Kyjov – Rocks, Trails and the Kyjov Valley

Kyjov is a small village with traditional wooden houses near Krásná Lípa. Its surroundings combine sandstone rocks, historic paths and quiet landscapes to create a destination where you can choose between short explorations and more demanding hikes. The Kyjov Valley around Kyjov is part of Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Rocks, Valley and Water

A paved path leads through the Kyjov Valley. Numerous hiking and cycling trails, as well as natural paths, branch off from it into the rocks. Walks offer views of sandstone formations, rock walls and rock towers, as well as viewpoints and natural areas with picturesque scenery. One remarkable formation is Kyjov Castle: it is situated on a sandstone spur whose walls drop vertically into the Křinice canyon. Klenotnice also demonstrates how unusual the geology of the area is. It was formed by the collapse of rock masses that created tunnels and chambers, rather than by the action of water as in classic karst caves. It is easily reached from the Pod praporkem signpost in the Kyjov Valley via a red-marked trail. Archaeological investigations at Kyjov Castle uncovered a furnace, remnants of molten basalt and small metal vessels. About 1 kilometre northeast of Kyjov lies Kyjov Reservoir. The area has a sandy bottom, a gently sloping entry into the water, a sunbathing lawn, seating and parking facilities nearby. Kyjov Reservoir is also a natural-looking bathing spot near Kyjov.

Trails for Different Types of Day Trips

The Kyjov Rock Trail forms an approximately 2.5-kilometre circular route starting in Kyjov, taking around 1.5 hours. It leads through rocky terrain with numerous stairs and ladders and offers views of various rock formations. Access to Kyjov Castle from Krásná Lípa follows a yellow-marked trail that connects to the Kögler Educational Trail. Several stone stairways, narrow paths and ladders make this access route relatively demanding. The Kyjov Valley is part of the Kögler Educational Trail, the oldest scientific nature trail in Bohemia. The educational trail was established in 1941, is 23 kilometres long and includes 39 stations with Czech-German explanations. The 4-kilometre route “Through the Křinice River Valley with All the Senses” through the Kyjov Valley near Krásná Lípa, between Restaurace U Fakulty, the Kyjov Valley and the Turistický most, has been designated as accessible and suitable for families with children and pushchairs. Those looking for a longer route can follow the “Through the Wild Křinice Valley” route. It leads from Kyjov through the Kyjov Valley to Dolní mlýn and on to Zadní Jetřichovice. It crosses the national border because part of it runs through German territory. Marked cycling trails also lead through the valley to the German border. For the return journey, Česká silnice or the route via Vlčí Hora and Sněžná to Kyjov or Krásná Lípa are indicated.

History in the Landscape

The Mountain Association for the Kyjov Valley began developing the valley in 1884, making the most interesting rock formations accessible. Memorial plaques to MUDr. Johann Hille and to the brothers Eduard and František Bienert are set into the rock of the Kyjov Valley. In this way, the hiking landscape is connected with traces of its development and commemorative history. When choosing accommodation in Kyjov, you can therefore plan your stay according to the desired character of the route: the designated trail through the valley offers a different type of excursion from the stair- and ladder-filled Kyjov Rock Trail or the access route to Kyjov Castle. For the area of the experience route, tourist bus 434 from Krásná Lípa or from the direction of Děčín is recommended. Another hiking route runs from Krásná Lípa via Kamenná Horka, Kyjov, Kyjov Castle, the Kyjov Valley and the Turistický most, continuing to Brtnický Castle and Brtníky. If you would like to continue your search beyond Kyjov, you will also find Šluknov, Dolní Habartice, Benešov Nad Ploučnicí, Františkov Nad Ploučnicí, Růžová, Dolní Podluží, Kytlice and Dolní Poustevna.

For the higher-level travel overview: Děčín District.