Pauline Valley
Pavlina valley, often called Pavlino, is a picturesque canyon valley of the Chřibská Kamenice river, located in the heart of the Czech Switzerland National Park. This nature reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and romantic scenery, which attracts tourists and nature lovers.
The valley was temporarily closed for removal of hazardous dry trees, but as of the end of March 2025, the trail is once again safely passable and open to the public.
We can see some protected animals, such as brook trout, brook lamprey, river otter or kingfisher.
Pavlina Valley is an ideal place for nature lovers, hiking and quiet walks in the heart of Bohemian Switzerland. Thanks to its rich fauna and flora, it offers unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to discover the unique natural beauty of the Czech Republic.
A place like a fairy tale
On the trail between Studený and Jetřichovice, specifically near the red tourist sign leading through the Pavlina Valley, there is a rock overhang called Rusalčina Cave. It is not a real deep cave, but a smaller, natural niche in the rock, which looks very fairytale-like. The place got its name because of its atmosphere – here you can really imagine that forest fairies are dancing or that Rusalka is emerging from the stream.
At the western entrance to the valley near Jetřichovice stands the former Griesel mill, mentioned as early as the 17th century. An interesting feature is a preserved cut embankment in the rock.
When wandering through the villages of Jetřichovice, Studený or Rynartice, which are located in the vicinity of the Pavlina Valley, one cannot help but notice the characteristic folk architecture – the houses of the podstávka.
These houses, typical of the Šluknov region, the Lusatian Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland, combine timbered and half-timbered construction, with the most distinctive element being the so called substructure – a wooden frame supporting part of the house. This construction was created as a response to the need for stability when combining different building materials and at the same time allowing for an increase in living space on the first floor.
The stilt houses are usually richly decorated, often with painted cornices, wooden details and tiled roofs. Some are now sensitively restored as guest houses, cottages or small galleries.
And a few more tips:
- Suitable season: it is beautiful here all year round, in summer it is pleasantly cool.
- With children: yes, and an escort.
- Dogs: yes, on a leash.
- How to get here: along the red marked trail from Jetřichovice or from the opposite end from Studený. Or take the blue trail and then the red trail from Rynartice. There is also a bus stop for BUS 436 or BUS 469, stop Jetřichovice, swimming pool, a short distance from the western entrance to the valley.