Czechia·June - September
BOHEMIAN TRAD PARADISE
Learn how to climb the Czech sandstone towers the traditional way: using knotted slings and prussics for protection.
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Overview
Cesky Raj, known as the Bohemian Paradise, is the oldest nature reserve in the Czech Republic. Despite being only an hour’s drive from Prague, climbing here has a remote, wild vibe. Steep rock cliffs plunge straight down into deep valleys and tall sandstone towers are covered by lonely pine trees. There are very few bolts (or sometimes none) and using friends, nuts and other metal gear is prohibited to protect the rock from damage. Climbers use knotted prusiks and slings of different sizes for protection. This adventurous style of climbing is closely linked to the local climbing mentality, which is very traditional and purist. With Mapo Tapo you will learn from local guides how to use this unique and pure style, preserving the rock for future generations and gaining the respect of the locals.
Local Partners
Juráš
Juráš is an IFMGA mountain guide since 2015 but first started climbing the Czech sandstones at the age of 14. He enjoys all climbing styles, from bouldering to ice climbing, but found his life passion in this 'traditional climbing'. He runs his own climbing school since 2006 where he concentrates especially on kids, raising a new climbing generation.
The Experience
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DAY 1
Arrival
Welcome to Czech Republic! Your guide will pick you up at the Prague airport and take you to Bohemian Paradise for a first tour through the magical sandstone tower city. The first day ends with our welcome dinner at the Hrubá skála Castle.
DAY 2
Sandstone climbing in Suché Skály
We'll start the day with introductory sandstone climbing in the Suché Skály ("Dry Rocks") area. This is one of the best places to try your first steps on sandstone and to get acquainted with how rope knots protection works. End the introductory day with a movie night and a presentation on sandstone climbing, route setting traditions and rules.
DAY 3
Climbing in Hruboskalsko
We're off to Hruboskalsko, the main climbing area in the Bohemian Paradise. This is the place where you can experience the purest sandstone, so get ready for a full climbing day! For the more bold, here you will get the chance to try some lead climbing.
End the day with a barbecue dinner, while enjoying the view on the towers conquered during the day.
DAY 4
Climbing in a rock city
Wake up, have a breakfast and get ready... today we're off to Prachovské skály. This stunning rock city offers perfect climbing conditions, with an endless variation of cracks, chimneys and ideal steep wall climbing.
DAY 5
Departure
Take the day off and get ready for departure - yes, already unfortunately! Or stick around for some independent or group sight-seeing.
Group drop-off at the airport is possible!
The program is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, climbing level, and endurance of the group
Gallery
Cesky Raj, Czech Republic
Climbing in the Bohemian Paradise started at the beginning of the 20th century. First climbers simply wanted to know if it was possible to reach the top of the towers…
The legacy of the first generation is still alive and there are pretty strict rules for sandstone climbing. There are plenty of things that you need to know about sandstone before you start climbing in order to protect the rock towers for future generations. The reason why few foreigners visit the Bohemian Paradise for climbing is mainly the lack of public information on how to do it properly and that is what the Mapo Tapo Czech Trad Climbing trip is about. We will show you the beauty of sandstone climbing, tell you about its history and explain to you how the nonmetal gear work.
There are literally endless possibilities for climbing in the Czech Paradise. Within a range of 40km, there are more than 30 sectors with 3000 rock formations that altogether offer 18000 routes. Since route setting became a whole life journey for some of the locals, there are tons of unrepeated routes
Basecamp
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Climbers Hut Panteon
Our accommodation is simple as our sandstone climbing spirit. You will be staying in a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, on the ridge of the Panteon climbing area. And the biggest benefit is that we can reach about 5 different local pubs within a 10 min walking distance ;)
Climbers Hut Panteon
Our accommodation is simple as our sandstone climbing spirit. You will be staying in a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, on the ridge of the Panteon climbing area. And the biggest benefit is that we can reach about 5 different local pubs within a 10 min walking distance ;)
Climbers Hut Panteon
Our accommodation is simple as our sandstone climbing spirit. You will be staying in a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, on the ridge of the Panteon climbing area. And the biggest benefit is that we can reach about 5 different local pubs within a 10 min walking distance ;)
Climbers Hut Panteon
Our accommodation is simple as our sandstone climbing spirit. You will be staying in a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, on the ridge of the Panteon climbing area. And the biggest benefit is that we can reach about 5 different local pubs within a 10 min walking distance ;)
Climbers Hut Panteon
Our accommodation is simple as our sandstone climbing spirit. You will be staying in a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, on the ridge of the Panteon climbing area. And the biggest benefit is that we can reach about 5 different local pubs within a 10 min walking distance ;)
What's Included
What's Included
3-day Czech trad style climbing course
Linen and bed sheets
Welcome dinner.
1 barbecue dinner
Equipment rental (except shoes).
4 nights in a self-service cottage
Virtual expedition briefing
Accidents insurance (ITA or ENG)
Transport to/from Airport
What's Not Included
Climbing shoe rental
Food and drink excluding 2 dinners
Flights
More Info
Climbing skills
The trad climbing master is conceived for climbers who want to climb the unique sandstone towers in Bohemian Paradise and are curious about the Czech trad climbing technique. Even though you will be accompanied by a certified mountain guide, you'll need to be climbing at least 5c to get the most out of the area. Add to that a curious attitude and thirst for adventure, and you'll have a great trip.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not to go outdoors alone.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Mon 29 Nov 2021 · Climbing destinations
Cesky Raj: A rock climbing guide
Cesky Raj, known as the Bohemian Paradise, is the oldest nature reserve in the Czech Republic and an incredible rock climbing area.
Fri 26 Nov 2021 · Climbing Tips
Climb and travel responsibly: 6 tips for a low-impact climbing holiday
The Climbing Initiative lay out some of the steps we can take to become more responsible climbing tourists.