Vranov-Pantheon, Frýdštejn and the Drábovna rocks; a 9km /12km tour
- This varied circular walk starts in Malá Skála and explores the most northerly rock formations in Český ráj.
- The walks begins with a visit to the Vranov castle (also known as the Pantheon, after its 19th century owner romanticized the site) and then continues along the uplifted sandstone Vranov ridge to the photogenic medieval castle of Frýdštejn
- From Frýdštejn there is an optional 3km extension to the Kopanina lookout tower, with its extensive views over the region
- The route circles back to Malá Skála via the rock formations of Drábovna, one of the more tranquil rock cities in the region
- Total walk length is 12.3km (including the Kopanina extension) with 480m of height/gained lost.
- The paths are generally easy, although there are steeper step sections around the Drábovna rocks
- Refreshments should be available at Vranov, Frýdštejn and in the town of Malá Skála
“The highlights for me of this relatively short, but varied, walk are the hike up the Vranov ridge with its extraordinary spiky teeth of hardened sandstone, then the first sight of the dramatic tower of Frýdštejn, and the stroll though the exotically shaped rocks at Drábovna.”
Directions
- Start and finish the walk at the (paid) car park just outside the town of Malá Skála, on the banks of the Jizera
- From the car park take the RED trail (behind the Pizzeria) steeply up to the castle of Vranov , diverting briefly to the left to visit the impressively airy lookout point vyhlídka Zahrádka and then on to the castle itself
- From Vranov continue on the RED trail up the sandstone ridge (various smaller view points along the way)
- After 1.7km reach the medieval castle of Frýdštejn (visit is optional if open)
- Just before arriving at Frýdštejn, there is the option to take the BLUE trail to visit the 19th century lookout tower of Kopanina (recommended for its views of the region). It is 1.6km to the tower. Return back to Frýdštejn along the BLUE trail after visiting the tower
- From Frýdštejn continue on the RED trail, initially on the roan and then turning into the forest, following signs for Drábovna
- 300m after leaving the road there is small detour to the Pantheon viewpoint, at the beginning of the rock city
- After 800m reach the signpost of Nad Malou Skálou. Continue on the RED trail for 300m to reach the centre of the Drábovna rocks. There is a small fortified rock area up the steps and 100m further on, the Jizerská viewpoint. After exploring the rocks, return back to Nad Malou Skálou and turn on to the BLUE trail (direction Malá Skála)
- After 300m, the BLUE trail meets the road. Turn right and after 30m turn off the road down a grassy bank – still following the BLUE hiking trail (do not follow the road – which is marked as a yellow/blue cycle trail)
- After 900m reach the main road, and cross the bridge into Malá Skála. On the far side of the bridge is the fine half timbered building of Boučkův statek, a popular and attractive pub, recommended for a quick refreshment break
- From Boučkův statek continue on the BLUE trail for 900m through the town, and over the footbridge back to the car park