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Americká-Karlstejn: Booking or info request| Americká-Karlstejn: Gallery
Americká
Quarries and splendour in Bohemia
We leave Prague riding a bus towards Mořina, a small village not far from the big city. Once there, the tour begins. Initially the walk will take place on asphalt road, for a couple hundred meters. Then we take the trail which starts near the first quarry, Big America. Extraction of stone in this place started in early 19th century and it was continued up to the 60's of 20th century. The traces of such activity are clear nowadays. The huge crater left there is now half filled with water, in somes places as deep as 60 meters.
We will walk around Big America, spending sometime enjoying the views from the couple observation spots available to the visitors. If we are lucky we may witness some police and fire brigade exercises, which take place on this location from time to time. Eventually we will find our way to the minor quarry, named Small America. From there the walk continues in a fine forest. We will be walking surrounded by tall trees, spottibg here and there some streams of clear and fresh water.
The visit to Karlstejn it's optional. It will add some time and walking miles to our day trip and the inner areas of this famous castle will not be visited, as it would definitely take too much time. The idea is to take the pulse to the place, both to the village and to the castle itself. I might even show you the best spot for getting a general view of Karlstejn castle, where you will be able to obtain pictures which will cause jealousy in many people. Food and beverages will be available in the village and we may have a proper meal, if desired.
After this detour, will will proceed through the woods until reaching the impressive cliff under which was established the monastery of Svatý Jan Pod Skalou, which means exactly "Saint John Under the Cliff". The view is overwhelming. We see the small vilage down there, almost in the vertical. We may stay on the top of the cliff for a while, relaxing, enjoying the atmosphere. Soon we will be in the village, using a beautiful trail leading directly to the monastery. There, we will be able to drink the most delicious water I ever tried, running from a natural fount. If we have the time, considering the bus timetable, we can visit a local pub and enjoy a beer or some other beverage while we discuss the journey.
 "Last spring, I participated in a trip to the famous old lime-stone mines called curiously Big America, Little America and Mexico. The sight of the mines is really breath-taking, they even remind of the Grand Canyon in a smaller scale. However, the best thing about them is that they are not on the official tourist- destination list, and walking around that area is „on your own responsibility“. We did a good hiking through the wilderness, saw some wonderful piece of nature, got to a place with a spring of water that was supposed to have healing powers, had a good lunch at a cosy restaurant and got as far as the castle Karlstejn, all in one day. I must admit, the trip was very well organized, interesting and enjoyable, mailny thanks to our guides Ricardo and Alexey who made all the plans, had the maps with the necessary directions, and lots of positive energy."
Maija Kadlecova, Latvia |
Americká-Karlstejn: Booking or info request| Americká-Karlstejn: Gallery
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