*Short walks amongst the amazing Adršpach Rocks: 5 km*

Short walks amongst the amazing Adršpach Rocks: 5 km

The Adršpach rocks are amongst the most spectacular sandstone formations anywhere in Europe. The ease of accessibility also make them one of the most popular sites in the country, which has resulted in a somewhat tourist oriented infrastructure, with fast food outlets etc. But that is on the outside of the rock area. Once inside, it is a different world. The soaring sandstone pillars, the dramatic rock walks and the reflections in the Pískovna lake, should make the tourist kiosks feel like a distant memory.
A full circuit of the Adršpach-Teplice rocks takes several hours, and is quite a strenuous walk (see here for a suggested full circuit itinerary). In contrast, exploring just the Adršpach section involves relatively easy paths, accessed almost directly from the car park/train station and the main sights can be visited in no more than a couple of hours.
The regional train, starting at Trutnov, stops at Adršpach station, for those preferring to avoid driving. Note that entrance to the rocks requires an entrance ticket and access is now restricted to a maximum number in any one time period. In peak periods all tickets can be sold out in advance. It is therefore best to book tickets on line in advance of the trip, at least during the peak summer period.
Any tour in the Adršpach rocks should really start with the short 1 km circuit of the beautiful lake. This should whet the appetite for the dramatic towers and rock formations further on the trail.
The initial section of the trail through the initial section of rocks is flat and suitable for buggies, although it is not possible to complete a circuit as there are several substantial step sections on the circular route.
There is even an (optional) short boat trip on the Adršpašské jezírko, to enjoy the rock walls and banter of the boatman as he describes the scenery. This requires climbing and descending some additional step sections.
The full circuit of the rocks, and the lake, totals 4.7 km and involves 330m of climbing/descent on good sandy paths, with some relatively steep step sections on the return leg. There is an option to skip some the steeper step sections by taking a short cut on the return loop (see comments below).
There are no refreshment areas directly within the rock areas (although a new refreshment stand may be open just before leaving the Adršpach rock area – map point 14). On leaving the Adršpach rocks there are several fast food outlets, but there are several traditional restaurants within a short walk of the main entrance.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

Start the route at the Adršpašské skály entrance. This is immediately next to the train station, and a short walk from the large (paid) parking areas. It is also necessary to buy a ticket for entrance to the rock areas throughout the year.
Enter the rock area, initially on the GREEN trail. The Pískovna lakeshore is just a few steps away from the entrance gate. At the shore, take the BLUE trail circuit anticlockwise around the lake. This is a 1km circuit
After circling the lake rejoin the GREEN trail and turn left heading into the main rock areas
After 300m, reach the signpost of U cukrové homole, where the GREEN trail branches in two. Take the left hand branch in the direction of U trpaslíku
After 800m reach the signpost of Adršpašské skály – trpaslík. Here there is an option to take a short (paid) boat trip on the hidden Adršpašské jezírko lake (April to October only) . This involves several extra step sections. The short boat ride is hosted by an entertaining boatman
If taking this optional trip, follow the YELLOW trail for 200m to reach the ticket office (beside the steps) and follow the instructions for accessing the boat. After completing the trip return to the Adršpašské skály – trpaslík signpost.
Here, take the GREEN trail in the direction of U cukrové homole. After 400m reach the Skalní kaple junction. Here there is an option to skip the steeper rock step sections by turning right onto the YELLOW trail, which offers a short cut, but this does miss some of the best viewpoints!
Continuing on the GREEN trail the route climbs up again at the top of the steps there is a short diversion to the Vyhlídka Velké panoráma – which is well worth taking, for one of the best viewpoints in the rocks
From the viewpoint, continue on the GREEN trail with short step sections and then an open meadow path to return back to the signpost of U cukrové homole
At the cukrové homole signpost, turn left on the GREEN trail in the direction of Pískovna to return back to the lake and back through the main entrance.