Drábovna

Deep within the Bohemian Paradise, where sandstone formations rise like ancient castles, lies Drábovna. This isn’t just a geological wonder. It’s a time capsule, whispering tales of prehistoric hunters, medieval guards, and the echoes of a mysterious villain named Dráb. Drábovna first welcomed inhabitants during the Stone Age, around the 3rd millennium BC. These early settlers, likely drawn by abundant game, left behind tools, weapons, and pottery fragments decorated with swirling volutes. Later, in the 13th century, a small fortress perched atop Drábovna’s rocky plateau. It guarded a vital trade route winding through the Jizera River valley. Holes carved into the rock face remain, evidence of the timbered structure that once stood here. Legend claims Drábovna was home to the infamous Dráb, a robber who kidnapped a young woman from the nearby village of Záborčí. The woman, with the help of a headsman from Turnov, eventually killed Dráb, bringing his reign of terror to an end. Explore the wild ravines that slice through Drábovna. Wander through Vondrova, Foukavá díra (the Windy Hole), Přední Kostel (Front Church), Zadní Kostel (Back Church), and Varta. These names, etched in local lore, hint at the hidden stories within Drábovna’s rocky heart. Climb to the Jizera viewpoint for a breathtaking vista. The Jizera River valley stretches below, revealing Suché skály (Dry Rocks), Kozák Hill, and the distant silhouette of Trosky Castle. Drábovna may not boast the towering cliffs of Hrubá Skála, but its unique charm lies in its intimate scale and the layers of history etched into its sandstone soul.