Prachov Rocks, Nature reserve in Holín, Czech Republic
Prachov Rocks is a nature reserve in Holín where sandstone formations rise up to 90 meters (295 feet) across 262 hectares of forested terrain. The rocks form towers, walls and narrow passages that create a maze of stone structures scattered throughout the protected area.
Prachov Rocks were formed from sandstone deposited by a shallow Cretaceous sea, later carved by wind and rain into towers and walls. Slavic tribes used the rock area as a natural fortress, and settlements stood inside it until wars destroyed them. The Šlik family held the estate from 1637 until nationalization in 1948, and the rocks became a state nature reserve in 1933.
The rocks were popularised by a song of the same name by Ivan Mládek. Three sightseeing circuits lead past named viewpoints, and the natural pool Pelíšek lies in the middle of the rock area. Climbers may leave the marked paths if they are members of ČHS or another UIAA organisation.
Two marked circuits guide visitors through the reserve, with the shorter route taking about 45 minutes and the longer one covering roughly 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles). Seven observation points along the trails offer different perspectives on the rock formations and surrounding landscape.
Some passages between the rock walls measure only 35 centimeters (14 inches) wide, forcing visitors to turn sideways to squeeze through the narrow gaps. These tight corridors formed through millions of years of natural erosion and weathering of the soft sandstone.
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