The Bohemian Paradise

In April of 2018, Lance and I hiked the Costa Brava in Spain, and had such a great time doing it, that we decided to make a point of completing at least one big hike every year.  This year, with the help of On Foot Holidays, we chose to hike in an area of the Czech Republic, called the Bohemian Paradise.  For a fee, On Foot Holidays will plan your route, book your accommodations along the way, and send you detailed maps and GPS coordinates that can be used to navigate your way on the various hiking trails.  They also transport your luggage to each new place where you will be spending the night.  

The Bohemian Paradise is a protected landscape area in the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic.  It is located north-east of Prague.  The area is unique because it is filled with sandstone rock formations, many which tower high above your head.  

We saw many beautiful vistas, one hamlet, and lots of wooded areas on our hike.  All of it was beautiful.  

As we hiked, we followed the markers on the trail...and referred to our itinerary from On Foot Holidays which provided step by step directions for us. 

We visited Valdstejn castle, (which seemed more like a mansion than a castle,)...

and saw the ruins of Trosky castle which was built on two volcanic rocks.   

Lance and I spent the night in lovely places during our trip.  They all included a free breakfast in the morning.  The chateau below was the first place that we stayed...and my personal favorite.  

We are also stayed here...

and here on our third night.

When we reached our last town, Jicin, we chose to stay an extra night so we could explore the area.   

At our first hotel we ran into another couple doing the same hike from On Foot Holidays.  Bob and Sally are from Vermont.  Bob is a professor and was spending a semester in Vienna teaching.  Previously, they had done three other hikes with this same organization.  We would run into them from time to time on the trail...and sometimes hiked together.  In the evening we would enjoy dinner together.  Lance and I enjoyed the time we spent with them...and plan to see them again when we go to Vermont in September of this year.

Below is a short iMovie I put together of the hike.  I hope you enjoy watching it.