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Adršpach-Teplice Rocks (Adršpašsko-teplické skály) is a protected landscape area in the northeastern corner of Bohemia, straddling the Broumov Highlands near the Polish border. The reserve is divided into two adjacent but distinct rock towns — Adršpach and Teplice nad Metují — connected by a marked trail through forest and gorge.
The landscape was sculpted by millions of years of erosion acting on Cretaceous sandstone, leaving behind a forest of free-standing columns, narrow slot canyons, natural arches, and small lakes. The tallest towers reach roughly 100 metres. The area was declared a National Nature Reserve and is the centrepiece of the Broumov Highlands Protected Landscape Area.
Despite its relatively remote location, the site is one of the most visited natural attractions in the Czech Republic, so arriving early or visiting on weekdays makes a meaningful difference to the experience. The trails are well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels, though some sections involve metal staircases and ladders fixed into the rock.
Before You Go
Visas
Czech Republic is a Schengen Area member state. For visa requirements specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Czech embassy.
Entry to the rock towns
Both Adršpach and Teplice rock towns charge an entry fee; verify current amounts at the ticket offices or on the official reserve website before visiting, as prices change seasonally. There is a separate fee for each rock town if you plan to visit both.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear with grip — paths can be wet, sandy, or slippery
- Layered clothing; gorges stay cool even in summer
- Cash; card acceptance at local facilities cannot be guaranteed
- A trail map or downloaded offline map (mobile signal is patchy inside the gorges)
Accessibility
The main loop trails in both rock towns include metal staircases and steep ladders. The areas are not wheelchair-accessible in their natural sections. A partial flat route exists around the Adršpach lake; verify extent locally.
Getting There
By train
Adršpach village is served by a regional railway line running from Trutnov through Teplice nad Metují to Adršpach. Trutnov is reachable by direct or connecting train from Prague (Hradec Králové is a common change point). Journey times and schedules vary; check the Czech national rail operator (České dráhy, cd.cz) for current timetables. The Adršpach station is a short walk from the rock town entrance.
By car
The most flexible option. Adršpach is roughly 160 km northeast of Prague via the D11 motorway and regional roads. Teplice nad Metují is a few kilometres away and has its own parking area. Both sites have paid car parks; these fill quickly on summer weekends and public holidays.
By bus
Regional bus connections exist from Náchod and Trutnov; verify schedules locally as services are infrequent. A car or train is more practical for most travellers.
Getting Around
Within the reserve, travel is exclusively on foot along marked trails. The two rock towns are linked by a longer through-trail (roughly 8–9 km one way including both circuits), or visitors can explore each site independently from its own entrance.
Colour-coded trail markers (Czech KČT system — red, blue, yellow, green) guide walkers through the gorges and along the ridges. Pick up a printed trail map at the entrance ticket office or download a map from Mapy.cz before entering, as GPS accuracy can be limited inside narrow gorges.
Rowboats are available for hire on the small lake at Adršpach during the operating season; verify availability locally. Outside the marked trails, access to the rock formations is restricted to protect the sandstone and nesting birds.
Where to Stay
Accommodation directly in Adršpach village is small-scale — guesthouses (penziony), holiday cottages, and a campsite. Teplice nad Metují offers a slightly broader choice including small hotels and pensions. Both villages are popular in summer and booking ahead — particularly for weekends from May to September — is advisable.
Náchod and Broumov are practical bases for travellers with a car who want more comfort and amenity options while still being within 30–40 minutes of the rocks. Verify current accommodation options and availability on standard booking platforms or the local tourist information offices.
Things to See & Do
Walk the Adršpach Rock Town
The main circular trail (approximately 4–5 km) passes the most iconic formations: the Lovers' Rock, the Sugar Loaf, and the rock gate known as the Fairy-Tale Valley entrance. The route includes viewpoints, narrow slot passages, and a small glacial lake where boat hire is sometimes offered.
Explore Teplice Rock Town
Larger in total area than Adršpach, the Teplice circuit takes longer to walk and offers a somewhat wilder, less-crowded atmosphere, particularly on its outer loops. Notable features include broad viewpoints over the forested highlands and a greater variety of rock shapes.
Rock climbing
The sandstone towers are a well-regarded climbing destination in Bohemia, with a long tradition of routes in the area. Climbing is subject to specific rules protecting the rock surface and nesting sites; check current regulations with the reserve administration before climbing.
Wildlife observation
The reserve is home to peregrine falcons, eagle owls, and other cliff-nesting birds. Seasonal closures of certain rock sections protect active nest sites; respect any posted signs. White-tailed deer and other forest wildlife are also present.
Photography
Morning light in the gorges and misty autumn days produce particularly atmospheric conditions. A wide-angle lens is useful in narrow passages; a telephoto helps with wildlife and distant towers from viewpoints.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options within the reserve itself are limited to seasonal refreshment stands and a small café near the Adršpach entrance. Do not rely on these being open outside peak summer months.
Teplice nad Metují village has a handful of restaurants and pubs serving standard Czech cuisine — pork-based dishes, svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), goulash, and locally brewed beer. Adršpach village is very small; choices are minimal.
For a wider selection, Náchod (approximately 25 km southwest) is the nearest town with a full range of restaurants, supermarkets, and cafes. Packing a lunch and snacks for a full day in the rocks is a practical choice.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers
The standard European emergency number 112 works throughout Czech Republic. Mountain Rescue Service (Horská služba) operates in highland regions; their national number is 1210. Verify current contact details before your visit.
Mobile coverage
Signal inside the deeper gorges is unreliable. Download offline maps (Mapy.cz is well-suited to Czech trails) before entering.
Toilets
Facilities are available at the entrance ticket points. Inside the reserve, facilities are limited to a small number of marked stops.
Opening season
Both rock towns operate on a seasonal schedule with restricted or no access in the off-season. Verify exact opening dates and hours on the official reserve website or at the local tourist information centre in Teplice nad Metují before planning your visit.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on a lead in some sections; verify current rules at the entrance, as restrictions may apply near nesting zones.
Safety
The sandstone rock faces are fragile and can crumble unexpectedly. Do not climb or lean on formations outside designated climbing routes, and keep children away from unguarded edges.
Metal staircases and ladder sections on the trails can become slippery in rain or frost. Appropriate footwear is not optional. In winter, ice can form in shaded gorges even when surface conditions seem dry.
The gorges are narrow and can funnel water rapidly during heavy rain. In the event of a severe thunderstorm, exit the gorge sections and seek open ground or shelter away from tall isolated formations.
Cell coverage is poor inside the gorges. If hiking independently, inform someone of your route and expected return time.
