Viewpoints in Jetřichovice

Jetřichovice viewpoints are one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the Czech Switzerland National Park. This area offers a combination of breathtaking views, rock formations, deep forests and romantic trails that remind visitors of scenes from fairy tales. The viewpoints bear the names of famous noblemen and patrons of hiking who helped to make them accessible.

Mary's View

The history of the prospect dates back to the 19th century

Jetřichovice viewpoints began to be accessible to tourists in the first half of the 19th century. The most famous viewpoint – Maria’s Rock (sometimes also called Maria’s View) – is named after Princess Maria Kinská, the wife of the then owner of the estate. In 1856, a wooden lookout tower was built here (originally serving as a fire watchtower), which has been preserved in its modern form to this day. Other popular stops on the ridge are Vilemín’s Wall and Rudolf’s Stone – all named after members of the aristocratic Kinský family who improved the area and promoted its tourist development.

Beauty and tranquility with a view of the entire Bohemian Switzerland

The viewpoints offer exceptional views of the surrounding rock towns, forests and, in the distance, the Lusatian Mountains and the table mountains in Saxony. The hiking trails between them lead along well-maintained wooden steps and iron ladders, which adds to their adventurousness. The area is accessible from the village of Jetřichovice and the entire circuit between the three main viewpoints (Maria’s Rock – Vilemina’s Wall – Rudolf’s Stone) can be walked in a few hours.

The noble family of Kinský and its influence on the development of Bohemian Switzerland

The Kinský family played an important role in the history of Bohemian Switzerland, especially in the area around Jetřichovice. This aristocratic family, which owned the local estate since the 18th century, significantly influenced not only the shape of the landscape, but also the development of tourism and nature conservation. It is thanks to them that most of the well-known Jetřichovice viewpoints bearing the names of members of the family were created, such as Maria’s Rock (named after Princess Maria Kinská), Vilemína’s Wall (after Vilemína Kinská) or Rudolf’s Stone ( after Rudolf Kinský).

The Kinský family was interested in making the natural beauties of their estate more accessible and beautiful. In the middle of the 19th century, they built the first lookout points, landscaped trails and in some places built wooden arbours. These steps were extremely progressive for their time – it was one of the first forms of controlled development of tourism in the Czech lands. In addition, the family promoted the planting of forests, landscape protection and fire safety (for example, by building a guard post at Maria’s Rock).

Thanks to these activities, Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland became a popular destination for romantics, painters and early tourists as early as the 19th century. The legacy of the Kinský family is still evident in the region today – not only in the names of the viewpoints, but also in the philosophy of respect for nature that is typical of the national park.

Fires and nature protection

The Jetřichovice Rocks, like the rest of Bohemian Switzerland, are a sensitive area that has been affected by extreme climatic conditions in recent years. In 2006, there was a large fire in the vicinity of Maria’s Rock. The wooden gazebo was completely burnt down, but thanks to the efforts of the National Park administration it was restored. Although the most destructive fire in the park’s history in 2022 avoided direct action on the Jetřichovice lookout, the surrounding forests suffered and access to some trails was temporarily restricted. Today, the overlooks have reopened and offer a unique view of the transformed landscape that is gradually regenerating.

Mary's View

And a few more tips:

  • The starting point for the trip is the village of Jetřichovice, where it is possible to park and follow well-marked hiking trails. The most common circuit leads through all three main viewpoints and is about 7 km long, with an elevation gain of about 300 metres. The trail is not suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility, but for more able-bodied hikers it offers an unforgettable experience.
  • Suitable season: it is beautiful here all year round :-)
  • With children: yes, older children can manage the ascent with help, but the route is not suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility. With younger children, take the circuit through Pfeiffer Forest. Or head towards Rynartice to the Dwarf Rock.
  • How to get here: by car, but especially by bus. In particular, by BUS 434, BUS 436 and BUS 469.