A MOST STUNNING HIKE NEAR PRAGUE: STECHOVICE

South of the Czech capital, a magnificent island arises along the waters of Vltava. Stechovice is one of our favourite hikes around Prague. Partly, because it is easy to reach but also because it sucks visitors into its ban from the very first step. Follow us on a forest trail along the river and learn more about Czech holiday culture.

It is a short bus ride that takes us to the foot of Štěchovice's impressive rock formations, towering over the Vltava river. Getting off of the vehicle, it is apparent that this is not the city no more. Alleys of trees, several bridges allowing hikers to cross the river and a small church welcomes us in the little town. We follow the trail through a town street, passing by a playground and mounting a steep staircase up to the entrance to our adventure in the woods.

A steep first bit leads us to the riverfront, the trails starts to get more and more narrow. Lovely, wooden cottages make us wish we had the possibility to spend a night in this bit of the world; but the journey must go on. As much as we are enchanted by the buildings popping up in random areas of the leafy, colorful forest, so are the Czechs. Many families own or have inherited cottages out of the city. And they make use of their property in the woods: It is common to spend a weekend away from the metropolis with the family and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Marveling at the centuries old constructions helps forgetting the steep incline.

We make it to the first lookout and finally get an idea of the area and its surroundings. Vyhlídka Máj (May view), a well-known lookout, arises in the far back of the rock formations, cut off to our side by the calm river. Then comes one of many descends. The path is winding its way down to the waterfront, where a bath is a must do when visiting in summer. Before us lays an oasis, covered by the branches of the surrounding trees and a forest stream flowing into the river beneath. Even in winter, this place is a magical find: Covered in snow and ice floes, the little bay turns into a winter wonderland. But beware of too much marveling: The path is slippery and wet when trotting on it in autumn or winter.

The pattern of the trail keeps its winding course and gives us both view of the river as well as the forest, as we turn right and left and breathe in the clear spring air. Everything around is is blossoming and we spot not a single soul on our hike. We climb another hill - which is only accessible for climbers in winter due to ice and snow. As we ascend, we see several cottages covering the area and as we descend the rather small hill find the entrance to what seems to be Eden. Green grass, tall firs and a fireplace sit next to the bay, letting us take in the massive rock formations of Vyhlídka Máj. We wonder why so many people pilgrim to the other side of our resting spot, since this seems a way more desirable view to have.

We take in the spring sun and pick-nick next to a nose-piece. Rested and ready to continue our adventure, we pass what appears to be a settlement of ancient cottages and - again - ascend and descend several times, walk by the riverside, then steeply follow the trail up. What arises in front of us is a gem that we did not expect: Polygonal rock formations raising to the sky, combining water and air with their existence. The trail leads us through this magnificent wonderland of nature's artwork. Then everything goes dark. We find ourselves in a cave tunnel that brings us further up back into the forest.

Our last bit of the hike is an easy walk along the Vltava. Mossy pathways and blossoming trees, the humming of bees and a spring breeze surrounds us. The trail slowly finds its way back to civilization and shortly after we passed some rather modern family houses a dam arises in front of us. "Are we meant to climb that thing?", I am wondering but then seeing a different way out. And of course: It is another steep ascend via a staircase that leads us back to our bus stop and from there within 50 minutes back to the city.

Štěchovice is a truly great day trip and easy to reach. No matter what season you are visiting, the place is never crowded and thus a perfect spot to clear your mind, marvel at Mother Nature and of course getting some clear air into your lungs and a pleasant ache in your legs.

DIRECTIONS

From the Smichov train station, take bus no. XY towards "Stechovice". Be sure to have CZK 48.00 ready to hand the bus driver. Your approximately 30 minutes long journey ends at the main bus stop "Stechovice". From the bus stop, follow the street to your right hand side (across the bridge). Follow the street till its dead end and look out for the staircase to your right. From here on, you simply follow the blue trail through the magical forest South of Prague.

HIKE INFORMATION

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours (incl. transport)
Starting point: Smíchovské nádraží, Prague / Štěchovice Bus Stop
End point: Štěchovice, Třebenice

Hiking route: Štěchovice - Naučná stezka Svatojánské proudy - Vyhlidka Maj - Ferdinandův sloup - Stechovice, Trebenice

Gear: Hiking boots or boots with a good profile, Lunch, Water

IN SHORT

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS HIKE

• Ideal day trip from Prague

• Reachable by bus

• Beautiful scenery

• Winding path along the Vltava River

• Picnic area with possibility to swim in river