About this place
Andrejšky is a rocky ridge nature monument on the northwestern slope of Radyně hill, right next to the small town of Starý Plzenec in the Pilsen region of the Czech Republic. This quartzite rock ridge, stretching roughly 300 meters from north to south, ranks among the more notable geological features near Pilsen and forms one of the stops along the Starý Plzenec educational trail.
What is Andrejšky exactly?
The rocks forming the ridge rise between 5 and 15 meters and represent an insertion within Algonkian schists dating back to the Proterozoic era. Their jagged, sculpted present-day shape is the result of centuries of frost weathering, which split the hard rock into distinctive blocks and pinnacles. At the foot of the ridge lies a so-called stone sea — an extensive field of boulders created by the same weathering process.
Why is the site protected?
The area was granted protected status by decree of the Pilsen-South District National Committee in 1975. The goal is to preserve the exposed limestone-quartzite outcrops and the stone sea, which together form a landscape and geological feature typical of the Radyně highlands. The protected zone is quite small, covering just 2.015 hectares, at elevations ranging from 428 to 473 meters above sea level.
What plants and animals live there?
The rocks are covered with lichens, mosses, and ferns, while pines and birches have taken root in the crevices, giving the site a rugged yet picturesque character. The microclimate created by the shaded rock crevices and nooks also supports small animals, for which the rocky maze provides a natural shelter.
What can visitors do here?
Andrejšky is a popular spot among rock climbers, with several named climbing routes including Komínky, Hadí korunka, and Hříbek. The site is also suited to a quiet walk among the rocks and boulder fields, and its proximity to Starý Plzenec and to Radyně hill — home to the ruins of a medieval stronghold — makes it easy to combine a visit here with exploring the surrounding historic area.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Andrejšky located? On the northwestern slope of Radyně hill, right next to the town of Starý Plzenec in the Pilsen region.
How tall are the rocks? Individual rock formations reach between 5 and 15 meters in height.
Since when has the area been protected? It received nature protection status in 1975, by decision of the district national committee of the time.
Can you go climbing there? Yes, the site is popular among climbers, with several named climbing routes running through it.
How large is the protected area? It covers 2.015 hectares, at elevations between 428 and 473 meters above sea level.
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