Panská skála is a fascinating natural phenomenon in the northern Czech Republic, consisting of tall pentagonal or hexagonal basalt columns. The shapes are so precise that one could almost believe that this is man-made, but this creation came about through volcanic activity many millions of years ago.
Table of contents
Panská skála
Panská skála is an exciting attraction that tells the story of our geological history. The name can be translated as 'the Lord's Rock', but the rock formation has sometimes also been called 'Varhany', which in Czech means organ.
Panská skála is located near the town of Kamenický Šenov in the Liberec region, in northern Bohemia. This is just over 10 miles north of Prague.
What is Panská skála?
Panská skála is a natural phenomenon created by volcanic activity during the Tertiary period, i.e. 65.5-2.6 million years ago. According to several sources, this particular natural phenomenon occurred around 30 million years ago.
The formation consists of pentagonal and hexagonal systematically arranged basalt columns with a diameter of between 20 and 40 centimetres. Similar structures are found in other parts of the world, including at Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and Kirkjugólf in Iceland.
The rock formation is about 30 metres high, and the top is 597 metres above sea level. Already in the late 19th century, efforts were made to protect the site and in 1914 the quarry here closed, although unfortunately it reopened during the war. In 1953, the cliff was declared a natural monument, and today it is a popular destination for tourists.
Visiting Panská skála
The easiest way to get to Panská skála is by car. Driving from Prague takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Liberec, the car journey takes about 40 minutes. There is a car park right next to the site and information signs about the various hiking trails in the area. A small installation of chandeliers from different eras has also been set up here.
Walking from the car park to Panská skála is a very short little walk. It is also easy to get around the rock formation, to see it from different angles.
Up to the top
If you have no problem walking, you can reach the top without much difficulty. Along the way you can be fascinated by these unique rock formations.
Once at the top, there is a view down to the rock formation, but also of the surrounding landscape.
The Czech landscape is green and lush, with high volcanic mountain peaks rising all around.
More to see in the neighbourhood
Right next to Pánska Skála is Novy Bor, where there is a lot to discover for those who love glass and glass art. In general, there is a lot to discover in the Crystal Valley and places like Liberec and Jablonec Nad Nisou. The Bohemian Paradise area also offers beautiful nature. In addition, a visit to Litoměřice can be enjoyable.
Ostrava, Czech Republic - 13 tips for things to see and do
Ostrava, located in the eastern Czech Republic, is a city that tells the story of mining and industrial history,...
Becherovka in Karlovy Vary - and a Czech meal
In cooperation with Czech Tourism Do you know Becherovka, and maybe you have even heard of...
Park Boheminium in the Czech Republic - Czech Republic in miniature
In partnership with Czech Tourism Park Boheminium in the Czech Republic is a miniature Czech Republic. Here...
The fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic
When you enter the gates of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, you have to pinch...
Golf in the Czech Republic - and camping on Lake Olesna
Now we have played golf in the Czech Republic, and it was actually the first time we played...
Arrived in the Czech Republic - camping Konopiste in Benesov
Now we have arrived in the Czech Republic and at the Konopiste campsite in Benesov. We came here...
Tree top course in Czech Republic - Pustevny and Stezka Valaska
We have visited Pustevny and Stezka Valaska, which means we have walked on a...
Blowing glass - visit to moser glassworks in the Czech Republic
In cooperation with Czech Tourism Nu, we have tried blowing glass, or at least...
What to do in Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic - 15 tips
What to do in Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic? This Czech city is, despite being...
Landek Park in Czech Republic - camping and mining museum
Landek Park is a mining museum in Ostrava, in the eastern Czech Republic, and also houses a...
Camping and swimming in the Czech Republic - at Kostelec nad Orlici
Now we have travelled on to experience some camping and swimming in the Czech Republic. After...
3 hotels in Karlovy Vary - celebrity hotel, spa or boutique hotel
In cooperation with Czech Tourism Today we recommend three hotels in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)...
Beer spa in the Czech Republic - how does it work?
In partnership with Czech Tourism Beer spa in the Czech Republic - how does it work? We have...
Cool treetop course in Krkonoše, northern Czech Republic
The treetop course in Krkonoše, in the north of the Czech Republic, offers a wonderful nature experience. You walk high up...
Mikulov Castle and Central Europe's largest wine barrel
There are many fine castles and vineyards in the Czech Republic, especially south of Brno. We...
Spa in the Czech Republic - visit to Dvůr Perlová Voda
Spa in the Czech Republic! After several months on the road in a cramped motorhome, it was really...
Colours of Ostrava - music festival in an industrial environment
For several days, we've been hanging out at the Colours of Ostrava music festival in Ostrava,...
The spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne in the Czech Republic - the yellow town
In partnership with Czech Tourism As we walked into the spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne in the Czech Republic...
Christmas market in Prague - one of the best in Europe
The Christmas market in Prague is an experience. From the end of November until Christmas, the...
Adrspach rocks - the Czech Republic's cool mountain
We set out to find the cool rock formations in the Czech Republic called...
Devil heads in the Czech Republic - and two other spooky hikes
Devil heads in the Czech Republic are a very special attraction, which you can find in the Bohemian...
Kroměříž Gardens and Castle - Unesco World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic
Kroměříž Gardens and Castle is located in the town of Kroměříž in the eastern Czech Republic. The gardens are together with...
Travelling to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic by plane and bus
In partnership with Czech Tourism Travelling to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic by air and...
Liberec, Czech Republic - 7 things to see and do
Liberec in the Czech Republic is the fifth largest city in the country. Here you are greeted by beautiful...
15 castles and palaces in the Czech Republic you don't want to miss
There are so many amazing castles and palaces in the Czech Republic. We've visited a whole...
Villa Tugendhat - design and fascinating history in Brno
If you visit Brno in the Czech Republic, don't miss Villa Tugendhat. But you must...
Punkva caves - underground boat trip in the Czech Republic
Punkva caves are located in Blansko, just north of Brno in the Czech Republic. These large caves...
Besedické skály - great hiking in the Czech Republic
Besedické skály is a hiking area in the Czech Republic filled with amazing rock formations. We did...
Pravcicka Brana - the largest sandstone arch in Europe
In cooperation with Czech Tourism Pravcicka Brana is Europe's largest natural arch of sandstone and...
Kynžvart Castle in the Czech Republic - among mummies and snake skins
In cooperation with Czech Tourism Kynžvart Castle in the Czech Republic is a beautiful historic castle, where...
Have you heard of Panská Skála?
Have you heard about Panská Skála before, or maybe you have even visited it? Do you know of any place in the world with similar natural phenomena?
Facts about Panská skála
- Country: Czech Republic
- Area: Bohemia (Bohemia)
- Region: Liberec (Liberecky kraj)
- Location: Near Kamenický Šenov, just over 10 miles north of Prague.
- Name: Panská Skála means "Lord's Rock" and can be called Mansion Rock or Manor Rock in English. The rock can also be called Varhany (organ) in Czech, due to its shape.
- Read more: You can find more information at the region's website.
Elisabeth says:
An exciting novelty. Nature can really surprise!
03 October 2021 - 8:10
Helena says:
That's right! This place is very special, just like the similar one in Northern Ireland that we also visited.
03 October 2021 - 8:30
Lisa says:
No never heard of but sounds tempting to visit. I am curious about the Czech Republic which we have seen far too little of. Interesting to follow your journey.
03 October 2021 - 10:10
Helena says:
An interesting and nice country to travel in really!!! 🙂
04 October 2021 - 18:24
Ladies Abroad says:
Soooo beautiful and fascinating. I was in a similar place in Georgia, now I feel like I need to go here.
03 October 2021 - 10:23
Helena says:
Is it true? How interesting!
04 October 2021 - 18:24
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We have only seen these phenomena in pictures from Ireland and Iceland, really fascinating scenery!
03 October 2021 - 17:11
Helena says:
Isn't it fascinating! Nature is special and surprising!!!
04 October 2021 - 18:25
BP says:
They were powerful formations! Here it is important to have good balance if you want to get to the top. Understand that the area is also called an organ, because the formation actually looks like an organ.
03 October 2021 - 17:58
Helena says:
I agree, the organ name is good, the mountain really reminds me of such a musical instrument!!!
04 October 2021 - 18:26
Lena - good for the soul says:
Very fascinating! Absolutely incredible what nature can create! Almost hard to believe that it is natural. Looks like a nice destination.
Hug Lena
27 December 2021 - 17:49