Apatyka

A narrow ravine adjacent, accessible from Močidla. Its name derives from its lush vegetation, namely herbs that can be found in plentiful bunches. As opposed to other localities, Apatyka is mainly characterized by considerable differences in temperature all year round. In the summer the temperatures have a tendency to drop here whereas in the winter it feels warmer.

Bludiště

A town carved in rock, 2,5 kilometers northwest of the town of Mšeno, close to village Romanov. This is one of the places of interest of the so called Mšeno circuit – the Cinibulk’s trail. The whole labyrinth is formed by rocky passes and chimneys squatting on blocks of sandstone, with a majestic rock formation called Tutanchamon standing guard nearby. Upon entering the labyrinth you have to climb several meters of sheer rock by stairs carved in the stone, with the assistance of chain railing. But do not get discouraged, the visit is truly worth the effort.

Cinibulkova stezka (Cinibulk’s Trail)

A local trail of the Czech Tourist Club (KČT) established as early as 1946, winding around Mšeno and presenting the tourist with many a rock formation and place of interest. The trail takes its name after the most ardent of promoters of the Kokořín region, Josef Bedřich Cinibulk.

Prolezovačky – Cavities in the local sandstone that are to be found a little further downhill from the village of Romanov. They are connected by narrow manholes, whose origin is attributed to a selective weathering away of ferruginous inlay.

Obraznice – This small man-made cave is located in the glen below the village of Romanov. A former hiding place and a stash of valuables (including canvas masterpieces) coming from the Romanov manorial seat.

Bludiště – Formed by several rocky passes as well as chimneys squatting on the local sandstone. A majestic rock formation called Tutanchamon stands sentinel nearby.

Průsečná skála – Wagon way cut deeply into the sandstone massif, formerly maybe even used by the Swedes during the Thirty Years’ War.

Obří hlava a Žába – Two sandstone formations bearing a striking resemblance to a giant head and a frog.

Čap

An observation deck formed by a sandstone cliff with an interesting rock formation and stronghold remains atop, not far from the village of Obrok, northwest of Dubá. The so-called Čapská palice - a mighty club formed by a slab of stone - is definitely a rare sight. This three-meter high formation resembling a huge “club” was born owing to the differences in hardness in the local rock and the pace of its weathering-away. Sticking out of the rock promontory, it offers a beautiful view. From here one can see parts of České středohoří (The Czech Highlands), Vlhošť – the highest mountain of the CHKO (Protected Landscape Area) Kokořín – as well as the hills surrounding Dubá. The stronghold was most probably built thanks to the view that one can get from the observation deck. Nowadays, a cellar hollowed out in the rock is all that has remained of the stronghold.

Čertovy hlavy (The Devil’s Heads)

Rock formation sitting upon a block of sandstone located right above the village Želízy, offering reliefs of two fairytale creatures’ heads - resembling perhaps the devil’s heads - carved in two hulking sandstone slabs. The author of this eye-catching handiwork is the sculptor Václav Levý, who used to sculp here in the 40s of the 19th century.

Drnclík

An elongated wooded peak (481 m) to the south of Houska. Formed by a sandstone bud raised by basaltic rock. Drnclík is one of the Housecké Hills - a group of hills peculiar for its highland-like appearance located in the surroundings of Houska, mostly sandstone buds, in places with Tertiary volcanic rock. These count the following: Zámecký Vrch (453 m), Drnclík, Uhelný Vrch (451 m), Lipový Vrch (471 m) and Špičák (482 m). Only Zámecký Vrch, however, offers some decent view, since the other peaks are overgrown with trees. Eventually, it is the lookout tower perched atop Vrátenská Mountain that provides the tourist with the best view of these hills.

Had (Snake)

A rock formation squatting west of the village of Tupadly, namely by the crossroads of signposted paths running through Liběchov forests. The little relief depicts a snake cut in two by an axe. Another work of the sculptor Václav Levý from Liběchov, today, thanks to vandalism, in a rather desolate condition, though.

Harfenice

A sandstone slab northwest of the village Želízy, located near a wide wood path winding in the Liběchov forests. Several reliefs carved into the stone represent a figure holding onto a harp (whose head has been damaged), called Harfenice. Another five faces, done in sandstone as well, can be found to its right. Part of the whole sculpture is even a small cave, along whose outer wall runs a flight of stairs which will take you to the top of the rock. The relief is yet another work of the sculptor Václav Levý from Liběchov.

Hřídelík

A slab of rock, south of the village of Blíževedly (outside the boundary of the CHKO Kokořínsko, a Protected Landscape Area), with a ruined castle. The most interesting sight here is a corridor carved into the sandstone, with a flight of stairs leading to the top of the rock bud. The first mention of the castle dates as early as the year 1292, referring to it as a Prague bishopric’s property. The same year saw the village getting promoted to a status of town by Wenceslaus II. The castle is open to public.

Kamenný Úl (Stone Beehive)

A little man-made cave, south of the village of Střezivojice, hollowed out in the hillside of Planý důl (valley), the size of which is some 4 by 1,5 meters. The cave is called Kamenný úl, as its opening bears a striking resemblance to a beehive entrance. The legend has it that a bandit used to live here, however, the place most probably served as a shelter for hunters or forest workers.

Klácelka

This hand-made grotto is situated atop a rock overlooking the village of Želízy, 2 km north of the village Liběchov. The cave area decorated with reliefs is made up of two parts. The first, in front of the cave, is called Blaník. There is a wrought-iron gate behind which one can find several heroic figures of Czech national history, all done in stone. There is Zbyněk of Zásmuky, a slumberous commander of Blanice soldiers sitting in his chair, whom Jan Žižka and Prokop Holý - the two famous Hussite Wars leaders and generals - keep company. Then there are gnomes who are forging weapons for the soldiers of Blanice. The second part is the cave Klácelka itself, with a richly decorated portal entrance. Along the walls are stone benches, and even a table made of stone is said to have stood here at one time. The walls are decorated with reliefs from a fable Ferina lišák by F.M. Klácel and with templates from works by a French caricaturist Grandville. The depicted animal characters are meant to symbolize some human characteristics (vices). The year of the creation of this monument, i.e. 1854, is inscribed in the wall across from the portal. A nearby rock has a chalice carved into its top. The statue works are yet another work of sculptor Václav Levý from Liběchov. What is also necessary to mention is that the monument has been greatly damaged by vandals.

Klemperka

A man-made cave located some 0,5 km east of the village of Truskavna. The access to this cave is to be found from Šemanovický důl (Šemanovice valley). Klemperka is a grotto of remarkable dimensions, hollowed out by hand, without the use of machinery. It was carved along a horizontally running fissure embedded in the sandstone massif, 5 m above the bottom of the valley. It is accessible only by a flimsy ladder or by toe-holds carved in a narrow chimney. Then there is a flat terrace which provides access into the upper part of the cave. The lower floor, formerly flooded with clay almost up to its ceiling, is accessible by a somewhat winding stairway, and with the above world communicates through a 20-cm high window. This window, or possibly a wide vertical fissure in the corner of the cave, were most probably the passages through which the clay got in the cave together with soil runoff from the fields up above the rocks. The layers of clay and debris have just recently been removed.

This lower part should be concealing an underground passage leading to Truskavna. The passage receives attention in several publications on the Kokořín region, especially in reference to the local legend of the infamous bandit Klempera. That is why the cave bears his name. He is said to have lived in the cave in the beginning of the 19th century and to have been killed in the nearby Truskavský důl (valley) by farmers from Vysoká.

Kostelíček

A rock promontory with a passable cave, hollowed further out, located 1,5 km southwest of the village of Jestřebice. You have to climb up some steep stairs which will take you to a room with dimensions 6,5 x 4,5 x 2 m, whose base is formed by a natural overhanging rock. The place probably used to be either a stronghold or a castle, whose existence dates back between the second half of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century – at least according to the ceramic potsherd fragments findings. The cave also served as a hiding place for non-Catholics during the times of counter-reformation. Furthermore, F. Bernau, a historian, claims that a poor tailor from Jestřebí used to live here in the beginning of the 19th century. The second steps leading to the access point probably come from this time, as well as several circular holes in the wall - perhaps for securing of railing. It is said that there used to be a carved bench in front of the cave on the right, and one of the corners bore traces of a weather-worn cross. Neither of the two survived though.

Krápník

A huge overhanging cliff to the north of the village of Obrok. This overhang is open towards northeast, with some 40 m in length and 10 m in height. Several huge sandstone boulders jut out at the bottom of this overhang. As for the history of the place, occasional findings of potsherd fragments in the sandstone filling have been dated back to the people of the Culture of Lužice who would use the overhanging cliffs as shelter from harsh weather, when herding their cattle here. The place also served as a hideout for the locals during the Prussian wars.

Mordloch

A sandstone overhanging cliff with a hollowed-out cave, 1,5 km northeast of the village of Ješovice in the Liběchov forests. The cave with dimensions 6 x 2,5 m was hollowed out mainly in order to provide shelter, with some stone benches to sit on for bigger comfort. Adjacent is connected a pseudo-krast cave with some 22 m in length, but some measly half a meter in height. The historian F. Bernau (in 1884) mentions this cave as a space with a “smoke-stained ceiling”, as it had served as a den of bandits led by squire Jan Dubínský of Dubín. The legend has it that robbers and bandits dwelled in here during the Thirty-Years’ War. The cave, commonly named Mordloch (Murderous Hole), is said to have been occupied by a pack of bloodthirsty murderers who were only later eliminated during a collective intervention organized by the local landlords. The legend, however, seems to be based on a true story, as the count Jan Vratislav Clary was willfully murdered here in 1720 by his serfs. In remembrance of this accident, the so-called Count chapel was erected about a kilometer from here near the road running from Ješovice. In general, the locals rather shunned the place then. Later, the cave became a reclusive dwelling for a hermit who also died here and was then buried in the corner of the cave. His remains were recovered in the 19th century, allegedly together with other human skeletons though. Nowadays, the cave is very often used for camping. The sad thing is that the walls have been continuously damaged by vandals and tags.

Nedamy

Remains of a castle to be found north of the center of the village of Kokořín. Nedamy caves are actually one of the largest medieval rock castles of the whole Kokořín region. The potsherd fragments that have been gathered by surface collection date the existence of the castle back to the 13th or the beginning of the 14th century. Being separated from its surrounding terrain by a shallow moat and a bulwark, the heart of the castle itself was then separated from the settlement around it by a rift in the rock. The heart itself still bears traces of three rooms hollowed out in the rock, as well as traces of several notches used for fixing the wooden fortification. The bottom room is 4 x 4 m, the other two are accessible by a narrow chasm dividing the second room into two parts (similar to the castle in Dolní Vidim). Above the entrance into the third room (with dimensions 4 x 5 m), one can find a Maltese cross inscribed into the stone. This part of the castle used to be connected with the upper deck by steps, today fairly trampled though. The castle space also served the local people as a refuge from the looting Swedes during the Thirty-Years’ War. The whole locality of the castle has been affected (just like the not-too-distant caves Staráky) by some later adaptations in the Romantic style.

Obraznice

A smallish man-made grotto, located in one of the glens below the village of Romanov, about 1 km up north of Mšeno. Also called the Mary Magdalene cave. The cave consists of a trapezoid room 5 m by 2 m, with 1,8 m in height, accessible by a 2,5 m long and 1,5 m high corridor. There is a relief of a cross right on the wall opposite the entrance portal. There is no sign whatsoever of the figure of Christ which was once supposedly carved into the stone here. On the inside of the cave, above the entrance portal there used to be an inscription reading: Mary Magdalene Cave. The date of its creation remains a mystery. Historical references present the cave as perhaps some kind of a castle cellar, which during the Thirty Year’s War served as a hiding place and a stash of valuables (including canvas masterpieces), most probably of the manorial seat in Mšeno (yet some sources talk of the chapel and the manorial seat in Romanov, which was, however, built in the second half of the 17th century). The cave then served for some time as a dwelling of a hermit. In 1820, an ethnographer, archeologist and an awakener, Václav Krolmus, organized a pilgrimage to the chapel of St.Roman. Following a denunciation, both the chapel and the cave Obraznice were officially closed down though.

Partyzánská Jeskyně

A man-made cave, hidden at the end of a ravine called Vrbodol southeast of the village of Sedlec. The cave, called Partisan Cave, originally served as a hideout and refuge for people in wartime, and especially towards the end of WWII some members of a partisan group Národní mstitel (Patriotic Avenger) found refuge here.

The cave is located precisely in a place where, before its very end, the valley is divided into two canyons between which rises a rocky ridge, cleverly concealing the entrance into the cave on one of its sides.

The cave itself was finished in 1944, with the main room some 3 m by 2,5 m, and 2 m in height. The main room leads into an unfinished corridor with a small window. Finding the cave may turn out to be pretty dangerous though, as its location is not easily accessible.

Pokličky

An impressive rock formation situated by the main road north of the village Kokořínský důl. Pokličky (Capstones) are sandstone towers, each having a meter thick lid-like caps perched atop of their bodies. This is probably the most-known sight of the Kokořín valley, overlooking the mouth of the ravine called Močidla. The mightiest Poklička stands guard by the wooden steps leading up the forested slope, with the cap some 6 x 5 x 1,5 m. Total height of the body along with the cap counts 12 meters altogether. Formations of selective erosion are formed by various layers, with the upper layers being gradually formed by infusion of iron from Tertiary volcanic rock by means of underground water and further by limonite condensation upon impermeable pudding stone inlay. The ferruginous inlays have thus been withstanding erosion better than their lofty clay bases. The whole process then gives rise to the peculiar lid-like shape of the upper part of suchlike sandstone formations. The only question is what time will it take before the upper lid-like cap comes off its sturdier base. It could be said, however, that the surrounding forests abound in similar formations, though in what could be called an “embryonic stage.” Naturally, rock-climbing is strictly banned when it comes to these formations. Pokličky have been fenced off and any entry thus basically means trespassing.

Prolezovačky

Bulges in sandstone blocks 2 km north of the town of Mšeno, just a little bit downhill from Romanov. A complex of natural hollows interconnected by narrow manholes and passages, whose formation has been conditioned by the presence of ferruginous inlays and further, of course, by selective erosion of the sandstone. Lengthwise, the whole formation totals some 26 m; the maximum height of the hollows comes to 1 m (mostly about half a meter, though). At places, the hollows form very narrow passages. Josef Bedřich Cinibulk, a local historian and an ardent promoter of tourism in the Mšeno and Kokořín region, states that even in the late years of 1822-1822 some of the locals would still choose crawling through these tight passages as a certain form of repentance.

Průsečná skála

A path carved into a rock massif northwest of Mšeno. This man-made wagon way is carved into a huge sandstone massif. It is highly probable that it was already used by Swedes in the course of the Thirty-Years’ War. The walls bear visible tracks of nicks grazed in them by axle pins of the passing carts which would often use the walls of the way to slow down. These tracks then obviously hint at the gradual sinking of the wagon way into its soft sandstone bed.

Pustý zámek

Castle remains located south of the village of Zakšín. The castle, which is located on massive sandstone blocks of the Rač crest, used to overlook a trade route running below and along the river Liběchovka. It was erected in the 13th century on the location of a former stronghold, and renovated at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries only to be completely abandoned around the year of 1450. The castle used to stand upon three sandstone blocks with the gaps in between them serving as natural moats. A ramp originally leading to the drawbridge has been preserved on the steeply-chiseled wall. Some rooms hollowed deep into the rock can be found on the upper deck of the stone blocks. In the 80s of the 20th century Pustý zámek used to be a tramp settlement. One can also find several Pokličky rock formations in their “embryonic form” in the near vicinity.

Rač

An extensive stone massif overlooking the Liběchovka valley, southeast of the village Zakšín. Rač happens to be an important point of the so-called Polomené Mountains as its vistas offer some really memorable views over its surroundings. It has a vast distribution structure which is formed by siliceous block sandstone - the middle and bottom parts of its slope are formed by lime and marl sandstone. There are some distinct amphitheater-shaped valley mouths with three storied rock cliffs. Atop the observation point there are some rock columns together with future Pokličky-like rock formation containing ferruginous inlays.

Sedm Chlebů

Rock formation situated to the west of the village of Tupadly, near Ješovice. Sedm chlebů bears a striking resemblance to seven loaves of bread piled on top of each other.

Skalní Mlýn Tubož

These tunnels hollowed in a stone massif can be easily found in the village of Tubož, by the road running up to the Houska chateau. The tunnels connect directly to the outlet of pond Palác here in Tubož. Also to be found here are remains of a millstone shoulder. The side tunnel most probably served as an outlet in cases of high water. The tunnels reach 19 m in length and 4,5 m in height maximum. The object is not open to public, though one can sneak some peeks into the tunnels from the road.

Staráky

This rock castle torso is to be found below the chateau in the village Kokořín, in the west direction from the village square. Coming across other place names like Bábinky or Staré sklepy is also possible. The ruins of this rock castle are carved into the stone massif overlooking the Pšovka valley and are considered to be one of the most pristine underground nooks of the whole Kokořín region. It cannot be ruled out that there used to be some kind of a prehistoric fortified settlement here, since some Bronze Age potsherd fragments have been excavated on this location.

Some sources maintain that what is today a noticeable mound dominated by a lofty tree formerly used to support a tower. Couple of hollowed out rooms can be found here, together with a short corridor. Staráky have been fenced off in the recent years and the place is therefore not accessible to public.

Sv. Máří Magdaléna

A man-made cave which is located northwest of the village Želízy. The chapel of St.Mary Magdalene is hollowed in a sandstone boulder, which is to be found some 200 m away from a signposted path. This is a single room which used to be colorized (today only remnants of the colors are visible). Above the entrance portal there is a niche, featuring a picture of St.Mary. The whole object has been damaged by vandals.

Tisícový Kámen

A huge overhanging cliff to the north of the village Obrok. The overhang opens into the valley bellow, is approximately 30 m long and 10 m high. At the bottom there are several mighty sandstone rocks jutting out. The sand filling has been known to reveal potsherd fragments dated to the people of Lužice Culture, who would frequently use the overhanging cliff as shelter from harsh weather, when herding their cattle here. The place also served as a hideout for the locals during the Prussian wars.

Vřísek - Vítkovec ( outside of Protected Landscape Area Kokořínsko - CHKO Kokořínsko)

Chateau and castle ruins from the 14th century northeast of the village Holany, located upon a sandstone elevation. The castle was rebuilt around 1570 and turned into a Renaissance chateau (neglected) standing inside a game preserve which is guarded by several lofty oak trees (the biggest trunk has 8 m in girth), with moufflon and deer running around. The two names originate in an inaccurate naming by F.A. Heber who quite mistakenly labeled the castle as Vřísek. The correct name would then be either Vítkovec or Žižkenberg or Schischkenschloss. Sadly enough, the monument is nowadays in a heavily dilapidated condition. The estate as well as the game preserve is not open to public.

Vysoký Vrch

A sandstone peak situated 3,5 km southeast of the town of Dubá. The hillock, standing 427 m above sea level, has several sandstone observation terraces available for the curious tourist. The western slope is hiding a small cave called Kameníková jizba.

Zkamenělý zámek

Remains of a rock castle east of the village Konrádov. Neither the castle’s original name nor any references to its existence whatsoever have been found. However, hypothetically speaking, regarding the situation in its surroundings as well as its vicinity to the Houska chateau, it can be easily gathered that the castle was originally founded as a seat of one of the Bezděz royal vassals. It was built upon two major sandstone blocks, which were, according to the well-preserved furrows, spanned by a wooden bridge. The front gate was protected by a moat made out of a chasm in the bedrock. A neatly preserved small room can be found on the first of the two sandstone block. Its sandstone vaults have been crumbling away, though. On top of that, one can also find a square shaft on the front side, most probably remains of some kind of an entrance object. The second rock clearly reveals furrows and some remains of an embedding of a wooden gallery meant for defense.