Tiské Stěny: Sandstone Rock Labyrinth
Hiking inside the sandstone labyrinth of Tiské Stěny brings you to the magic land of the Chronicles of Narnia. However, discovering Tiské Stěny is not so challenging, like in the movie. It’s a very easy hiking trip suitable for almost everybody. Let’s explore it together.
Land of the Chronicles of Narnia
If you see the movie, you might remember the moment when Lucy opened the wardrobe right into the magical winter wonderland. Right, that’s a forest in the Tisa. Then, she met a friendly faun who invited her for tea. They sat on top of the Tisa Rocks overlooking the picturesque Czech village. You might have the same view as Lucy and faun while hiking around this sandstone labyrinth.
Even before the Chronicles of Narnia were filmed here, the whole area was considered magical. The local population was afraid to walk in this sandstone labyrinth because of the stories about elf and dwarfs living there. Only with the start of tourism, the whole beauty of Tiske Steny was revealed.
Hiking Through the Tisa Walls
Tiske Steny or Tisa Walls are one of the most popular destinations in National Park Bohemian Switzerland. You might already know about the famous hike to Pravčická Gate that is especially crowded during the summer season.
Tisa Walls are very easy to discover in every season of the year. Of course, the most popular is the spring and summer season when there is also a small entrance fee (30 CZK, about 1 EUR). During this time of the year, you will certainly meet some climbers as it is kind of a national passion. I took the opportunity during the autumn season when the countryside turned into the different shades of orange and green. However, if you want to discover it just like in the Narnia movie, plan your trip in the winter season when the land is covered with snow.
Tisa Walls are divided into two hiking trails – Big Walls and Small Walls. You can easily visit both in about 2 hours. It depends on you, how much time do you have, and how much do you want to enjoy the landscape. Both trails are well marked and take you through the main highlights, rock formation, and narrow passages.
What I like the most are the views of the landscape. Although you are just on the Czech-German borders, the views are mainly to the Czech Republic over Bohemian Switzerland, the Central Bohemian Uplands, and Krušné hory (Ore Mountains).
How to Get to Tiské Stěny
Tiské Steny is on the edge of Tisa village, about one hour drive from Prague direction to the North. When you decide to travel by bus or by train, you need to get to Ústí nad Labem or Děčín and then take a local bus. Check the exact timetable at idos.cz.
