Seeing as how over the border was fun, we thought this side would be worth visiting too. We weren’t wrong! The Czechs seems to specialise in putting massive stairways to make the tops of rocks accessible to all, ideal for step-loving small people such as Eddie. Give him a level path and he’s asking for a shoulder ride within 5 minutes, but 200m of ascent on steps is exciting!
We camped by a rather green lake for the night and after a very relaxed morning with many coffees due to very low clouds and rain we finally set off to do some walking. Stop 1: Růženka tower (where there isn’t a big stone to put steps to the top of the Czechs aren’t put off, they build tower instead). An easy 10 min walk to a pretty view for a very low effort for high reward wander. We went back the long way to make us feel like we’d done something after a picnic lunch under the tower.
Tourist attraction 2: Šaunštejn Castle. This time, a big rock that once upon a time had a castle built on it, although all that remains of that now is where they carved down into the rock. Incredible views, and an ascent of many many exciting steps (particularly exciting when sammy’s backpack nearly didn’t fit in one of the narrow gaps between rocks on one of the ladders).
Enough hardcore touristing for one day: time to make the most of cheap beer (under a pound for half a litre of Pilsner in most of the ‘restaurace’ in this area. What a wonderful country!) We parked up within walking distance of a restaurant to eat some local specialties of pork knuckle, dumplings and cabbage washed down with plenty of Czech beer.
The next day we based ourselves in Jetřichovice, a little town on near the edge of the national park- sadly the recent fires still meant that the central parts of the park on this side of the border were closed. We were not disappointed by what we found there though! We trekked up to Mariina viewpoint- a big wooden purpose built viewpoint hut on top of a stony outcrop with awesome 360degree views. Many steps to get there obvs- Eddie had an excellent time!
We picniced in the hut then retraced our steps back to the path to Falkenstein Castle, another old fortress from 15th Century made accessible by many narrow iron steps but this time with many more rooms cut into the rocky plateau and again awesome views that Eddie loved so much he had to run around the place 3 times. Time for an early dinner then a quick bike ride before a sleepy drive to Bohemian Paradise.
Parenting Responsibly 
Goodness! you’re all going to be incredibly fit and strong!
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