Adršpach-Teplice is no standard nature site, and its beauty is unlike ordinary scenery. At the Adrspach rocks you see the forces of nature up close, shaping sandstone into forms that set the imagination loose. You squeeze through narrow rock corridors, study remarkable pictures made in stone and take a boat that carries you as near as possible to the mighty cliffs. Give yourself a magical few hours among channels that twist between rock walls tens of metres high. And do not forget to buy tickets in advance!
The Adršpach-Teplice rocks lie in the triangle formed by the villages of Teplice nad Metují and Adršpach and the hill of Čáp, above the village of Skály. Few people know that this was once the floor of a sea. When the softer rock retreated and eroded, two solid groups of rock remained, with Wolf Gorge (Vlčí rokle) formed between them.
Walking the Adrspach rocks
The waterfall and the echo
The paths wind between amazing, odd formations that have been given even odder (and mostly fitting) names: the Mayor and the Mayoress, the Eagle’s Nest, the Tooth and the Devil’s Bridge, for example. You can stop to rest by the Great Waterfall. Above it is a small lake where rowing-boat rides are offered.
At the end of the trail is the Echo, a stirring spot. It was already known in 1783, when locals would blow a horn and fire a hunting gun for the tourists. The shot could be heard no fewer than seven times as it rebounded off the huge rock walls of Křížový vrch.
The Teplice rocks
You will need at least three hours for the circular route through the Teplice rocks. Along the way are cliffs and formations with apt names such as the Caterpillar, the Butcher’s Axe and the Golem. On no account miss the exciting climb up ladders to the ruins of Střmen castle, now a lookout point. You will also reach the enormous, completely smooth Watchtower, one of the site’s best-known symbols.
At the Siberia fork in the trail it is worth climbing the stone steps through the Great Temple Square to the rock chapel. A narrow passage leads to the Lions’ Cage, and then you find yourself in Krakonoš’s Garden. Around you rise the most famous cliffs of Teplice: the Rock Crown, the Cathedral, Martin’s Walls and the Rock Temple. Believe us, you will not know where to look first.
Nearby: the Broumov Walls and the Ostaš labyrinth
The Broumov Walls are also worth a visit. Picturesque sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, gorges and viewpoints sit in beautiful countryside lined with forest. And then there is the Ostaš reserve, where you walk through a tangled maze of breathtaking stone formations. If you make it through both the upper and the lower labyrinth, the trail leads on past fine views of cliffs, caves and intricate passages.
Buying tickets online
Since April 2021 it has been possible to buy tickets for the Adršpach rocks that include reserved parking. The reserve limits the number of visitors admitted. You can buy tickets on the spot, but you risk a long wait and full car parks. Book in advance and your place is guaranteed, with no last-minute change of plans.
The reserve protects an exceptional rock formation and a unique, highly valuable ecosystem. Please respect the rules and accept certain restrictions during your visit, including a ban on flying drones in the area.
Practical tips for visiting
- Getting there: Adršpach is in north-east Bohemia, close to the Polish border, about two and a half hours’ drive from Prague. There is also a local train to Adršpach station, right by the entrance.
- Allow enough time: the main Adršpach circuit takes around two to three hours, and the Teplice rocks need at least three more – combining both makes a full day.
- Wear good shoes: paths include steps, ladders and narrow passages, and can be slippery after rain.
- Go early or off-season: summer weekends are busy, so arrive early or visit in spring or autumn.
- Combine with a castle: the chateau of Nové Město nad Metují is nearby – see our list of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic.
Planning a wider trip? See our guides to the northern Czech Republic with kids and Prague for first-time visitors.
In cooperation with CzechTourism.
