Tisá Walls and Rock Town: A Journey Through the Great and Small Walls
The Tisza Walls and the nearby Rájecké and Ostrovské Rocks are well-known spots for sandstone climbing. Within The Tight Walls, historic sport climbing began as early as the 1900s (for instance, on August 10, 1907, climbers reached the top of the Elephant Column, and on August 23 of that same year, they climbed the Mummy Tower). Since that time, numerous climbing routes have been established for climbers of all abilities. The Tisza Walls are recognized as one of the oldest hiking destinations in the Elbe Sandstone area, and they are divided into two main sections: the Big Walls and the Small Walls, connected by various walking paths. A nature trail and a path marked red also run along the ridge of the Large Walls, including the Ox Stones and the Island Rocks situated within the Protected Landscape Area of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The Small Walls have 19 rock formations, while the Great Walls feature 56, with each route being clearly numbered.
The most important starting point for accessing the rocks is a parking lot near St. Anne’s Church in Tisá. From there, climbers can follow the red-marked trail up to Rock Square, which separates the rock town into the Great and Small Walls. A fee is required for entry to the rocks; visitors can use an online booking system that offers 2,000 spots each day. This system was established by the Tisá municipality to manage tourist traffic and reduce waiting times at the ticket office located in the rocks. For those who prefer to buy tickets on-site, tickets are available at the rock ticket office, accepting both cash and cards. An admission ticket costs 100 crowns for adults, while children, students, and seniors pay only 50 CZK.
A walk through the Small Printed Walls
On the circuit Through the small walls, you can find nineteen rock formations. There is a marked trail starting from Skalní náměstí that leads to Janus’s Head, where the path splits. The circuit continues towards a rock gorge that climbs up to the West Lookout, giving a stunning view of the towers belonging to the Great Walls, Tisou, and Děčínský Sněžník. The path meanders through the gorge and leads past the Confessional, the Forest Gate, the Pulpit, and the Stone Table. After this, you’ll encounter the Hercules, Oblud Cave, Proviantura Slough, Swedish Camp, and Castle massif, which can be accessed by going down some stairs or by taking an easier path at ground level. A route to the right leads down into the ravine, revealing a staircase from where you can catch a glimpse of the wedged boulder known as Bell. Another viewpoint will give you a better look at the Ore Mountains and the Rájecké Rocks.
The trail at the base of the Small walls winds its way toward Hogwarts Stone, goes past the Tunnel, and heads back, offering a view of the Elephant’s Foot. Continuing around Chicken Feet leads to The Tower with the Pass and reveals Two Hives. Finally, the trail loops back to Skalní náměstí via a comfortable path.
Circuit of the Great Printed Wall
The route through the Great Walls starts at the ticket office, where the first rock formation that you will notice closely resembles elephants. The trunk of one of these formations also serves as a pillar for the Rock Gate. A slight detour along the red trail among the rocks will lead you to see the Cave, Eagle’s Head, and Frog’s Crown. Once you return to your starting point, continue through the rock gate. You can spot various sandstone formations along the way, including the Indian Elephant, Dancing Bear, the Castle Gate, Rock Castle, and Gypsy Camp.
Looking back from the cliff, you’ll see The Pillars of Hercules and the Tailor Squashed against them. Behind these columns lies a narrow rocky valley that features a sandstone column called the Petrified Trunk, along with a Waterfall and a small niche known as the Smuggler’s Backpack. Continuing on the circular path, you’ll also find The Mayor, The Skinny Doctor, and after descending, the Echo Tower. Next, you’ll pass through the Victory Gate, leading to the Bear’s Den, where you can see the Crocodile Head, The Vulture’s Nest, Giant Heads, Hives, and as you look behind, the Mummy Tower comes into view. Following this are the Hermitage Cave, the Preacher’s Column, the Seal, the outlines of Africa, Forest Forge, Sloth, Whale, Castle, Labyrinth Maze, Lion’s Head, the Swedish Gate, and the Knights’ Hall, recognized for its rich decorations. Among the other rock formations is the somewhat playful Test of Thinness, where many visitors attempt to see if they can squeeze through it.
The trail continues to the Kravín sluice, which features a wedged boulder known as Raven’s Nest, proceeding towards The Tower of the Decapitated Major. The base of this tower is narrower compared to the top and serves as a cornerstone for those who climb. As you continue along the path, you will find the Pulpit, Boat, Sheep Cave, Boat Bow, and Tailor’s Lane leading to the Kurt Towers, down which the trail descends into the Salon to reach the Pine Tower. At the end of this circuit, you’ll spot the Elephant with cargo, and the path at the base of the rocks leads to an iron staircase that rises to the rock ridge, along which a red-marked route runs. Ultimately, the trail concludes with formations like Mushroom, Turtle, Napoleon’s Shoe, Walnut, and Tank, and then the journey wraps up at the Tourist Hut, which serves as a second entrance to the rocks.
