- Kokořín Castle on a sandstone spur
- The Devil's Heads near Želízy, giant faces carved by Václav Levý
- Kokořínsko: forest, valleys and rock labyrinths
- About an hour from Prague, not a whole day on the road
A castle, a forest and two heads in the rock
Kokořín is about an hour north of Prague. The castle sits on a sandstone spur above the village, and in the same area, near Želízy, two giant heads are carved in the stone: the Devil's Heads by the sculptor Václav Levý, from the mid-nineteenth century. The day joins both, without a long drive and without a tourist coach.
Who it suits
A day that wants nature and a castle, without ten hours on the road. Children tend to like the heads in the rock. It also works if you have already done Karlštejn and want a different direction out of Prague.
Practical notes
- Best for
- A castle and nature in one day, without a long drive
- Best season
- Spring to autumn is comfortable for walking. In winter we check castle hours
- Walking
- Forest paths and sandstone trails, with the option to shorten
- With kids
- Yes, the castle and the sculptures work well with children
- Worth packing
- Comfortable shoes for the path, A layer for the woods, even in summer
Sample itinerary
01
North of Prague
About 50 km, around an hour. On the way, a short briefing on Kokořínsko, a landscape of valleys and sandstone north of Prague.
02
The Devil's Heads
A stop at Želízy. A short walk from the car park to the two heads in the rock, and if time allows to more of Levý's carvings in the woods.
03
Kokořín Castle
The castle sits on a rock above the village. Courtyard, views, and an interior visit if it is open. Then time to eat nearby.
04
A short path in the woods
If energy allows, a short walk among the sandstone formations of Kokořínsko. If not, we head back to Prague earlier.
05
Back to Prague
An hour back, usually with afternoon light still left in the city.
