Blog Ani i Radka
This autumn was a good one for us for many reasons. First of all, it was the first autumn of our little Kamila and she made it special for us. Secondly, we went to see Bohemian Switzerland and the weather was great! Also, I started jogging again and I walk with Kamila in the forest almost every day. So lots of time and possibilities for exploration of the beauty of this season.
Czech:
Walking/jogging in Szczecin:
How could we spend time in mountains without a full day of proper hiking? Impossible 🙂 So we took our two little ones and set out to see the walls of Jetrichovice. I chose the most popular route around and I wasn’t disappointed. Of course, there were quite many people, but all in all it was bearable and the route was very pleasant. We shortened the original distance we were supposed to do but it was still enough to see the spotlights of Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
The path (rather easy when it comes to technical grade) led through a series of little peaks / view points / towers. So there were: Marina Skala, Vilemina Stena, Rudolfuv Kamen and a couple of more. We didn’t reach Saustejn which is supposedly fun but with two little ones and my stomach starting aching (after surgery I shouldn’t be doing any sports in at least 3 months so I pushed it a little bit) we decided we had enough for the day.
What we both really liked about the Elbe Sandstone mountains is that they offer an Alpine-ish look. I mean that the rock formations scattered around make the area look rough – more like mountains rather than hills. Which is good and we enjoyed it. Of course, 700 m is not really an alpine elevation but as for such little mountains they offer very versatile surroundings.
Ok, time to explore a bit of Germany too. The most famous place at this side of the border is by no means Bastei which is a complex of beautiful paths, beautiful sandstone rock formations, a bridge, Elbe river and a neighbouring resort. As you see, a lot to explore 🙂 Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones who had this idea and there were swarms of people! I mean it, there were so many it was actually irritating. I didn’t expect that at the end of September but apparently it is a very famous place and on top of that easily reachable for elderly, families with children or even handicapped.
At first we headed to Schwedenlocher which is a trail of 900 steps situated in a lovely environment of rocks, woods and boulders. Sometimes it gets really narrow. I was lucky enough to have checked the route earlier and we made it going down. Of course, later on we needed to regain the elevation but the path up was a bit milder than Schwedenloche. Plus, we visited Rathen resort before going up, so refreshed after a meal and a beer, we were able to climb up straight to Bastei bridge from where we had a view on Elbe river (one of many this day) and stunning rocks at the other side.
It was a cool place but I was relieved to leave it. Simply too many people to enjoy it properly. Another attraction of the day was a fort named Königstein. We decided to visit it mainly because of the magnificent view it gives on the Elbe river (see the first photo). I’m not particularly into military history but the view was worth seeing. Plus, Wojtek enjoyed the cannons scattered around the place.
Another good day! See you tomorrow!
The next day we headed to Pravčická brána – a rock forming an arc – or a gate as it is called. It’s the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe and makes a great impression on every tourist. An XVIII century building is standing right next to it and adds a charm to the place. Except for the inn and the gate, the view around is spectacular. You can see the whole area together with the neighbouring rock formations. Tourists are not discouraged by the fact that you really need to hike to visit this place. There are various ways to reach Pravčická brána, we started from Hrensko, first by a road, then by a forest and up to the inn.
At the gate we made a longer pause (yep – beer pause but not only – you must eat knedliki when you are in Czech – you simply must do it!). Except for trying local cuisine, we also made a walk around as there are many walking paths that give view on the gate and around from different angles. The view was really great!
From there we headed to Soutěsky (a ravine). We were not sure if we would make it on time but decided to head forward and see what the day brings. The path continued through a forest and led to a little town (Luka) where we made an ice cream break (that was Wojtek’s idea). Then we continued through yet another forest (this time flat) that seemed a bit fairy-like with its densely growing trees with naked chunks and lots of green moss. This forest smoothly turned into a ravine and by no means it was the most beautiful place of this sort I have ever seen. I know I sometimes fall into exaggeration but I swear it’s not this time. And when I try to put in words what I saw I don’t find anything that would give justice. I mean, there was nothing special – a stream, small rocks, moss, trees – you can find that in many places. But somehow it all added up and created a special mood of this place. Spectacular!
The route continued up to a place where there was no possibility to build a suspended path, nor to pass with dry feet. And that was another attraction of the place – a boat ride guided by a raftsman. It was great because we just sat down and admired the beauty of the surroundings while the guide told stories about the history of the place as well as gave us various interpretations of the rocks. I liked it a lot.
Oh yeah, I forgot – there was an artificial waterfall. Quite an oddity – won’t you say? Anyway, I enjoyed this day a lot and I have to say, I was super surprised we managed to do this we 2 little children. Endomondo showed us the distance of 22 km. Of course, there’s always some margin of error but still it’s quite a walk. And our kids were so great it was a truly pleasant day!
The idea to visit Bohemian Switzerland conceived when I was still pregnant. The pregnancy didn’t go well and for the majority of it I had to stay home (or around) so I was really in the need of changing places when it was all over. Lots of people think it’s impossible or unwise to travel with infants. I’m not one of them and when it turned out that the weather this year couldn’t be better, we booked our stay. Bohemian Switzerland and its mountains are the closest mountains from us – ~3.5h drive. They’re built mainly from sandstone which makes them particularly pretty. They’re not very high, the highest summit in the region is over 700m above the sea level but thanks to the geology they make for great rocks to climb or hike… or simply visit and watch as the sandstone takes on all sorts of crooked and bizarre forms: holes, funnels, pillars – you name it.
On the first day of our 5-day trip we headed to Tisa, from where we hiked up to Tiské stěny (Tyssa Walls). It’s a complex of sandstone rocks that first grow in a forest and then stretch in an arc at the level of ~600m. The place is now a natural reserve which I can totally understand because it is simply an awesome place. Actually, I think it was the best day from the whole trip. The rock formations were truly remarkable and opened up countless possibilities for imagination when it comes to their interpretation. Is it a mushroom or an umbrella? A dwarf or a hag? A rabbit or a peacock? Of course, they have all been already interpreted and if you take a map from tickets office you’ll know the answer right away, but where’s the fun it?
The route was very pleasant. At first we went through rocks and woods (and when I say through rocks I really mean it – the path leads through the cracks in sandstone boulders). Then we got to a restaurant where we made a beer pause. <A side note: throughout the whole trip we made loads of beer pauses. Beer in Czech and Germany is always great!> <Side note 2: I drank „ne alko” which was still great for me>. Then we moved to a return path that led on a ridge and gave us a beautiful view on Bohemian Switzerland valley.
Another season went past. Time really sped up since we came back to Poland. We didn’t have much time for travelling and exploring, we did start a new hobby though. You guessed it – running! It was more of a reason choice – to be fit enough for Mont Blanc we need to train hard and running seems to do the best job for us in this respect. But what started as a well-considered decision, ended up as an inner drive and almost vocation. I wish I had started running back in France – there are so many possibilities for trail running there. Anyway, Szczecin is not bad too. Some of the photos were taken during our running sessions (sorry for poor quality). Have a look – Poland is beautiful too.
Last day of autumn is past and calendar winter has begun. Although it not always feels like winter, I am happy for the colder days that are to come. This year I am going to explore winter mountains like never and I am looking forward to it. But for now – a couple of autumn photos from this year.
Broc:
Gruyères:
Challex:
Gstaad:
Nyon:
Salève:
You can find more autumn photos in my latest post here.
I have been walking a lot with my son, mostly around my house which is situated in such a nice neighbourhood. Just a stone’s throw from my place there is a little river that gets pretty lively after rainfalls, there’s a lovely footpath leading to a flock of sheep, there are many playgrounds and sports fields. It’s nice to watch how the seasons change and alter the places I know like the back of my hand. It’s less boring that way!
Sheep are my favourite, especially when they have young. Oh dear, it makes me scream: CUTE ALERT!
But it’s not only animals that grab my heart. The omnipresent nature and mountains make me feel at ease with my life. I really love living here. There are pros and cons of being an expat but the mountains will always cover it all for me.
My first weekend back in France. First observations: it’s warmer and it feels good to be back. We went out for a lazy walk in Alpin Jardin in Meyrin. It’a autumn undoubtedly. All those lovely colours, leaves scattered on the ground, fresh air letting us know hot days are over… I really like autumn especially when it’s nice and sunny like it’s usually here.
Jardin Alpin is a rather small square so it didn’t take us long to make two loops around. Nature seems to be going to bed now before its final winter sleep.
I spent two weeks in Szczecin – my home city. I like my place, really. Although for various reasons my stay in Poland was a bit overwhelming, I really enjoyed those peaceful moments in parks where I grew up, where I would play as a child and later would go to school every day. Now, that I am an expat living abroad, I try to cherish those rare moments of me dealing with my patrimony.
