Adršpach

Adršpach is a small municipality of around 500 residents in the Náchod District of the Hradec Králové Region, in the far northeast of the Czech Republic — and one of the country's most striking natural landmarks. The village gives its name to the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, the largest sandstone rock city in the Czech Republic, drawing hikers, climbers and photographers from across Europe.

What is there to see in Adršpach?

The main draw is a maze of tall, narrow sandstone towers and pillars shaped by centuries of erosion, spread through forest inside the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area. Marked paths squeeze through narrow gaps between the rock walls, passing lookout points and individually named formations that locals have christened over generations. The rock city is split into two connected sections — the Adršpach Rocks and, just across the boundary in the neighbouring village of Teplice nad Metují, the Teplice Rocks — and the two can be combined into one longer day route.

A highlight of any visit is a short ride in a wooden rowing boat across a small lake tucked between the cliffs, a quiet few minutes gliding past vertical rock faces that appeals to visitors of every age. Nearby, the ruins of a small former chateau that burned down in the early 20th century add a modest, atmospheric footnote to the landscape.

How do you get to Adršpach?

A local railway line running from Trutnov through Teplice nad Metují stops right at Adršpach station, a short walk from the main entrance to the rock city — the easiest option for travellers without a car. Drivers can use car parks near the trailheads, though these fill up quickly on summer weekends. From Prague or Wrocław, the journey typically takes two to three hours.

When is the best time to visit?

The main season runs from April to October; outside these months, parts of the trail network can close due to ice and the risk of rockfall. Early mornings and weekdays outside the peak summer weeks are noticeably quieter, since the rock city gets crowded fast in July and August. Autumn mist drifting between the towers gives the area a particularly photogenic mood.

Who is Adršpach best suited for?

The area suits hikers, landscape photographers and anyone after a slower pace among dramatic scenery, but it's also a serious destination for climbers — the soft sandstone towers have long been one of the Czech Republic's key climbing grounds, with a conservation-minded local ethic developed specifically to protect the fragile rock. Most walking trails are technically easy, though sturdy footwear helps on the frequently damp stone paths.

Frequently asked questions

Can the rock city be visited in a single day? Yes — the main walking route takes roughly two to four hours depending on pace and how many viewpoints you stop at.

Do you need to pay to enter the trails? Yes, entry to the Adršpach section of the rock city is ticketed, as is the boat ride; both are paid for at the entrance.

Is Adršpach suitable for families with children? Yes, the main trails are well marked and fitted with railings on steeper sections, and the boat trip is an easy, popular activity for younger visitors.

Can a visit be combined with Teplice nad Metují? Yes, a connecting trail links both rock cities, making it possible to plan a longer, full-day route without backtracking to the starting point.