*A circular route to some top Hřebeny viewpoints, starting from Dobřichovice: 16 km*

• This is an updated and enhanced version of one of the first walks in guide, circuits in the Hřebeny hills from Všenory, written in 2021. Since then, a new viewing tower has been constructed on a hill overlooking the Černolické rocks (Korunka rozheldna) and refreshment options have been improved, particularly in Dobřichovice. This version of the walk therefore switches the start and finish points from Všenory to Dobřichovice. It has also been upgraded to a starred *Top Walk*.
• Hřebeny is a surprisingly rocky ridge located to the south west of Prague, stretching from Zbraslav towards Dobřís, with the summit of Písek (691m) being the highest point. Geologically, the ridge is part of the Brdy highlands, made up of very old (400 to 600 million years old) sedimentary rock.
• Hřebeny has a slightly different character to the rest of the Brdy area, being somewhat lower in elevation. The Hřebeny forests are a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees that provide a colourful backdrop to a number of rocky outcrops, including Černolické skály and Hvíždinec.
• The Černolické rocks are one of the more famous climbing areas in the Prague vicinity, and also one of the oldest. Climbing guides date from at least 1905. The rock is hardened Ordovician quartz (approximately 450 million years old) with some marine fossil presence. It is not necessary to be an expert rock climber to reach the fine viewpoint at the top of the rocks; there is an easy approach path from the western side of the rocks
• In 2022, a new metal observation tower was constructed on the hill overlooking Černolické skály (Korunka rozhledna – deliberately constructed to lean by 7.5 degrees) adding to the options for panoramic viewpoints. All of these exceptional viewpoints are included in the 16 km tour described below.
• The route is outlined in the map and directions below as going clockwise starting at Dobřichovice station (frequent mainline trains from Prague, as well as a parking area). The route can also be done anticlockwise, but the outlined version is better as the yellow marked trail is quite steep and is best done in ascent. Other wise, the route is without difficulty, with most of the paths on rocky forest trails. There are around 340m of height to ascend and descend on this route. Note that the Černolické skály rocks are very polished and can be slippery – extreme care is needed if choosing to scramble up them.
• Take the time to walk around the stylish town of Dobřichovice, either before or after the circuit in the hills. The town’s dominant feature is impressive castle/chateau and the adjoining Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus. In the 13th century, the fortress and land surrounding the village of Dobřichovice was given to the recently founded Order of Crusaders of the Red Star. This Military Order was created in the mid 13th century in connection with the foundation of a Prague hospital by St Agnes, daughter of the King of Bohemia Ottakar I. This was the only male Order ever to be founded by a woman, and the only Order founded in Bohemia. The Order, which still owns the castle, rebuilt it several times, although it has a mostly Renaissance character. Various events are hosted throughout the year and there is a popular restaurant open year round.
• There are various other good options for refreshments in Dobřichovice, including the excellent Panská Zahrada restaurant (in the new hotel complex just west of the chateau – map point 10) and the Italian delicatessen/wine bar La Fontana (which serves good coffee and sandwiches – map point 11). On the route itself, try the new ÚZKÉ BISTRO, just off the main route in Černolice village – map point 6.

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

• Starting at Dobřichovice train station, walk along the access road for 1.2 km to join the YELLOW trail in Všenory
• Turn right onto the YELLOW trail and head steeply uphill for 2.4 km to reach the Korunka junction. Follow the signpost to the new viewing tower
• At the Korunka junction, turn left along the RED trail to visit Černolické skály, which are reached after 800m – note the final 100m of footpath to the rocks is slightly off the main trail – it is recommended to use the mapy.com phone application to find the best path
• Similarly, if wanting to visit the new ÚZKÉ BISTRO in Černolice village, this is also a diversion off the main path
• Return back to the Korunka junction after these diversions and take the RED trail in the direction of the U Šraňku, which is reached after 2.5 km
• At U Šraňku, turn right onto the BLUE trail which leads directly back to Dobřichovice. After 800m, there is a diversion sign to the Hvíždinec viewpoint – this is definitely worth taking. Note that the viewpoint itself is 50m after the first rock outcrop
• Return back to the BLUE trail and head downhill to reach the Berounka river after 3 km. If not aleady done cross the river to explore Dobřichovice, its castle and various restaurants
• Return back to the train station along the GREEN trail