Pekařova brána

Pekařova brána is a small yet remarkable piece of road engineering in the village of Vyskeř, in the Liberec region, right in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj). It holds the title of the shortest road tunnel in the Czech Republic, carved directly into a sandstone rock locally known as the Monk, on a third-class road (III/27926) below the hamlet of Lažany, roughly 5 km north of the town of Sobotka.

How was the rock tunnel created?

The story of Pekařova brána goes back to the early 20th century, when a new road was being built to connect nearby settlements. Construction workers ran into a massive sandstone rock standing directly in the planned route. Rather than removing it entirely, they chose a solution that preserved the striking formation: a passage in the shape of a Gothic arch was carved straight through the rock, while at the same time stairs were cut into the stone leading up to the top. The tunnel opened to traffic in 1914 and has served as a functioning road passage ever since.

Why is it the shortest tunnel in the country?

Pekařova brána measures only about 4 meters in length, making it the shortest road tunnel in the Czech Republic. The clearance height inside reaches 4.9 meters, but because of the broken-arch shape, the actual permitted vehicle height is limited to 3.8 meters. That means drivers of taller vehicles need to take extra care when passing through this compact stone gateway.

Where does the name come from?

The name Pekařova brána refers to a historic hiking trail that once ran through this exact spot, connecting Kost Castle with Valdštejn Castle. That trail was named after Josef Pekař, one of the most prominent Czech historians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is his name that the gate carries to this day.

What can visitors see on site?

The passage itself is only part of the appeal. Steps carved into the rock lead up to the top of the formation, offering a partial view over the valley of the Žehrovka stream — a scenic corner of Bohemian Paradise known for its sandstone outcrops and dense forests. The site is also popular among rock climbers, with four established climbing routes marked on the rock, each carrying its own local name.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Pekařova brána located? The tunnel lies in the cadastral area of the municipality of Vyskeř, in the Semily district of the Liberec region, on road III/27926 below Lažany, about 5 km north of Sobotka.

Can all cars pass through the tunnel? No — due to the shape of the arch, the maximum permitted vehicle height is 3.8 meters, even though the tunnel's clearance reaches 4.9 meters.

When was the tunnel built? The rock passage was opened to traffic in 1914, during the construction of a road linking the surrounding villages.

Can you climb to the top of the rock? Yes, stairs carved into the stone lead to the top of the formation, from where there is a view over the Žehrovka valley.

Is the site popular with climbers? Yes, four climbing routes have been established on the rock, making Pekařova brána a notable spot for rock climbing enthusiasts as well.