📜 Hrad Vranov, also known as Pantheon, is a unique rock castle ruin perched high above the Jizera River in Malá Skála, Český ráj. It is considered the longest and most complex rock castle in the Czech Republic, featuring romantic 19th-century modifications.
🔍 Originally built in the early 15th century, it was later transformed into a memorial site by František Zachariáš Römisch, celebrating historical figures and artists.
☀️ Historical Exploration: Explore the extensive ruins of one of Bohemia's largest rock castles, including rock-carved cellars, staircases, and terraces.
🧗♀️ Rock Climbing: Experience unique sandstone climbing on "Panteon" with hard, dark sandstone and finger-hole holds, suitable for experienced climbers.
🏞️ Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views towards Drábovna, Sokol, and Suché skály from various viewpoints, including the tower near the Cross.
🏛️ Pantheon Memorial: Discover the romantic memorial site with monuments, urns, and plaques dedicated to significant cultural and political figures.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Access: Accessible via a pleasant forest staircase from Malá Skála, with a marked tour circuit through the rock complex.
🍽️ Refreshments: A kiosk is available for refreshments near the former castle chapel.
🦇 Bat Habitat: The castle is home to bats.
✈️ Nearby Attractions: Close to Maloskalský pivovar, Žlutá plovárna (for Jizera river activities), Frýdštejn Castle, Kalich Rock Labyrinth, Besedické skály, Kopanina Lookout Tower, and Rotštejn Castle.
⚠️ Climbing Difficulty: Climbing routes can be challenging, with some harder routes having only 3 fixed rings and easier ones none.
🚫 Climbing Restrictions: Strict rules apply: no climbing on wet sandstone, no disturbing nesting birds, use smooth-soled shoes or climb barefoot, no magnesium (except on central wall), no rope dragging, max 5 climbers per team, no Top Rope (generally), show climbing ID on request.
🅿️ Limited Parking: Parking directly near the climbing area is very limited and on private land; central village parking is recommended (20 min walk).
🗑️ Litter/Hygiene: Private land owner tolerates climbers if no mess is made, with concerns about human waste due to high visitor numbers.
🍽️ Food and dining options: Kiosk for refreshments near the former castle chapel. Maloskalský pivovar (brewery) is located under the castle by the main road.
🚗 Driving directions or parking info: Park at the central parking lot in Malá Skála. From the catchment parking (end of village towards Harrachov, left), it's approx. 0.5 km uphill via a pleasant forest staircase.
🚌 Public transport options: From Malá Skála train station, it's less than 2 km (approx. 2 km) along the red tourist mark.
🤝 Operating organization or contact info: Mobile: +420 734 264 226, E-mail: info@vranov-pantheon.cz, Internet: www.vranov-pantheon.cz