Stepanovice: Sandstone Rocks, Trails and Local History

Štěpánovice between Sandstone and Trails

The landscape around Štěpánovice is shaped by sandstone rocks and forest. The protected Borecké skály sandstone rock area also extends across the cadastral area of Štěpánovice u Rovenska pod Troskami. The Bora pine forest lies on sandstone rocks between Štěpánovice, Borek and Ktová. The surrounding area therefore brings together distinctive rock formations, wooded sections and specific routes for walks and cycling trips.

Rocky Landscape and Viewpoint

Borecké skály comprises sandstone walls, gorge-like ravines, rock windows and other formations shaped by erosion. Several individual rock elevations continue northwards towards the vicinity of Štěpánovice, including the Štěpánka rock tower. Čechova vyhlídka is located at the edge of the rock escarpment near the 360 m elevation point at Bor and offers a view towards Trosky. The landscape thus ranges from nearby rock details and narrow ravines to individual elevations and a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area.

Walks through the Surroundings

Those travelling on foot can use the “Štěpánovický kopec” walk as a specific route. It leads from the cemetery via Krausova Alley to the Štěpánovice Cross and on to Blatec. The “Skalička” walk passes through Štěpánovice on the return journey. Both routes connect the village with different sections of the landscape and make the surroundings accessible on foot, without implying any specific walking time.

Cycling Route to Trosky

When cycling, the 21.5 km “Na Trosky přes Doubravici” route passes through Štěpánovice. It is moderately difficult. The combination of length and rating provides a specific basis for planning a cycling trip and clearly classifies the excursion as a longer, but not difficult, route. Its course through Štěpánovice complements the walking trails with a more active way to explore the landscape around the rocks and forest.

Orientation around Borecké skály

A walkable tourist trail leads to Borecké skály, beginning or continuing more than 250 metres from the road. The rock walls, gorge-like ravines and rock windows are therefore located in a landscape area accessible on foot via a trail. The distinctive points help with orientation before a hike: Čechova vyhlídka lies at the rock escarpment, the Bora pine forest is between Štěpánovice, Borek and Ktová, and the rock elevations continue northwards towards the vicinity of Štěpánovice.

The Štěpánovice Cross and Its History

The stone Štěpánovice Cross stands on the road from Štěpánovice to Rovensko pod Troskami, at the junction near Katova tůně. Josef Zeman from Tatobity made the pedestal. Residents of Štěpánovice had the stone cross erected in 1876. This historic local landmark complements the natural experiences with a specific testimony to the history of the village and is also located on a connection between Štěpánovice and Rovensko pod Troskami.

If you would like to compare other travel destinations, you can find Čistá U Horek, Loukov Nad Jizerou, Benešov U Semil, Bělá U Staré Paky, Bukovina U Turnova, Václáví, Rychlov and Sekerkovy Loučky here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Semily.