Three themes offer concrete starting points for planning a trip to Koberwald: sandstone labyrinths, views and medieval history. Besedické skály, Hamštejn observation tower and Zbirohy Castle Ruins each represent a different focus. It is also worth taking a closer look at the routes: a circular trail, a section of a longer hiking trail and marked cycling routes cannot be compared by name alone.
Rock Landscape and Views
Besedické skály form two sandstone labyrinths on Mount Sokol: Kalich and Chléviště lie along the southern and western edges of the mountain. In the Chléviště area, narrow ravines and rock shelters shape the landscape; numerous viewpoints offer views across the Jizera Valley. This makes the area more than just a destination with a single viewpoint: rock formations, ravines and valley views each have their own appeal.
In the Kalich rock labyrinth, the rock formations consist of five ravines. There is also an altar carved into the rock, bearing a chalice and the year 1638. This detail connects the landscape with a visible historical marker: visitors interested in cultural history can look out for the altar while exploring the rocks, rather than seeing Kalich only as a section of a trail.
The Rozhledna Hamštejn offers a different view of the landscape. The steel-and-wood tower is 25 metres high; its viewing platform is about 22 metres above the ground and can be reached via 121 steps. In good visibility, the almost complete panoramic view stretches across the rock towns of Český ráj towards Trosky. The height figures and number of steps help visitors understand the tower as a specific excursion destination; however, the breadth of the view depends on visibility.
Marked Routes by Length and Character
The six-kilometre Kolem Besedických skal circular trail follows an asphalt road and offers views of Kozákov, Klokočské skály and Trosky Castle. A ten-kilometre section of the Zlatá stezka Českého ráje also passes through Koberovy, continuing via Hamštejn to Kozákov. The distance figures refer to different types of route: one is a circular trail, while the other is a section of a longer trail.
The cycling routes also head in different directions. One marked cycle route passes through Koberovy and ends in the Jizera Valley, where it joins the Greenway Jizera. Conditions and signage may change; check both before your ride. Another marked cycle route passes the chapel at Besedice, continues via Michovka to Zbirohy and reaches the castle ruins there. You can distinguish between the routes by whether you want to focus on the connection in the valley or on the sequence from Besedice via Michovka to the castle grounds.
Zbirohy Castle Ruins and Past Events
Zbirohy Castle Ruins were built on Zbirohy Rock in the 14th century and lie within the administrative area of Koberovy. Its residential tower is nicknamed Kazatelnice. The ruins are freely accessible year-round; check this access information again before your visit. The castle therefore offers both a specific structure and a useful historical context for your visit.
The Lesní běh Kalichem was held in 2023 as its 46th edition and again in 2024 at Areál Kalich Besedice in Koberovy. If you would like to combine the race with your trip, check the dates for your chosen year; the editions mentioned are past events and do not indicate that it will be held again in the future.
Discover more destinations: Besedice, Skuchrow, Lischnei, Morchenstern, Reichenau, Wiesenthal An Der Neiße, Žďár, Radl.
Go to the broader travel overview: Okres Jablonec Nad Nisou.
