Jetřichovice Lookouts

Jetřichovice lookouts are one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the Bohemian 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 Rock

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

Jetřichovice lookouts began to be accessible to tourists in the first half of the 19th century. The most famous viewpoint – Mary’s Rock (sometimes also called Mary’s Lookout) – 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 Vilemína’s Wall and Rudolph’s Stone – all named after members of the noble Kinský family who improved the area and promoted its tourist development.

Beauty and tranquility with a view of the entire Bohemian Switzerland

The lookouts offer exceptional views of the surrounding rock towns, forests and, in the distance, the Lusatian Mountains and the Saxon table mountains. The hiking trails between them lead along well-maintained wooden steps and iron ladders, adding to their adventurousness. The area is accessible from the village of Jetřichovice and the entire loop between the three main lookouts (Mary’s Rock – Vilemína’s Wall – Rudolph’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 landscape, but also the development of tourism and nature conservation. It is thanks to them that most of the well-known Jetřichovice lookouts bearing the names of members of the family were created, such as Mary’s Rock (named after Princess Maria Kinská), Vilemína’s Wall (after Vilemína Kinská) or Rudolph’s Stone (after Rudolf Kinský).

The Kinský family was interested in making the natural wonders 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 gazebos. These steps were extremely progressive for their time – it was one of the first forms of controlled development of tourism in Bohemia. In addition, the family promoted the planting of forests, landscape protection and fire safety (for example, by building a guard post at Mary’s Rock).

Thanks to these efforts, Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland became a popular destination for romantics, painters, and 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 lookouts, 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 Mary’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 contact with the Jetřichovice lookouts, the surrounding forests suffered and access to some trails was temporarily restricted. Today, the lookouts have reopened and offer a unique view of the transformed landscape that is gradually regenerating.

Mary's Rock

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 loop leads past all three main lookouts and is about 7 km long, with an elevation gain of about 300 meters. The trail is not suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility, but for more able-bodied hikers it offers an unforgettable experience.
  • Best 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 loop through Pfeifferův lesík. Or head towards Rynartice to the Dwarf’s Rock.
  • How to get here: by car, but especially by bus. In particular, by BUS 434, BUS 436 and BUS 469.