Kokořín Region

Autumn in the Kokořín Region: a landscape of colours, rocks and mysteries

As summer slowly draws to a close and the forests begin to take on every shade of yellow, orange, red and brown, the best time to explore the Kokořín Region arrives. A region that is beautiful in every season takes on a special charm in autumn. Sandstone cliffs rise from the colourful forests, the valley is shrouded in morning mist, and the surfaces of the ponds reflect the golden treetops.

Autumn in the Kokořín region is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The summer hustle and bustle in the most popular spots dies down, the forest paths empty out, and visitors have more opportunities to take in the silence, the scent of damp leaves and the mysterious atmosphere of the rocky gorges.

(Photo: Martin Karlík)

Kokořín Castle – the region’s romantic landmark

One of the places no visitor should miss is, of course, Kokořín Castle. The romantic silhouette of the medieval castle rising above the deep Kokořín Valley is particularly picturesque in autumn. From the castle tower, views open out across the wider surroundings, where the forests transform into a colourful mosaic.

The area around the castle is an ideal starting point for walking trips. You can set off through the Kokořín Valley, visit the rock formations or continue towards Harasov and Pokličky.

Harasov – an autumnal mirror of the rocks

Harasov Pond is one of the most romantic spots in the Kokořín region. Its surface is fringed by tall sandstone cliffs, and in autumn the water becomes a mirror reflecting the colourful trees. A stroll around the pond is one of the most pleasant short walks in the whole area.

It is precisely this combination of water, rocks and the colourful forest that creates a scene which has become one of the symbols of the Kokořín region. Harasov can be visited on its own or included as part of a longer route between Kokořín Castle and Mšeno.

The Kokořín "Hats" – a natural sculpture gallery

Few places capture the character of the Kokořín region as well as the famous "Hats". These bizarre sandstone towers, topped by massive rock "hats", are the result of millions of years of natural forces at work.

In autumn, the Pokličky are surrounded by a colourful forest, adding a whole new dimension to a visit. The path to them leads through the forest and up steep steps, but the reward is a view of one of the most remarkable natural formations in Bohemia. The Pokličky are rightly regarded as one of the symbols of the entire Kokořín region.

Rock labyrinths and gorges

The Kokořín region is best explored on foot. The local rock formations, narrow gorges and deep forests form a network of paths where you can spend the whole day.

Places well worth a visit include the rock labyrinths around Mšeno, Kočičina and Šemanovický důl. In autumn, visitors will often come across spots where all they can hear is the wind in the treetops and the rustling of leaves underfoot. Another interesting destination is the rock dwellings and the remains of the lives of people who managed to make use of the sandstone cliffs as part of their everyday lives.

Čertovy hlavy – an encounter with mystery

On the southern edge of the Kokořín region, not far from Želíz, lies one of the region’s most remarkable sites – Čertovy hlavy. These giant faces carved into the sandstone cliffs were created in the 19th century by the sculptor Václav Levý.

These massive rock sculptures are particularly striking in the autumn forest. You can combine this trip with a visit to Levý’s other rock sculptures, such as Harfenice, Klácelka or the rock ‘Snake’, which are scattered throughout the forests between Liběchov and Tupadla.

Houska – a castle steeped in legend

An autumn outing can also be combined with a visit to Houska Castle. One of the most mysterious Czech castles stands in the midst of the woods, and its history is intertwined with a wealth of legends and tales. Houska offers a completely different atmosphere to the romantic Kokořín. Whilst Kokořín is a symbol of a fairytale landscape, Houska has a mysterious and secluded feel. It is the misty autumn days that lend this place a special charm.

Vrátenská hora – a view of the colourful landscape

Lovers of sweeping views should not miss Vrátenská hora. From the observation tower, panoramic views open up over the vast forests of the Kokořín region, the Mácha region and the more distant areas of northern and central Bohemia.

Autumn: the best time for a leisurely stroll

The Kokořín region is not a landscape that needs to be covered in a hurry. It is ideal for a leisurely stroll – from a rock formation to a pond, from a deep forest to a viewpoint, from a small village to a quiet ravine. Here, autumn offers something that is harder to find in other seasons: tranquillity. The summer visitors have left, nature has grown quiet, and the landscape reveals its melancholic yet magnificent side.

Whether you head to Kokořín Castle, Pokličky, Harasov, the rock labyrinths or the mysterious Devil’s Heads, one thing is certain: the Kokořín region in autumn will slow you down.

And perhaps that is precisely where its greatest charm lies.