Divoká rokle

Divoká rokle ("Wild Ravine") is a protected natural monument on the eastern edge of Ústí nad Labem, in the Mojžíř district of the Czech Republic. It lies within the Bohemian Central Highlands Protected Landscape Area (CHKO České středohoří) and forms part of the Porta Bohemica Natura 2000 site. The location combines rare geological value with a wild, hard-to-reach rocky ravine landscape.

What makes this site protected?

The reason for protection is a unique rock outcrop — the detachment surface of an old landslide, exposing a sequence of volcaniclastic rocks up to 200 meters thick. These rocks were deposited in a bowl-shaped depression of the pre-volcanic relief. In practice, this means the ravine reveals rock layers formed by Tertiary volcanic activity, making it a significant site for understanding the development of rift structures in the region.

What kinds of rock formations are found here?

Divoká rokle exposes several types of volcaniclastics, including hyaloclastites and hyaloclastite breccias of varying grain size. These rocks accumulated during volcanic activity as they gradually filled a depression more than 100 meters deep, cut into Cretaceous sandstones and once flooded by a lake. In the upper part of the site, erosion has also exposed vein rocks such as comptonite, monchiquite and bostonite. This geological diversity makes the location valuable for researchers studying the history of volcanism in the area.

What does the ravine itself look like?

Divoká rokle is a steep, difficult-to-traverse ravine lined with bizarrely shaped rock formations. It is also home to valuable steppe flora, adding to the site's natural significance. The combination of rugged terrain and rare plant species creates a landscape quite different from the region's typical, gentler hiking trails.

How can you get to Divoká rokle?

Access to the site is somewhat difficult, as it is not marked by any official hiking trail. The recommended approach is via an unmarked path located north of the Mojžíř railway station. Because of the steep and rocky terrain, visiting requires caution and appropriate footwear.

Frequently asked questions

Is Divoká rokle marked as a hiking trail? No, the area has no official marked trail. Reaching it requires following an unmarked path, usually starting near the Mojžíř railway station.

Why is this site protected? Because of its unique geological outcrop — a landslide detachment surface exposing volcaniclastic rocks up to 200 meters thick, important for studying the region's volcanic history.

What else can be found in Divoká rokle besides the rock formations? Beyond its unusual rock formations, the area hosts valuable steppe vegetation, which is rare in this part of the Czech Republic.

Where exactly is this location? On the eastern edge of Ústí nad Labem, in the Mojžíř district, within the Bohemian Central Highlands Protected Landscape Area and the Porta Bohemica Natura 2000 site.