About this place
Čertovy hrady is a small but strikingly scenic nature monument a few kilometers southwest of Dvůr Králové nad Labem, in the Trutnov district of the Podkrkonoší region. The protected area covers only 1.89 hectares, yet it packs in some of the more distinctive rock formations found in this part of the country.
What makes up Čertovy hrady?
At its core lies an extensive boulder field together with sandstone outcrops formed from Upper Cretaceous, Cenomanian sedimentary rock. The continuity of this boulder field was in fact the main reason the site was granted protected status. Weathering and erosion carved the hard sandstone layers into blocks, walls, and crevices with varied, often fantastical shapes.
Where does the name come from?
Among the rock blocks visitors can spot formations resembling human faces, along with narrow, dark crevices and openings that seem to lead deep underground. The most recognizable of these is often described as a "gateway to hell" — and it is this formation that gave the whole site its name, referencing the devil (čert) and the castle-like rock masses (hrady) that the formations resemble from a distance.
Nature within the reserve
The rocky maze is covered with mixed vegetation, including a scattering of old beech trees. The poor, stony soil and the specific microclimate found between the boulders favor plants and lichens typical of rocky habitats, distinct from the managed forests surrounding the site.
A long history of protection
The area was granted legal protection back in 1949, making it one of the older protected natural sites in the region. Since then, this status has helped preserve both the unique rock formations and the accompanying vegetation in a largely natural state.
How to get there
A well-marked hiking trail leads to Čertovy hrady, suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers. The site is a popular destination for residents of Dvůr Králové nad Labem and the surrounding area, combining scenic value with an opportunity for active time outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Čertovy hrady reserve? The protected area covers 1.89 hectares.
Since when has the site been protected? Legal protection was established in 1949.
What is the site best known for? A continuous field of sandstone boulders featuring formations that resemble faces and openings linked to a "gateway to hell," which gave the site its name.
Can it be reached by bike? Yes, the trail is also accessible to mountain bikes, though the rocky terrain calls for caution.
How far is Čertovy hrady from Dvůr Králové nad Labem? The reserve lies about 4 kilometers southwest of the town.
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