Explore Czech Karst’s lush trails from Svatý Jan to Karlštejn Castle. Discover nature, history, and a cozy monastery near Prague.
Explore Czech Karst’s lush trails from Svatý Jan to Karlštejn Castle. Discover nature, history, and a cozy monastery near Prague.
- Svaty Jan pod Skalou - This picturesque village, featuring a former Benedictine monastery, is beautifully situated beneath a striking limestone cliff. After a brief journey from Prague, visitors can fill their bottles with the local spring’s (allegedly) healing water. Once immersed in the sacred ambiance, the climb up the cliff begins, offering a…
- Svaty Jan pod Skalou - This picturesque village, featuring a former Benedictine monastery, is beautifully situated beneath a striking limestone cliff. After a brief journey from Prague, visitors can fill their bottles with the local spring’s (allegedly) healing water. Once immersed in the sacred ambiance, the climb up the cliff begins, offering a bird’s-eye view of the village. Along the route, there is a former limestone quarry showcasing historical mining machinery.
- Solvay Limestone Quarries - This open-air museum highlights the history and machinery of mining. While the hike to the cliff above Svaty Jan includes passing by the museum, entry into the mine itself is not part of the itinerary. During the summer, a small mining railway operates for local families visiting the museum, occasionally featuring a steam locomotive on select weekends.
- Karlstejn - A brief 10-minute transfer from Svatý Jan brings visitors to the parking area below the iconic castle. To provide the best view and avoid crowds, an alternative path is taken, approaching the castle via a tourist trail from the opposite direction. This detour is a mere 30-minute walk, and with cameras filled with stunning photos, visitors arrive at the trip’s main highlight. The choice is yours to either explore the castle or enjoy the tourist village below. Return to Prague can be made individually by a direct train running every 30 minutes, or transportation back to your hotel can be arranged.

- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Just beyond the suburbs of Prague lies the Czech Karst Landscape Protected Area. Here, nestled beneath a striking limestone cliff, is the Benedictine monastery of Svatý Jan, an ideal starting point for a hiking adventure to the renowned Karlštejn Castle.
Whether you appreciate nature or architectural wonders, this tour offers a delightful combination of…
Just beyond the suburbs of Prague lies the Czech Karst Landscape Protected Area. Here, nestled beneath a striking limestone cliff, is the Benedictine monastery of Svatý Jan, an ideal starting point for a hiking adventure to the renowned Karlštejn Castle.
Whether you appreciate nature or architectural wonders, this tour offers a delightful combination of both, all within an easy walk. The Svatý Jan and Czech Karst area is sure to captivate, and here’s why:
- It is conveniently located near Prague, just a 40-minute drive from the city center.
- It boasts stunning beauty: lush greenery in spring and summer, and vibrant oranges and reds in autumn.
- It offers a unique blend of the cozy atmosphere of a rural monastery, scenic forest trails, and the majestic Karlštejn Castle within easy reach.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch and coffee at a local family restaurant in Svatý Jan.
- Experience a touch of industrial history at the Solvay Quarry open-air museum.
The hike ranges from 3 to 5 km, allowing everyone to choose a route that suits their fitness level, whether they prefer a steep climb or an easy walk.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.