*A 15 km tour of the extraordinary Adršpach-Teplice Rocks (with shorter options)*

A 15 km tour of the extraordinary Adršpach-Teplice Rocks (with shorter options)

This is one of the most spectacular walks anywhere in the Czech Republic. Exploring the extraordinary Adršpach-Teplice rock formations feels like a visiting a lost world; a world inhabited by ancient creatures, living amidst the splendor of soaring pillars of quartz sandstone. Yes, this is a landscape that inspires the imagination!
It is, perhaps, appropriate that while the sand that created the Adršpach-Teplice rocks was being finely ground beneath the Cretaceous sea that covered the Bohemian basin some 85 million years ago, the last dinosaurs walked the earth. An occasional Iguanodon would not seem out of place in the rock labyrinths. Certainly, there are equally tall and dramatic sandstone pillars in other regions. Yet, the variety of shapes, forms and vistas in the Adršpach-Teplice area is unparalleled within such a small area in the Czech Republic.
There are many different ways to explore the Adršpach-Teplice rocks, from short 30 minute strolls to full day hikes. The 15 km circuit described below is possibly the best medium length tour of the rocks, and visits many of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area. Note that entrance to the rocks requires an entrance ticket and access (to the Adrspach section) 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.
The circuit can be started at the (very much tourist-focused) Adršpach side or preferably at the quieter Teplice nad Metují side. The description below assumes a start on the Teplice side, with the route being followed clockwise. However, it is equally possible to start at the huge car park area at Adršpach and follow the same circuit (note the ticket restriction mentioned above). The regional train line, starting at Trutnov, also allows access to both starting points by public transport.
There is an option to shorten the trip to 8 km by skipping the Adršpach section, but this is only recommended for those who already have visited Adršpach on a separate occasion (as these latter rocks are at least as impressive as in the Teplice section).
The highlights of this route include the (optional) ascent to the 14th century castle ruins of Střmen (with its excellent viewpoint), and generally weaving through the rock mazes. The route covers nearly all the main trails within both rock areas; the Teplice and the Adršpach. There is also an (optional) very short boat trip on the Adršpašské jezírko, to enjoy the rock walls and banter of the boatman as he describes the scenery.
The rock maze section finishes at the picturesque Pískovna lake (which may optionally be circled on the 1.2 km blue trail, which is worthwhile for the super views) and the final part of the walk is a flat path outside the rock areas, following the railway line and Metuje stream from Adršpach station to Teplice nad Metují, offering continuous views of the rock walls.
The Teplice section (tackled first in the recommended route) has significantly more ascents than the (slightly) flatter paths within the Adršpach section. This is quite a strenuous walk, although the paths are good, with steep step sections in places, and a total of 580m height gained/lost on the 15 km tour.
There are no refreshment areas within the rock areas, so take enough water for the first 10 km (although a new refreshment stand may be open just before leaving the Adršpach rock area – map point 13). On leaving the Adršpach rocks there are several fast food outlets (and tourist shops), but for a more relaxed stop, try the Skalní Mlýn restaurant, situated on the Metuje stream, 1.7 km from the Teplice rocks 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 Teplické skály entrance. This is 300m south of the Teplice nad Metují skály station, if travelling by train. There is a (paid) car park just beside the entrance. It is necessary to buy a ticket for entrance to the rock areas
Enter the Teplice rock area, following the BLUE hiking trail. After 900m there is a steep step section leading up to the 14th century ruins of Střmen. Diverting up these steps for the 30m climb to the ruin is worthwhile for the view at the top
From the steps below Střmen, continue a further 900m along the BLUE trail, until reaching the maintain hut (signpost Býv. horolezecká chata). Here, take the left hand fork of the BLUE trail, heading in the direction of Martinská stěna
Follow the trail which rises steeply through the rock canyons to reach the Teplické skály – Krápníky trail junction after 1.2 km
At the Krápníky junction, turn left onto the GREEN in the direction of Záboř (which is reached after 700m on this trail)
At the Záboř signpost, turn right onto the BLUE trail and walk for 1.4 km to reach the signpost of U Roklin
At U Roklin there is an optional diversion to the right to visit the attractive viewpoint (involves a 25m climb)
From the U Roklin signpost continue 1.4km downhill on the BLUE trail to reach the junction of Vlčí rokle – Pod Sedmi schody. Here, turn left onto the YELLOW trail in the direction of Adršpach
Note: to shorten the total trip to 8 km, skipping the Adršpach section, turn right onto the YELLOW trail in the direction Stříbrný pramen, and after 1.1 km rejoin the outbound BLUE trail and exit the rocks area through the Teplice entrance
For the full tour, turning left on the YELLOW trail, follow the trail for 2.1 km until reaching the small ticket office by the steps. These steps lead up to a hidden lake on which a short (paid) boat trip may be made across the lake (only from April to October). The short boat ride is hosted by an entertaining boatman. If taking this optional detour it involves a climb up two sets of steps, and a return back along the YELLOW trail to the ticket office
From the boating ticket office, continue on the YELLOW trail for a further 200m to reach the junction and signpost of Adršpašské skály – trpaslík. Here, turn left onto the GREEN trail in the direction of U cukrové homole
The trail 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 reach the signpost of U cukrové homole
At the signpost, turn left on the GREEN trail in the direction of Pískovna. The edge of the lake is reached after 300m on this trai (there is an optional 1.2 km circuit of this picturesque lake on the BLUE trail, which is highly recommended)
From the lake, continue for 200m on the GREEN trail through the entrance area and cross the railway line to reach the signpost of Adršpašské skály – vstup. Here, turn right onto the RED trail in the direction of Teplice
Follow this easy and attractive trail (which is also a cycle path) for 3.9 km back to the Teplice rocks car park (or 3.6 km to the train station). Note: 2.1 km from the Adršpach rocks entrance area is the restaurant of Skalní Mlýn, a good spot for a deserved refreshment break.

Note: If starting the walk at Adršpach, follow the circuit in the same direction as described above, but start with the flat walk on the RED trail alongside the railway track to reach Teplice, and enter the rock areas at the same entry point as noted above.