Fear of heights, ladders and beautiful views in Teplické skály
Teplické skály is a place that might seem a little intimidating at first glance, especially if you’re like me and afraid of heights. Steep stairs, narrow ladders and rocky paths can make your heart beat faster. However, that’s exactly what makes this adventure so special. By facing your fears, you gain not only unforgettable views but also a sense of satisfaction that stays with you for a long time. In this article, I’ll tell you about my journey through Teplické skály, what’s worth seeing and how to prepare for this unique trip without stress and with a big dose of good energy.
Table of contents:
- Teplické skály is a place you should see at least once in your life
- Getting there and parking – how to plan your visit
- Teplické skály – opening hours and ticket prices
- Teplické skály – trails worth exploring
- Did Střmen Castle really exist
- Teplické skály – proven places to eat and stay overnight
- Teplické skály – summary and my impressions
- FAQ – most frequently asked questions about Teplické skály
Teplické skály is a place you should see at least once in your life
Teplické skály are less known than the nearby Adršpach rock town. Even so, they can be just as breathtaking. What’s more, their history dates back around 89 million years. It all started with sandstone, which was shaped by water, wind and frost over millions of years. That’s how the monumental towers, deep crevices and rock labyrinths were formed, and they look like something from another world.
A six-kilometre blue trail runs through the entire Teplické skály area. The route not only impresses with its views but also offers a sense of peace. I went there in mid-March – right after visiting Adršpach. And you know what? I saw maybe ten people along the whole trail. No crowds, no queues. Just nature, silence and space.
Along the path, there’s an educational trail dedicated to Josef Vavroušek. It includes around fifteen information boards about nature, climbing and the region’s history. It’s also worth mentioning that Teplické skály are loved by climbers. You’ll find sites such as the Střmen Castle, the Rock Bride’s Cottage, striking formations and a valley called Siberia. Interestingly, snow can last there until May.
Getting there and parking – how to plan your visit
Teplické skály are located in the Czech Republic, right next to the Polish border, in the town of Teplice nad Metují. They’re part of the Czech Stołowe Mountains and offer a quieter alternative to the Adršpach Rock Town. They’re only about 20 kilometers in a straight line from Wałbrzych, and getting there from Wrocław takes just over two hours. On the Czech side, the nearest larger town is Náchod – about a 40-minute drive away.
Getting there by train
Trains from Wrocław and Wałbrzych run to Adršpach, where you can easily transfer to a local train to Teplice nad Metují. The station is just a few hundred meters from the entrance to Teplické skály. It’s a good option for those without a car or anyone who wants to avoid parking.
From Prague, you can reach Teplice nad Metují by train with a transfer in Trutnov. The journey takes around 5 hours.
If you’re coming from Brno, the best route is via Choceň. The entire trip takes about 4 hours.
There’s also a connection from Bratislava. You can take a train with transfers in Pardubice, Hradec Králové and Starkoč. The whole journey takes around 6.5 hours.
Getting there by bus
Minibuses from Kudowa-Zdrój run to the Czech town of Náchod. They depart from the upper PKS bus stop and make it easy to transfer to a train to Teplice nad Metují. Long-distance buses from Warsaw, Wrocław, Zakopane and Zielona Góra also go to Kudowa. Additionally, there’s a direct minibus between Kłodzko and Náchod. This is a good option for travellers from Lower Silesia or the Kłodzko Valley who want to reach Teplické skály without a car.
From Prague, FlixBus operates several buses a day to Teplice. The ride takes around 50 minutes. However, be careful with the destination name, as there are two towns called Teplice – one near the Polish border and another in the northwest of the Czech Republic.
From Bratislava, it’s best to take a bus to Náchod or change in Brno or Prague. The last part of the route can be easily done by train.
Getting there by car
If you’re coming from Poland, the best option is to cross the border at Mieroszów. This way, you’ll avoid paying for Czech motorways. There are two crossings to choose from:
– Zdoňov is a very narrow, local road with no markings. Its official width is 2.2 meters, which means wider vehicles might simply not fit. If you don’t enjoy stressful driving, it’s better to skip this route.
– A safer and more comfortable choice is the DK35 road towards Meziměstí. Although this route is slightly longer, it runs along a wide, properly marked road and offers a smooth, relaxed drive.
Parking – where to leave your car
Teplické skály offer several parking areas in different locations. Parking fees start at 60 CZK and go up to a maximum of 300 CZK per day, depending on the type of vehicle. In some spots, parking is free outside the high season, but it’s always worth checking on site whether a given area requires payment. Reservations are not possible. During peak season, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid driving around looking for a free spot.
Here are some of the parking spots from my list:
- Parkoviště Teplické skály – vstup
- Parkoviště Teplické skály 2
- Parkoviště Boženy Němcové
- Stellplatz Adršpach
Teplické skály – opening hours and ticket prices
The ticket offices are located just past the parking area. You can pay by card or in cash using Czech koruna, Polish złoty or euros. At the entrance, each visitor receives an information leaflet with a map and rock descriptions. It’s worth taking one because it helps navigate the trail more easily.
I entered for free in mid-March – I simply walked through the turnstile. The ticket office was closed and the area was open. Luckily, I was prepared for the possibility of visiting without a map, but not everyone might get that lucky.
You can buy tickets online on the official Teplické skály website. This is a great option during the season when queues at the ticket offices can be long.
It’s worth knowing that a ticket purchased at Teplické skály is also valid on the same day in Adršpach, provided you walk from one rock town to the other through Wolf Gorge.
Teplické skály – ticket prices
| Ticket type | Online price / On-site price |
|---|---|
| Regular ticket (adults) | 150 CZK / 180 CZK |
| Discounted (children 3+, seniors 65+, students 18–26, ZTP) | 100 CZK / 120 CZK |
| Family (2–3 children + 2 adults) | 400 CZK / 480 CZK |
| Children under 3 years | Free |
| Dog | 50 CZK / 50 CZK |
Teplické skály – opening hours
- January – March: 9:30 – 15:30
- April: 9:00 – 17:00
- May – August: 8:00 – 18:00
- September – October: 9:00 – 17:00
- November – December: 9:30 – 15:30
Teplické skály – trails worth exploring
There are really two options once you’re there. Depending on the season, your fitness level, sightseeing plans and what you feel like doing, you can either walk the trail within Teplické skály only or combine it with the route through the Adršpach rock town. Both options are stunning, but they differ in length and difficulty.
The combined route goes through Wolf Gorge, which is also accessible outside the high season. However, you should keep in mind that in winter, crossing is at your own risk. The path may be icy, slippery and harder to navigate, so it’s a good idea to bring sturdy shoes and trekking poles.
Below you’ll find two maps. Each one shows a different sightseeing option:
Teplické skály – a loop among stone giants
The Teplické skály trail follows the blue route and forms a convenient loop. It takes about 3 hours to complete, although it always takes me longer – because of course you have to take photos, look around, and then take even more photos. If you skip the climb to Střmen Castle, the trail is calm and only includes gentle ascents.
Teplické skály and Adršpach – two rock towns in one day
After walking through Teplické skály and heading toward the exit, you’ll see a path leading down to the yellow trail that goes to Wolf Gorge (Vičí průchod). Keep in mind that during winter, entering this trail is at your own risk, as it may be icy and dangerous. The gorge is about 3.5 kilometers long and connects the two rock towns. If you arrived by car, you can return to Teplice using public transport.
Attention! In Teplické skály, temporary access restrictions may apply to certain parts of the trail. These closures are due to the protection of the peregrine falcon — a rare and strictly protected species. Before setting out, it’s a good idea to check the latest updates on the official nature reserve website to avoid any surprises along the way.
Did Střmen Castle really exist
Stairs going up and a sign: 300 steps. I didn’t need any convincing because my first thought was “I’m going up!”
Metal stairs with railings stretch endlessly upward, followed by narrow, steep wooden steps. I can honestly say that me and my fear of heights had a great time.
At the top, there are no ruins, but there is a stunning viewpoint waiting. It’s accessible via very steep ladders with a warning sign that says “enter at your own risk.” My legs were shaking, my hands hurt from gripping the ladder, but the view made it all worth it. At the top, there’s room for only six, maybe eight people at most. I met two people there, part of the total ten tourists I had seen along the entire six-kilometre trail. I was able to climb calmly, without rushing, and at my own pace. Just to be clear, the ladders and some of the stairs are so narrow that only one person can fit at a time. That’s exactly why I’m not sure I’d go up there during the busy season when I’d have to squeeze past others.
And what about the castle that isn’t really there? Some sources say there was a fortification at this site as early as the 10th century, while others mention the 13th century. It was supposedly a small castle guarding the area, later destroyed during the Hussite Wars. Today, nothing remains of it except the name Střmen Castle and that demanding path leading to the top. Teplické skály can truly surprise you.
Teplické skály – proven places to eat and stay overnight
If you’re planning to visit Teplické skály, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance and plan a delicious meal after a full day of exploring. That’s why I’ve put together a list of restaurants and places to stay in the nearby area that are most often recommended by other travellers. I stayed a bit further away, near Broumov, for logistical reasons. However, if you want to be right next to the rock labyrinth, you’ll find some concrete suggestions below.
Recommended restaurants:
Recommended accommodation:
Teplické skály – summary and my impressions
I visited Teplické skály as my second stop. I slightly regret not having the chance to walk through Wolf Gorge from Adršpach to Teplické skály because of the weather conditions and the fact that I wasn’t prepared for it. But nothing is lost, and it’s the perfect reason to come back. Hiking through Teplické skály, especially the climb to Střmen Castle, was a real challenge for me. The steep stairs, ladders, dealing with my fear of heights, and the incredible views made me truly proud of this small victory.
Teplické skály are less popular than Adršpach, so even during the high season there should be fewer people here. The rock labyrinths and the entire trail left a strong impression on me, and I definitely want to visit this place again. If you’re planning a winter trip or coming just after winter, it’s a good idea to bring shoe spikes because some parts were extremely icy and it was really hard to keep balance. If you enjoy peace and quiet, I recommend visiting Teplické skály in March, just like I did.
Teplické skály – YouTube video from my visit
If you’d like to see what my winter visit to Teplické skály looked like, check out the video.
It’s a full walk through the icy labyrinth, climbing ladders and heading down without spikes.
Subtitles are available in Polish and English.
FAQ – most frequently asked questions about Teplické skály
Do I need a separate ticket for Teplické skály?
Yes, Teplické skály have their own ticket office, so if you plan to visit both Adršpach and Teplické on the same day, you’ll need two tickets. The only exception is if you walk between them through Wolf Gorge — in that case, one ticket is enough.
Can I go through Wolf Gorge from Adršpach to Teplické skály using a single ticket?
Exactly, if you walk from Adršpach to Teplické skály through Wolf Gorge, you can visit both rock towns with one ticket. Just remember to keep it with you at all times.
How long is the trail and how difficult is it?
The trail through Teplické skály takes around 2 to 3 hours, although if you take as many photos as I do, you might spend a lot more time there. It’s about 6 kilometers long, and I’d rate the difficulty as moderate, mostly because of a few steep sections.
Does the trail require climbing or good fitness?
There’s no actual climbing involved, but there are a few very steep stairs and ladders, like the ones leading up to Střmen Castle. I managed despite my fear of heights, so with a little determination, anyone can do it.
Where can I buy tickets to Teplické skály?
You can buy tickets online or at the entrance to Teplické skály. Payment is accepted by card or in cash in Czech koruna, Polish złoty or euros.
How much is the entrance ticket and are there any discounts?
A regular ticket costs about 70 CZK. There are discounts for children, students, seniors and people with disabilities. Dogs are welcome too, but require an additional fee of about 50 CZK.
When is the best time to visit Teplické skály?
I highly recommend visiting outside the high season — in spring or autumn. I went in March and it was wonderfully peaceful. If you value quiet and no crowds, choose months outside of the summer holidays.
Is Teplické skály safe in winter?
During winter and early spring, definitely bring shoe spikes because some parts can be extremely icy. I found out the hard way when my feet started slipping.
Can I bring a dog or a baby stroller?
Dogs are welcome here, but must be kept on a leash. Unfortunately, the trail through Teplické skály is not suitable for baby strollers or wheelchairs due to the many stairs, narrow passages and ladders.
What’s the best way to get to Teplické skály using public transport?
You can easily get to Teplice nad Metují by train or bus. The train station is quite close to the entrance, so getting here without a car won’t be a problem.
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
