Viklan, Natural monument in Bochov, Czech Republic.
Viklan is a protected rocking stone called Dominik, a block of porphyritic biotite granite about 3.5 m long, 1.5 m wide and 2 m high, with a round hollow on top. It stands on a gentle slope at 630 m above sea level, roughly 2 km north of Javorná and 1 km northeast of Rybničná, part of Bochov.
The rocking stone called Dominik was already unstable enough to be swayed by strong wind in the past. Its side bears the carved name "Dominic" and the years 1776 and 1796. The site was declared a natural monument in 1979, protecting the 0.02-hectare locality at 630 m above sea level.
The stone bears the carved name "Dominic" and the years 1776 and 1796, and later amateur carvings have been added by visitors. Legends link the round hollow on top to old pagan sacrificial rites, though it is most likely a natural rock basin. Attempts to topple the stone have so far failed.
The formation remains accessible year-round via marked hiking trails leading from the nearby town of Bochov, where parking is available. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the paths and terrain can be uneven.
The boulder is a porphyritic biotite granite block about 3.5 m long, 1.5 m wide and 2 m high, with the name "Dominic" and the years 1776 and 1796 carved into its side. Historical records note that it was once far less stable, and a strong wind alone could rock it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,522 contributors worldwide.