Blaustein, Rock near Svoboda nad Úpou, Czech Republic
Blaustein is a rock formation near Svoboda nad Úpou, a small town in the Krkonoše mountains of the Czech Republic. It sits on a hillside and stands out clearly against the surrounding forested slopes.
The rock got its German name during the centuries when German-speaking settlers lived throughout this part of Bohemia. After World War II, most German-speaking residents left the region, but place names like this one were kept.
The name "Blaustein" is German for "blue stone," a reminder that this area was once home to German-speaking communities. Visitors who look closely at the rock may notice a faint bluish tint in the stone that likely gave it its name.
The rock can be reached on foot as part of the marked hiking trails around Svoboda nad Úpou. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, as the ground around the rock can be wet or uneven depending on the season.
The town of Svoboda nad Úpou was once one of the main producers of banknote paper in Central Europe, supplying many countries across the continent. This quiet rock in the hills stands in sharp contrast to that industrial past just a short walk away.
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