Pekelský vodopád

Pekelský vodopád is a small but scenic waterfall on the border between the village of Žežice and the Ústí nad Labem district of Krásné Březno, in northern Bohemia. It drops in a single stage from a height of roughly 7 metres over an edge of basalt bedrock, set inside a deciduous forest growing on the steep slopes of a narrow gorge. It is not one of the country's largest waterfalls, but it is considered one of the most attractive around Ústí nad Labem, drawing both locals and visitors looking for a short, rewarding walk close to the city.

Where exactly is it located?

The waterfall sits in the valley of the Pekelský potok (the "Hellish Stream"), between Žežice to the south and Krásné Březno to the north. The nearest settlement is Mlýniště, whose name hints at a former mill, though no written evidence confirms one ever stood there. Geologically, the whole area belongs to the České středohoří (Central Bohemian Uplands), a range of volcanic origin, which explains the dark basalt rock forming the waterfall's ledge.

How do you get there?

A marked hiking trail (yellow markers) follows the Pekelský potok from the Krásné Březno side straight to the waterfall. The path runs through a picturesque gorge with steep walls, making the walk enjoyable in its own right, regardless of the final destination. A longer, popular variant links the chateau in Krásné Březno, the Fričova stezka (Frič's trail), the waterfall itself, the nearby Fričova vyhlídka viewpoint, and continues on to Žežice and Dobětice. Another nearby lookout worth combining with the visit is Erbenova vyhlídka, in the same range of hills.

What will you see there?

The waterfall itself is modest in scale but visually striking: water tumbles in a single drop over the edge of dark basalt rock, forming a foamy cascade set against the greenery of the surrounding deciduous forest. Flow strongly depends on weather, typically ranging between 20 and 25 litres per second, which means the waterfall can look considerably thinner after dry spells than after rain or snowmelt. The best visual effect therefore comes in spring or after prolonged rainfall. The setting itself — a deep, shaded gorge with steep walls — is a natural attraction on its own, standing in contrast to the nearby urban edges of Ústí nad Labem.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring is the most rewarding season, when melting snow and more frequent rainfall boost the stream's flow while the forest is only beginning to leaf out, making the cascade easier to observe. In summer, especially after dry weeks, the waterfall can appear quite modest. In autumn, the deciduous forest around the gorge turns to warm colours, making the walk visually rewarding even if the water flow itself is lower.

Frequently asked questions

Is the waterfall large? No — it's a small, single-stage waterfall about 7 metres high, but the basalt rock and gorge setting make it a picturesque sight nonetheless.

Where's the best starting point for the walk? The most convenient access is via the yellow-marked trail from Krásné Březno, following the Pekelský potok stream.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes — nearby viewpoints Fričova vyhlídka and Erbenova vyhlídka are easy additions, and the route can be extended to Žežice and Dobětice.

Does the waterfall flow all year round? Flow depends heavily on rainfall — it can be very weak after dry periods, so spring or right after rain is the best time to visit.