Devil's Heads in the Czech Republic: Hiking trail around spectacular rock formations

To see a work of art similar to Mount Rushmore in the US state of South Dakota, you don't have to travel to the USA . A trip tothe Czech Republic is enough, because it's here that artist Václav Levý created the second-largest rock sculptures in the world.

The so-called Devil's Heads can be found above the Czech village of Želízy. The place is ideal for a day trip if you're in Prague (45 minutes by car) or Dresden (one and a half hours). But the Devil's Heads aren't the only works of art you can discover in this region.

If you're traveling by car, it's best to leave it in the town of Liběchov. There are a few free parking spaces in front of the castle, and the Václav Levý Trail begins right across the street. The artist even had a connection to the castle, which unfortunately hasn't been open to the public since a flood in 2002.

Levý worked there as a cook before devoting himself to sculpture. He discovered this passion while exploring the region's sandstone. In the mid-19th century, he created numerous sculptures from the soft stone. To see the works, simply follow the blue markers.

The circular route is approximately 12.5 kilometers long and initially leads through a small residential area and briefly along a road. After just a few hundred meters, it enters the forest, where the first climb begins.

Once at the top, you'll find the artist's first work, the Klácelka Cave. The sculptor worked here in 1845 and created numerous statues of animals from František Matouš Klácel's primer—you can also see Hussite heroes and dwarves.

The Klácelka Cave is the first highlight of the circular trail.

Source: imago images/Depositphotos

The trail continues across a plateau, where you'll want to keep your eyes peeled. Small and large ravines open up to the left and right, forgiving of any misstep. Then it descends again to the village of Želízy and climbs steeply up the other side. The paths are narrow and sandy, and in rain, the trail becomes slippery.

But the effort is worth it: Once you reach the top, they appear right in front of you – the Devil's Heads of the Czech Republic, also called Čertovy hlavy. They are two heads, each about nine meters tall. For comparison: The heads of the US presidents on Mount Rushmore are about twice as tall.

Levý created the Devil's Heads between 1841 and 1846. They are intended to depict two mystical figures, and their sometimes terrifying facial features have earned them the nickname "Devil's Heads." They reflect the Romantic style typical of the 19th century, in which nature, myth, and art merge.

You'll reach the next works after a somewhat longer walk through another forest. While they're no larger, they're no less impressive. The next attraction is known as the "Harpist"—in fact, there are several heads and even a small room carved into the rock that you can enter.

Václav Levý even carved a cave into the sandstone.

Source: Lisa-Marie Leuteritz

If you follow the path a little further, you'll discover a small sphinx and a decapitated snake on a large rock to the left, which requires a bit of imagination. No wonder: The works are over 150 years old, and sandstone is a rock quite susceptible to weathering. After about three to four hours, you'll have completed the circular route – and you shouldn't miss out on a good, hearty Czech meal, for example, in the restaurant of the Rezidence Liběchov.

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