Hiking through the Adršpach Rocks and Teplice Rocks
You can enjoy wonderful hiking in the Adršpach Rock City! Strictly speaking, there are actually two rock cities: the Adršpach Rock City and the Teplice Rock City. Since they are located directly next to each other and are only separated by the Wolf Gorge, most people perceive them as one large rock landscape. You can experience both rock cities on a single loop hike, but keep in mind that this is a multi-hour trek. We needed about 5 hours for the full tour.
You don’t necessarily have to hike that long, though. Most visitors focus on the signposted circular route starting from Adršpach. There are several ways to explore the area: one trail simply circles the flooded quarry, a shorter version is accessible for strollers, and then there is the classic main loop through the rocks. Here is the description of the Adršpach hiking trails and what to expect.
The Classic Adršpach Rocks Hike
The classic circular tour starts right behind the ticket office and immediately offers a stunning view of the flooded quarry, known as the Sand Pit (Pískovna). Following the green trail markers, the path leads you directly into the heart of the massive rocks. These formations have unique names like Rübezahl’s Chair, Grandmother’s Armchair, and the Sugar Loaf. You will also pass the Glove and the Twins in Bed. From there, you continue to the Gothic Gate, the mysterious entrance to the inner rock city and the ultimate photo hotspot.
The loop then takes you through the Long Corridor, past Elephant Square, to a signpost where the paths diverge. Following the yellow markers leads you to the Great and Small Waterfalls and the Adršpach Lake, where you can take a romantic boat ride for an extra fee. If you choose not to hike through the Wolf Gorge to Teplice, you return from the lake and continue toward the Rock Castle. This spot offers the best view of the highest formation, the Lovers (Milenci). Other highlights include the Crocodile, the Turtle, and the Great Panorama.
The hike eventually brings you to a popular viewpoint featuring the Mayor and Mayoress, two of the most famous formations in Adršpach. Through a narrow passage called the Mouse Hole, you reach Rübezahl’s Piano. Finally, the loop ends with the impressive Rock Echo, leading you back toward the exit. Thanks to the clear signage, this route is very easy to find.
Important for Your Adršpach Hike
We followed the signs and tested various routes to describe them all for you. As a regular visitor, just follow the color-coded markers. At the entrance, you will find a large overview map. Choose your preferred path—whether it’s around the lake, through the rocks, or the stroller-friendly route—and follow the corresponding color.
You will find these color markers at every junction. In many places, the paths are so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Therefore, there is a recommended hiking direction marked on the maps. Because of the high number of visitors, it makes a lot of sense to stick to this direction to avoid getting stuck at narrow points where oncoming traffic is impossible.
–> all about the Adršpach Rocks
Hiking in the Teplice Rock City
The circular hike through the Teplice Rock City starts in the town of Teplice nad Metují, where you will find a large parking lot and a ticket office. Unlike Adršpach, the path starts with a walk through the forest before you reach the actual rock formations. To stay on track, simply follow the blue trail markers. Soon, you will have the chance to climb about 300 steep steps and ladders to the observation deck of the former Střmen Rock Castle. You should be fit and have a head for heights for this part, but the reward is a spectacular view over the rocks.
The climb to Střmen is optional. The main trail continues toward the most beautiful sections of Teplice. You will pass a rock commemorating Goethe’s visit in 1790. After about 1.5 kilometers, you reach the truly massive formations. While it takes longer to get to the rocks here than in Adršpach, the formations in Teplice are even wilder and more gigantic.
The wide path eventually turns into a narrower loop that leads you through towering walls, slim towers, and dark caves. You will discover shapes like the Caterpillar, the Rock Gate, the Butcher’s Axe, and the Swallow’s Nest. The trail passes through the Great and Small Church Square and under the Martins Walls. Finally, you reach the Amphitheater and walk through the Annen Valley, which leads to a section called Siberia. It is notably cold there—you might even find snow in early summer! The path eventually loops back to the main forest trail leading to the exit.
–> the Teplice Rocks
Summary: What You Need to Know for your Adršpach Rocks Hike
Throughout both rock cities, you will be amazed by the natural beauty and the fascinating variety of caves and towers. The trails are well-marked, but we recommend visiting on a weekday to enjoy the silence. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, as the paths are uneven and include many stairs and ladders.
The Teplice hike is about 6 km long (blue markers), while the Adršpach loop is roughly 4 km (green markers). Both offer an unforgettable adventure. If you are an experienced hiker, we suggest combining both into one long tour.
Please note the different starting points: the entrance for Adršpach is in the village of Adršpach, while the Teplice hike begins in Teplice. If you can’t decide which one to visit, read the individual descriptions, but remember that fit hikers can easily connect both via the linking trail.
If you like this hikes, you should also hike through the Gilfenklamm or Silberkarklamm in the Alps – these are very nice gorges. I show you a hidden gem, the Schleifmühlklamm. And I recommend the Ahornboden also, one of the most impressive hiking areas in the mountains.
