THE GOLDEN TRAIL IN CZECHIA: 6-DAY ITINERARY [2024]

The Golden Trail in Czechia has been officially divided into 6 stages. However, the distances aren’t long, the total elevation gain isn’t too big, and that’s why it’s worth combining the last two stages into one. This way you will spend 5 days on the trail, and an extra day exploring the Prachov Rocks. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you my 6-day itinerary for hiking the Golden Trail in Czechia, including must-see attractions in the Bohemian Paradise. More practical information about the trail can be found in a separate post. Enjoy!

DAY 1 | Mladá Boleslav – Mnichovo Hradiště

If I had to skip one stage of the Golden Trail to make the route shorter or to save time, it would be definitely the first one. This section stretches from one town to another, much of it on asphalt and along busy roads. However, if you choose to complete it, you will pass by two interesting castles: Michalovice Castle and Zvířetice Castle, walk through a beautiful forest and if you go off trail for a bit in the village of Klokočka, you will also see the St. Štěpán Chapel. I do not regret walking this part, but it depends on your priorities.

Walking track: 24 km, 7 hours
Elevation gain: 248 m
Elevation loss: 249 m
Accommodation: Bella Casa, Mnichovo Hradiště (highly recommended)

DAY 2 | Mnichovo Hradiště – Libošovice

The second stage of the Golden Trail is very diverse. First, you will see Valečov Castle, which in my opinion is worth entering. Then you’ll pass by the viewpoint Vyhlídkové Místo Klamorna and Drábské Světničky, the ruins of a 13th century rock castle, unfortunately currently permanently closed. After that, the trail will take you through the narrow rocky passage called Studený Průchod, and the viewpoint Staré Hrady u Příhraz with long stairs. At the end of a day, you will finish with the view of the impressive Kost Castle.

Walking track: 23 km, 7 hours
Elevation gain: 362 m
Elevation loss: 320 m
Accommodation: Privát U Kohouta, Podkost (basic accommodation, everything’s fine)

DAY 3 | Libošovice – Turnov

The third stage of the Golden Trail is full of attractions, so it’s best to start the walk early in the morning. First on your way will be Trosky Castle. Personally, I think it’s worth going inside and climbing to the top of its towers. Later, you’ll reach Hrubá Skála Castle with its beautiful courtyard, and the rock town called exactly the same. This is where I detoured from the Golden Trail to explore beautiful rock formations. Make sure to add those viewpoints to your itinerary: Zámecká Vyhlídka, Mariánská Vyhlídka, Vyhlídka Na Kapelu, Vyhlídka U Lvíčka and Janova Vyhlídka. On top of that, add also Valdštejn Castle and Hlavatice.

Walking track: 25 km, 10 hours
Elevation gain: 534 m
Elevation loss: 550 m
Accommodation: Penzion Eden, Turnov (it was all right)

DAY 4 | Turnov – Malá Skála

The fourth stage of the Golden Trail left me literally speechless! First and foremost, thanks to Vranov Castle in Malá Skála. It’s a must see place, I highly recommend getting inside. Make sure to also check the nearby Vyhlídka Zahradka viewpoint. Other highlights of the day include Frýdštejn Castle and the rock town of Besedicke Skály, which is worth exploring thoroughly, including the Vyhlídka Sokol viewpoint. Besedicke Skály is located past Malá Skála, but I did it on the fourth day and then returned to the town for the night. Day five is the longest one, so I just wanted to focus on walking to Jičín, with no extra missions on the side.

Walking track: 17 km, 8 hours (with detour)
Elevation gain: 643 m
Elevation loss: 637 m
Accommodation: Resort Kovárna, Frýdštejn (highly recommended)

DAY 5 | Malá Skála – Jičín

On this day I combined two last stages into one, hiking 34 km in total. I made this decision for a few reasons. The total trail distance isn’t so long, the elevation gain isn’t too big, and I also couldn’t find any place to stay overnight near Kozákov, which is where I was supposed to stop if I needed that extra day to finish the walk. The section from Malá Skála to Jičín involves walking up the highest peak in the Bohemian Paradise – Kozákov (744 m), as well as Tábor Mountain (683 m), and Rozhledna Hamštejn viewing tower.

Walking track: 34 km, 10 hours
Elevation gain: 1053 m
Elevation loss: 1038 m
Accommodation: Hotel U Krále, Jičín (not recommended, ants in the bathroom)

DAY 6 | Prachov Rocks

The Prachov Rocks are located a few kilometers from Jičín, so you need an extra day to explore them. In my opinion, this is the most spectacular rock town in the Bohemian Paradise, definitely worth visiting, if you have some time and energy left. There are two options, either you return to Mladá Boleslav by bus to pick up your car and then drive back to the Prachov Rocks, or you take the bus part of the way, walk the rest, and after exploring the Prachov Rocks, you catch the bus again to Mladá Boleslav. If that feels not enough, I also recommend checking out the rock town Klokočské Skály. It’s also in this region. Good luck you guys!

This was my 6-day itinerary for hiking the Golden Trail in Czechia. Are you planning to do the whole trail or just a part of it? Let me know in the comments!

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