Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area

Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area stretches across the northeastern edge of the Czech Republic, right along the Polish border, in the Hradec Králové Region. Covering roughly 430 km², it has held protected status since 1991 and safeguards one of the most distinctive sandstone landscapes in Central Europe. The name comes from the town of Broumov, the historical and administrative hub of the region.

What makes this landscape unique

The defining feature of Broumovsko is its cretaceous sandstone relief — sprawling rock towns, table mountains, and cuestas (asymmetric ridges formed by layers of rock with varying hardness). These rock formations cover more than 30 km² in total, with individual walls and towers reaching up to 100 meters in height. The area is also home to the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks nature reserve, spanning 17 km² and ranking among the largest sandstone rock cities in Central Europe.

Landscape and nature

Broumovsko is a mosaic of forests, meadows, and deep gorges carved by sandstone erosion over millions of years. The microclimate found in the narrow rock crevices and shaded outcrops supports vegetation typically associated with cooler, mountainous environments, even though the region itself sits at a relatively modest elevation. This mix of habitats — from dry, sun-exposed rock tops to damp gorge floors — makes the area valuable not just visually but ecologically.

Cultural heritage

Beyond its natural features, Broumovsko preserves notable cultural heritage, particularly religious and folk architecture. Surrounding villages retain historic churches and roadside chapels, while traditional rural buildings reflect the shared architectural traditions of the Czech-Polish borderland. Centuries of proximity to the border have shaped the region's culture, visible both in its architecture and in the history of its settlement.

Who is it for

Broumovsko appeals mainly to hikers and cyclists, photographers drawn to unusual rock formations, and travelers looking for quieter trails than those found in the Czech Republic's more crowded mountain regions. An extensive network of marked paths winds through the most striking parts of the rock cities, suitable for short walks as well as multi-day trips.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Broumovsko located? In the northeastern Czech Republic, in the Hradec Králové Region, directly along the border with Poland.

Since when has the area been protected? It has held protected landscape area status since 1991.

How large is the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area? Approximately 430 km².

What is the main attraction of the region? Its sandstone rock cities, including the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks reserve, with formations reaching up to 100 meters in height.

Does the region have cultural significance? Yes, it preserves valuable religious and folk architecture typical of the Czech-Polish borderland.