Perhaps you have already seen similar rock formations. This one is special. I am talking about the Podlešínská skalní jehla. This natural monument stands proudly near Podlešín. It is in the Kladno district.
The Podlešínská skalní jehla was declared a protected natural monument in 1987. It is a striking sandstone rock tower. Some say it resembles formations in eastern Bohemia’s rock cities. But the Podlešínská skalní jehla is older. It dates back to the Carboniferous period.
Look closely at the Podlešínská skalní jehla. You will see it is about 8 meters tall. The base is roughly 6 by 2-3 meters. It is made of sandstone. Specifically, it is Ledecká arkose. This is a coarse-grained sedimentary rock. Some fragments of quartz are as big as one centimeter.
Notice the cavities on the south side of the Podlešínská skalní jehla. They formed over time. The rock’s surface has a black crust in places. This is from carbon dioxide reacting with calcium carbonate in the sediment. Dissolved calcium carbonate creates lace-like patterns.
The local name for the Podlešínská skalní jehla was Židák. This translates to Jewish stone. Similar rock formations emerge nearby. These are also made of Ledecké arkoses. But they are not as prominent as our jehla.
Interestingly the rock stands just outside the protected area. You can reach Podlešínská skalní jehla via field paths. These paths lead from Podlešín or Želenice. Be careful after rain because the paths get very muddy.
There is a resting spot with benches table and a fire pit. The rock is listed as a climbing area. However climbing is now forbidden. The rock is soft. Artificial steps exist but they are not safe. Children playing and people climbing pose the biggest threats.
The Podlešínská skalní jehla stands in a quiet area. It is away from main tourist routes. A blue-marked trail once passed nearby. It has since been canceled. So tourism does not threaten the rock. Please treat this natural monument with respect. Its preservation depends on it. Take only pictures leave only footprints.