Pelešany – Hiking, Rock Formations and Valdštejn Castle

Pelešany is an interesting starting point for days spent among marked trails, sandstone rock formations, castles and a signposted cycling circuit. Its connection with Valdštejn Castle is particularly significant: a hiking route begins at the car park near the village and follows a green-marked trail to the castle ruins. Those looking for accommodation in Pelešany can therefore consider the village as a starting point for hiking and cultural experiences around Hruboskalsko.

On foot to Valdštejn Castle

The approach to Valdštejn Castle leads through Pelešany to a car park below the castle. From there, the castle can be reached via a 700-metre-long green-marked footpath. Valdštejn Castle, Waldenstein in German, stands on massive rocks in the forests of Hruboskalsko near Pelešany. It was founded around 1260 and is considered the oldest castle in Český ráj. The route from Pelešany thus combines a specific hiking trail with a historic destination that clearly differs from a mere viewpoint. On the green-marked route towards Pelešany and Valdštejn, a narrow, uphill path also branches off to Kalvárie. Kalvárie near Valdštejn is considered a pilgrimage site with a beautiful view. Those looking for further viewpoints along the way will find Janova vyhlídka as the first viewpoint on the route described.

Sandstone Rock Formations and Trails in Hruboskalsko

A prominent feature of the landscape is Hlavatice, a solitary sandstone rock at the end of the Hruboskalský ridge. The rock is over 12 metres high, and its platform lies at an elevation of 380 metres above sea level. From there, it offers panoramic views of Turnov, the Jizera, the Ještěd ridge, Bezděz Castle, Ralsko and the Kozákov ridge. Hlavatice can only be reached on foot via the red-marked Zlatá stezka Českého ráje hiking trail. This leads from the Turnov město railway stop towards Valdštejn Castle. Hruboskalsko offers marked trails for recreation and romantic walks. This makes it possible to distinguish mentally between shorter routes and longer hiking sections without losing sight of the historic destinations.

Cycling Circuit and Cultural Sites

The surroundings can also be explored by bicycle along a clearly described sequence of destinations. The signposted Maloskalský okruh III cycling route continues through Pelešany to Valdštejn Castle. The cycling circuit then runs to Hrubá Skála Chateau and continues on to Kopicův statek. Kopicův statek is a building dating from the late 18th century. The Vojtěch Kopice rock gallery has a visitor circuit and features sandstone reliefs whose motifs mainly depict scenes from Czech history. The cycling circuit therefore brings together not only landscape and activity, but also a historic farmstead and a distinctive form of sandstone art. Another cultural destination is the Bukovina Arboretum. It features a historic Swiss-style pavilion built in the second half of the 19th century, with an exhibition and a seasonal information centre. The variety of sites makes Pelešany a place to seek out for travellers who want to combine hiking trails, cycling, viewpoints and culture in one region. If you would like to extend your search beyond Pelešany, you can also view Čistá U Horek, Ktová, Burany, Vichova Nad Jizerou, Václaví, Morcinov, Valterice and Svojek.

To the higher-level travel overview: Semily District.