate The Gothic Gate is a landmark in the Rock Town of Adršpach, providing a gateway to the fascinating world of sandstone formations.

Practical information:

• Location: Dolní Adršpach 9, 549 57 Adršpach-Teplice nad Metují
• Directions: by car or train to Adršpach station
• Parking: paid, 150 CZK per day (2023)
• Admission: included in the ticket to the Rock Town (adults 180 CZK, children 6-15 years 100 CZK)
• Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (April-October), 9:00-16:00 (November-March)
• Route length: about 4 km (loop through the Rock Town)
• Walking time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: easy to medium, suitable for families with children

Main attractions:

1. Gothic Gate - an impressive structure from the 19th century
2. route through the Rock City with numerous rock formations
3. lake with the possibility of a boat cruise

For both routes we recommend:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Water and snacks
• Camera
• Rain jacket (the weather in the mountains can be changeable)

Worth seeing in the area:

• Adršpach castle ruins - remains of a medieval fortress
• Křížový vrch - a hill with a beautiful view of the surroundings

Both the Cat's Rocks and the route to the Gothic Gate offer great opportunities for family excursions. These are ideal places to spark your children's love of nature and geology, while spending active time outdoors. Hiking through these picturesque areas is not only a lesson in nature, but also a great opportunity for family fun as explorers and adventurers.

Remember that although the trails are relatively easy, you should always exercise caution and adjust your pace to the capabilities of the youngest hikers. Before setting out on a trail, always check the current information on the official websites of parks and reserves, as conditions can change depending on the season and weather.

The Czech forests still hold many secrets and undiscovered corners. We hope these five routes will inspire you in your own explorations and allow you to discover the magic of Czech nature. Whichever route you choose, one thing is certain - unforgettable experiences and great memories of a family adventure await you!