Day hike in Kokořínsko: castles, forests, rocks and villages｜Czechia

Kokořínsko is a protected nature reserve an hour from Prague — forested valleys, sandstone cliffs, and villages that look like they haven't changed in two centuries. This is not a tourist attraction. It's where Czechs go on weekends.
The hike covers 20–25 kilometers with 600–700 meters of elevation gain, mostly on dirt roads and forest trails, finishing in time for the evening bus back to Prague. Physical fitness and sturdy shoes are required.
We start at Kokořín village and walk two kilometers through forest to Kokořín castle — a medieval fortress perched above the valley. From the castle we follow the Pšovka river valley, passing forest resorts and tiny hamlets. A few kilometers in, the valley walls rise into vertical sandstone cliffs called Poklický — Czech for "pot lids." We climb the stairway to the top for the view, then continue to Vojtěchov, a village with a spring where we refill water.
Further along, on the path to Ještřebice, we pass a Calvary carved directly into the sandstone — a quiet example of the popular religious folk art typical of this region. In Ještřebice itself, we pass another cluster of 18th-century timber-framed houses. Then through the forest to Vidim, where a Baroque mansion built for the Špork family sits beside a village park — a countryside palace that most tourists never see.
Along the way we stop at a self-service "Devil's shop" stocked in a cave — a local curiosity you won't find in any guidebook.
We meet in Prague in the morning and take the bus together to the starting point. Return by bus in the evening.
Lunch or dinner stop depends on the day of the week — most countryside restaurants open Friday to Sunday only. Snacks (bread, sausage, cheese, dried fruit, chocolate bars) and water are provided regardless, and we have several rest stops with benches and tables along the route.
Trekking sticks and head cover available on request. Raincoats provided if rain is forecast.
Price includes: snacks, trekking stick rental, head cover, raincoat, entrance to Kokořín castle tower.
Not included: restaurant meal, public transport tickets.