📜 Explore the dramatic ruins of Falkenštejn, a 14th-century rock castle in Bohemian Switzerland. Discover unique rock-carved chambers, a chapel with a stone altar, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
🏰 Experience a medieval rock castle, also known as Sokolí hrad, with a rich history dating back to the 13th-14th century. 🏞️ Enjoy stunning panoramic views over Haťový důl and Havraní skála, and of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland from secure viewing platforms. 🚶♀️ Access improved with safe iron stairways and metal ladders, protecting the soft sandstone from erosion, suitable for those comfortable with heights. 🔄 Follow a newly created circular route for a better visitor experience. 💪 Challenge yourself with the ascent, which includes metal stairs and climbing between rocks. 👨👩👧👦 Ideal for families with children aged 4-5 years and older who are accustomed to uneven terrain and stairs; the steep but well-secured paths are manageable for small children, offering an adventurous climb. 🌅 Visit early morning or at sunset for the best experience, avoiding crowds and high temperatures. ✈️ Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Jetřichovické vyhlídky, Malá Pravčická brána, or the rock castle Šaunštejn.
⚠️ Exercise caution during wet or winter conditions, as rocks and ladders can become very slippery. 🚫 Adhere strictly to National Park rules: no littering, smoking, open fires, drones, camping, or overnight stays. 🚶♀️ The trail is not suitable for bicycles, strollers, or wheelchairs due to the terrain, steep stairways, and ladders.
💰 Entrance is free all year round. 🅿️ Parking: 150 Kč for a full day at Jetřichovické vyhlídky parking (card and cash accepted).
🍽️ A kiosk offering refreshments (snacks, lemonade, beer) is available at the Jetřichovické vyhlídky parking lot. 🍽️ The Tokáň hut, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes walk from the castle, offers good food at reasonable prices (cash only).
🚗 The starting point for the hike is the Jetřichovické vyhlídky parking lot. 🚶♀️ Easily reachable from Jetřichovice via marked yellow hiking trails (approx. 1 km). From the parking, follow the yellow-marked tourist trail for 0.5 km, which leads through metal stairs and rock passages to the castle. 🚴♀️ A section of bicycle route 3076 runs through Haťový důl below the castle.
🤝 The site is located within and managed under the regulations of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park Administration. 🏛️ Operated by the Municipal Office of Jetřichovice.
⏱️ Plan for a visit duration of approximately 1.5 hours.
📜 Originally founded in the late 13th or early 14th century, the castle guarded the Bohemian route to Meissen and Lusatia. Notable for its 1852 accessibility improvements by Vilemína Kinská and a major reconstruction of access stairs in 2017. 👻 Local legends tell tales of a haunted owner, a trapped Hussite captain, and a band of robbers.