A scramble amongst the sandstone rocks near Jestřebí to reach Pruský kámen viewpoint: 6 km
- Jestřebí is a small village located 5 km northwest of the famous resort lake Máchovo jezero. In medieval times, the area around Jestřebí was marshland, interrupted by one large sandstone rock formation, which towered over the surrounding marshes.
- Sometime towards the end of the 14th century, the sandstone formation was used to create a massive rock castle, which saw action during the Hussite Wars. Over subsequent centuries, the majority of the castle collapsed or was pillaged by local villagers to create their homes. Perhaps just a quarter of the old castle remains today, with access to the main platform through a remarkable neo-gothic tower staircase. The staircase apparently was constructed inside the castle’s former well.
- There are several options for walking trips visiting Jestřebí. One option is to start at Máchovo jezero and take a circular route through the sandstone rock gorges and then return through the sandy forests near the railway line. This 15 km trip is described on the following page.
- A shorter option is simply to catch the bus to Jestřebí or drive there and park near the main road. Once there, a visit to the castle is highly recommended for the ascent up through the tower and for the view from the level platform. However, this is a very short walk and an adventurous extension is to do a circuit through the nearest sandstone rock areas, culminating at Pruský kámen, which has a super view.
- The route up to the Pruský kámen is short but quite steep and can be a bit overgrown with shrubs, but persevere for a slightly wild expedition in the sandstone rocks. The return journey is easier and circles around the rocks, using a section of the Máchova cesta. The total route, including a visit to the castle, is 6.1 km long with 180 m of height to ascend-descend.
- Back in Jestřebí take a moment to visit one of the restaurants near the main road. Both the photogenic 17th century timbered Inn, Hostinec Na Rychtě, and it neighbor Restaurace Pod Habsteinem serve good food.
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
- From the edge of the village near the main road (where the parking areas, restaurants and bus stops are located) take the RED trail into the village and follow the signs to climb up to the castle, which is reached in 500m
- Return back to the main road, crossing it opposite the Inn, to continue on the RED trail (Máchovo cesta)
- After a 900m flat section the trail climbs steeply towards the sandstone rocks (part way up the climb there is a small diversion to a viewpoint)
- After climbing for 300mm the trail branches, with the GREEN trail continuing uphill. Take this path
- After 600m on the sometimes steep and narrow path reach the top of the rocks – Pruský kámen – for the view
- Continue over the summit descending easily for 750 until rejoining the RED trail
- Turn left onto the RED trail and follow it back for 2.6 km to return to the village
