On the ‘Golden Trail’: Trosky to Turnov, via Hrubá Skála – an 18 km trip
- A one day trip along Český ráj’s most famous trail – the golden trail (Zlatá stezka Českého ráje)
- The walk stars at Ktová train station, reached on the district railway line from Turnov
- The route visits several of the classic Český ráj viewpoints and castles on the way, including Valdštejn, Hrubá Skála and Trosky and finishes at Turnov main train station (which has regular trains to Prague)
- With extra time in Turnov the Museum of Český ráj is worth a visit
- Although the trail does not have major difficulties, there are some steeper sections, and as with most Český ráj tours, the paths can be slippery during and after heavy rain. The route gains and loses approximately 500m on its 18.1 km length
“The Zlatá stezka (Golden trail) is the most famous marked trail in Český ráj. It traverses the whole region, and captures most of the best sites. The whole trail generally takes 4 to 6 days to complete, but there are sections of path which are a bit less interesting. This one day segment, requiring using the regional train line, traverses the most famous sites in Český ráj. Just don’t expect to have the trail to yourself if you choose a sunny summer’s day to walk it…”
Note: The route can be done in the opposite direction (starting in Turnov and finishing in Ktová) but as transport may be less frequent to/from Ktová than Turnov it seems sensible to travel first to Ktová at a known time, rather than risk missing the connection at the end of the walk. There are plenty of things to do with extra time in Turnov. Also if traveling to Turnov by car there is a convenient free large car park not far from the train station (at the bus station) . There is no car park at Ktová
Directions
- The walk starts from Ktová train station. Regular regional trains run to Ktová from Turnov on the Hradec Králové line (the trains usually connect with the times of main line trains from Prague to Turnov)
- From Ktová train station take the GREEN trail (direction Trosky)
- After 2.2 km reach the castle. Trosky is probably the most iconic of the Český ráj castles, situated on two prominent volcanic basalt outcrops. Various refreshment options should be available at/near the castle
- From the castle, walk down to the main car park, to join the RED trail (this is the Zlatá stezka Českého ráje). The RED trail is followed for the remainder of the walk, all the way to Turnov
- The section from Trosky to the castle of Hrubá Skála is 7.4 km long and passes initially though the sandstone rock area of Apolena, past the lake of Vidlák, along a section of the lovely Podtrosecká valley, and then climbs gently up to the Hrubá Skála plateau
- At Hrubá Skála is worth spending a few minutes (at least) visiting the castle courtyards. There is a castle restaurant open to the public at the far end of the last courtyard
- From Hrubá Skála continue on the RED trail in the direction of Valdštejn. After 500m the trail reaches the signpost of U Adamova lože. Here, if having a few minutes of available time detour for 400m on the YELLOW trail to the Zámecká vyhlídka – for the best view of Hrubá Skála, then return back to the RED trail
- Continue on the trail for 2.2 km to and on to reach the castle of Valdštejn , stopping en route at the famous viewpoints of na Kapelu and U Lvíčka. Refreshments may be available at Hospůdka U Hradu, next to the castle
- Valdštejn is definitely worth stopping at if the time is available. From the castle continue on the RED trail past the Hlavatice viewpoint and down the hill eventually reaching Turnov centre after 4 km
- On reaching the Palackého street turn left onto the YELLOW trail to get to the main Turnov railway station
