Maštale

Maštale is a labyrinth of sandstone rock formations at the heart of the Toulovcovy Maštale nature reserve, right next to the village of Bor u Skutče in eastern Bohemia, on the border between the Chrudim and Svitavy districts. It's one of the most striking corners of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands — a dense network of narrow rocky ravines, passages and caves, wrapped in pine forest.

Where does the name come from?

The whole area takes its name from the legend of Vavřinec Toulovec, a robber knight said to have hidden here with his band among the rock crevices and hollows. Several sections of the labyrinth still carry names tied to that story and to everyday rural life — some rocky corridors were once likened to farm outbuildings, giving the whole formation its collective name "maštale" (literally, stables).

What to see

The best-known feature is Kolumbovo vejce (Columbus's Egg) — a massive boulder that touches the ground at such a small point that from a distance it looks as though a single finger could tip it over. It's one of the most visited spots in the entire reserve, alongside Dudychova jeskyně (Dudych's Cave) and a rock formation known as Petrovna. Trails weave through narrow passages and natural rock gateways that draw both hikers and families with children, especially in summer.

The Toulovcovy Maštale area has been protected as a nature reserve since 1993, safeguarding both the unusual rock formations and the surrounding forest ecosystem.

Getting there and what else to see nearby

The village of Bor u Skutče, home to roughly 180 permanent residents, sits right in the center of the microregion and serves as the natural starting point for exploring the rock labyrinth. On the village's southern edge, in a small patch of forest, there's also a natural bathing spot popular with visitors during the warmer months.

Near the Toulovcovy Maštale rocks stands a wooden-and-steel lookout tower, offering views — on clear days — over Skuteč, Rychmburk Castle, and even as far as Chrudim, Pardubice and the Orlické Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the reserve free? Yes, the area is open to the public and can be explored independently along the marked trails. Since it's a protected reserve, visitors should stick to the paths and avoid damaging the vegetation or rock formations.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the most interesting parts of the labyrinth, including a climb up to the lookout tower, typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the chosen route.

Is it suitable for families with children? Yes, most of the paths are technically easy, though narrow and rocky in places, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Children usually love Kolumbovo vejce and squeezing through the tight passages between the rocks.

What else can be combined with a visit? It's worth planning a longer day trip around the wider Toulovcovy Maštale area — the region has several other marked hiking junctions and a bathing spot near Bor u Skutče, making it easy to combine rock exploration with time by the water.