Klokočí U Turnova: Sandstone, Trails and Rotštejn

Klokočí U Turnova can be understood as a destination primarily through the sandstone landscape of the Klokočské skály, the route through the Klokočské průchody and the ruins of Rotštejn Castle. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, you can consider these topics as different focal points: geology, finding your way along a marked trail and history each offer a different way to get to know the area. Postojna–Amerika Cave adds a specific seasonal condition to the nature theme.

Sandstone landscape and rock formations

The Klokočské skály Nature Reserve encompasses an exceptionally large, continuous rock complex of Cretaceous origin, as well as the remains of a relict pine forest. The Klokočské skály are one of the fourteen unique sandstone areas in the Český ráj Geopark, also known as rock cities because of their appearance. Weathering of less resistant parts of the rock and other geomorphological processes have created caves, rock gates, tunnels, rock mushrooms and rock towers. The formations range from cavities and passages to a variety of rock shapes. If you are interested in the history of the Earth, you can consider the Cretaceous origin of the rock complex and the processes that created its formations as two distinct aspects of the landscape.

Hiking trail and the Klokočské průchody

A red-marked hiking trail leads from Klokočí through the Klokočské průchody to a trail junction. The Průchody are 70-metre-long rock stairways and provide access from the village of Klokočí to the Klokočské skály area. For orientation, it is worth distinguishing the trail route from the access point: the marked trail passes through the passages to the junction, while the rock stairways mark the entrance to the rocky area. A trade route passed through the Klokočské průchody as early as the Middle Ages. Two perspectives thus come together here: finding your way along a marked hiking trail and the historical significance of the passages as part of a medieval trade route.

Ruins of Rotštejn Castle

The romantic ruins of Rotštejn Castle lie at the very edge of the Klokočské skály Nature Reserve. From Klokočí, they provide an access point to the Klokočské skály. The castle was founded around 1250. Rotštejn can therefore be understood both in terms of its location on the edge of the nature reserve and its history. The Cretaceous origin of the rock complex and the castle’s foundation around 1250 represent very different timescales. Those interested in the connection between a natural area and a historic building will find two clearly distinct perspectives on the destination here.

Postojna–Amerika Cave: a seasonal feature

Postojna–Amerika Cave is located in Zelený důl and is the only accessible cave in the Klokočské skály. It is closed in winter because bats are breeding there. If you are planning to visit the cave, check the current conditions before setting out and take the winter closure into account. This makes the cave distinct from the more general experience of the rocky landscape: its seasonal restrictions are an integral part of planning a trip to the cave.

Discover more destinations: Horní Dusnice, Václaví, Prackov, Vyskeř, Háje Nad Jizerou, Levínská Olešnice, Hruba Skala, Mirova Pod Kozakovem

For the wider travel overview: Okres Semily.