Kokorinsky Dul – Rocks, Castle and Trails in Kokořínský Důl

Kokorinsky Dul is a destination for anyone who wants to combine nature, history and outdoor activity. At its heart is Kokořínský Důl, with its gorge-like valley, the Pšovka stream, marked trails and distinctive sandstone formations. There is also Kokořín Castle and evidence of a settlement history that extends to 1980. If you are looking for a landscape with different opportunities for exploration when planning your trip, you will find several clearly distinct points of interest here.

Sandstone, Gorge and Protected Area

The Kokořínský Důl Nature Reserve was designated in 1953. It is characterized by a gorge-like valley through which the Pšovka stream flows. The valley connects the stream with marked trails and the area’s sandstone formations. This creates different landscape impressions for hiking: the gorge-like valley, the stream, the Kokořínské Pokličky and the short ascent over wooden steps to a viewpoint. Alongside the marked trail connections, the ascent forms a separate short section.

The Kokořínské Pokličky are among the most striking natural formations. The rock towers consist of medium- to coarse-grained sandstones from the Jizera Suite. They are capped by a resistant layer ranging from ferruginous sandstone to conglomerate; the formations were created by the selective weathering of the sandstones. Some of these rock formations reach heights of up to 12 metres. From the starting point of the Kokořínské Pokličky, a short ascent over wooden steps leads to a viewpoint.

Kokořín Castle and a Piece of Local History

Kokořín Castle is located in Kokořínský Důl, in the municipality of Kokořín, in the Central Bohemian Region and the Mělník District. Since 1 January 2002, it has been protected as a national cultural monument. For orientation on site, the route from the last car park below the castle to the castle is also relevant: it is just under one kilometre long.

Another historical trace leads to the settlement of Kaninský Důl. It initially belonged to the municipality of Kokořín and ceased to exist on 1 January 1980. Thus, Kokořínský Důl is defined not only by visible rocks and trails, but also by a specific change in its settlement history.

Marked Trails for Hiking and Cycling

The red-marked Máchova stezka runs along the entire length of Kokořínský Důl. Other marked hiking trails cross or meet the Máchova stezka in Kokořínský Důl. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a continuous trail connection and additional marked sections without having to commit to a single route.

The Kokořínský důl educational trail offers a separate way to get oriented. It is approximately 7 km long and has 10 stations. Most sections of the Kokořínský důl educational trail are also suitable for cyclists. This provides an approximately 7 km route with 10 stations for planning your day, alongside the marked hiking trails and the short ascent to the Kokořínské Pokličky. Compared with this short ascent, the educational trail covers a longer distance and divides it into several sections with multiple stations. Depending on the section, it can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

For further orientation, you can also explore Olovnice, Býkev, Liblice, Úžice, Všetaty, Lužec Nad Vltavou, Kojetice and Hořín.

For the broader travel overview: Mělník District.