Turnov - Klokočské rocks

1. Turnov, square - turning to Zdenčina rock (4,5 km) - Klokočské Rocks (6,5 km) - Rotštejn (7,5 km) - Na Špici, bus (8,5 km)
2. Turnov, square - turning to Zdenčina rock (4,5 km) - Klokočské Rocks (6,5 km) - Turnov, square (13 km)

The town of Turnov was established in the valley of the river of Jizera around 1250. It is well known for the production of artificial gems made of glass, for polishing precious stones and for its jewelry school that was the first of its kind in Europe.
The square of the Bohemian Paradise is our starting point. A neo-renaissance town hall and a baroque church of St. Francis of Assisi with empire elements are the dominants of the square. You will pass the church in the left top corner of the square and you will take the Skálova street, following red, blue and green tracks. Here you can visit the District Museum of the Bohemian Paradise with exposition of precious stones and jewels. The three tracks will lead you to Metelkovy orchards; here you have to turn right together with the red track. You will pass the stream of Boží Voda, get to a main road and reach the village of Záholice. The track will lead you to Betlémské Rocks that belong to the Natural Preserve of Klokočské Rocks. You will reach a turning to the left leading to a view point called Zdenčina Rock, offering fabulous view of the valley of Jizera. To get back to the junction you have to take the same path. Still following the red round rocky formations called "elephant back", you will reach the junction of red and yellow track.
Now you have two possibilities: follow either the yellow track passing the castle of Rotštejn, reach a crossroad Na Špici and get back to Turnov by bus. Or you can follow the yellow to the right and reach Turnov passing a cave of Postojná.
If you choose the first possibility, the yellow track will lead you round the Klokočské Rocks and offer some nice view points. On the southern edge of the rocks you will see the rocky castle of Rotštejn, established at the end of 13th century. Today you can find here only remains of walls and a rocky tower. The yellow track will lead you round a statue of St. Jan of Nepomuk coming from 18th century and later you will reach the crossroad Na Špici. Return to Turnov by bus.
If you choose the second possibility, you have to turn right, walk through woods to the edge of rocky plateau and down to the cave of Postojná (also called America), which was settled 50 000 years ago already. In the surroundings you can find other smaller caves. Still on the yellow track, you will pass a column of the Crucifixion, walk along a narrow path and later you will get to a quite a busy road and reach the village of Bělá. Here you have to turn left and the yellow track will lead you back to Turnov. You will pass round a neo-gothic church of the Blessed Virgin with an unfinished tower. Via Mariánské square and Markova street you will reach the square of the Bohemian Paradise again.