A 7 km circular walk around Trosky castle from Vidlák lake

  • This short but varied walk starts at the attractive Vidlák fish pond and ascends through the Apolena sandstone rock formations to reach Trosky castle
  • The return journey descends the north flank of Trosky hill, with views of the Krkonoše mountains, and joins the attractive forest and meadow trail past Rokytnický rybník
  • The route is partly on forest paths (which can be muddy and steep in places)
  • A total of 200m height is gained/lost during the 7.0 km trip
  • This walk can easily be combined with some or all of the 8 km flat trail along the Podtrosecká valley to create a medium length walk, as both walks start at the Vidlák car park
  • Refreshments should be available at Trosky castle and at the Vidlák car park

“For such a short walk this route has a lot to offer; a segment of the Apolena sandstone rock city, a close up look at Trosky castle, far reaching views towards the Krkonoše mountains, and a return alongside three attractive fish ponds ”

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Directions

  • Start and finish the walk at the Vidlák car park, best located by taking the Turnov-Jičín main road and turning off at Borek
  • From the car park, take the RED trail (which is the Zláta stezka) in the direction of Trosky
  • Climb through the Apolena rock formations and then into open meadows, reaching Trosky castle after 2 km
  • Walk past the hotel-Restaurant Trosky and join the BLUE trail, continuing up to the castle for an optional visit – the views from the towers are excellent
  • Leave the castle staying on the BLUE trail, past the chata/bistro, heading north in the direction Borek, across the meadows and down the hill, joining the road after 1.2km.
  • Continue along the road, still on the BLUE trail, for 700m, until reaching a turning to the left, which leads to a large concrete construction. Take this unmarked road, which after 200m turns into a trail which leads directly to Rokytnický rybník. There is a birdwatching shelter on the left shortly after reaching the lake
  • At the edge of the lake the path joins the road and the YELLOW trail. Turn left onto the trail and follow this for 1.9 km through the attractive woodland and fields back to Vidlák car park.
  • Refreshments should be available at the Restaurant Vidlák or at the car park kiosk