Explore the Enchanting Walks of Hell in Českolipsko This Autumn

Peklo Nature Trail stretches for 8 km through the canyon-like valley of the Robečský brook, connecting the areas of Zahrádky and Česká Lípa. This trail will take you through a striking gorge surrounded by high sandstone cliffs. The journey starts on the red hiking trail, where you’ll immediately encounter the unique rock formations found in this area. After walking under a railway viaduct built in the late 1800s, you’ll reach the small community of Karba. The heart of this quaint settlement features a chapel from 1736 and picturesque timber-framed houses located nearby.

The path then descends towards the floodplain of the Robečský brook, where you’ll travel along a wooden walkway. On both sides, you will find towering sandstone walls. Additionally, the route features various manholes, rock tunnels, and delightful footbridges. Towards the end of your walk, at the location known as Hell Pond, you’ll come across some rock reliefs that present images without any explanations. Among these is a relief by Friedrich Nietzsche, who bears a resemblance to Stalin, as well as a likeness of Richard Wagner. These stone portraits were created in 1934 by skilled sculptors Erich Hockel and Augustin Schindler, both of whom were from Česká Lípa.

The lost glory of the romantic valley

The rugged valley once served as a refuge for people from nearby villages, shielding them from military forces and recruiters during times of war. In the early 1800s, Count Vincenc Karel Kounic, who owned Zahrádky Castle, transformed the surrounding land into a romantic landscape that featured the area known as Hell. The Robečský brook was navigated along its entire length, and rowing became one of the favorite activities of the nobility who visited the castle.

Nowadays, however, the only way to explore this scenic valley is by walking as bicycles are not allowed, and the trail isn’t suitable for strollers.