Sandstone formations, named walks and a historic cross give you different starting points for planning a trip to Stepanovice. The protected Borecké skály area also extends into the cadastral area of Štěpánovice u Rovenska pod Troskami. Other features include the Bora pine forest, Čechova vyhlídka and a 21.5-kilometre cycling route that passes through Štěpánovice. Depending on whether you prefer rocky landscapes, walking trails, a cycling trip or local history, a different highlight comes to the fore.

Sandstone and distinctive rock formations

Borecké skály features sandstone walls, gorge-like ravines, rock windows and other formations shaped by erosion. The gorge-like ravines and rock windows differ from the walls: the former are indentations, while the latter are openings in the rock. Together, these features show the different ways erosion has shaped the sandstone landscape.

The Bora pine forest lies on sandstone rocks between Štěpánovice, Borek and Ktová. Čechova vyhlídka is also associated with a specific geological setting: it is located on the edge of the rock escarpment near the 360 m elevation point at Bor. From there, the view extends towards Trosky.

Several individual rock outcrops continue north towards Štěpánovice. One named example is the rock tower Štěpánka. The viewpoint at Čechova vyhlídka and the rock outcrops to the north thus provide different landmarks in the landscape.

Walks with different waypoints

The “Štěpánovický kopec” walk leads from the cemetery via Krausova Alley to the Štěpánovice Cross and on to Blatec. For “Skalička”, the return route is the distinctive feature: this walk passes back through Štěpánovice. The descriptions therefore emphasize different things: the first walk lists a sequence of named waypoints, while the second highlights the return route through the village.

You can reach Borecké skály via a walkable tourist trail that runs more than 250 metres from the road. As routes can change locally, check the route before setting out.

A cycling route as another option

The “Na Trosky přes Doubravici” cycling route passes through Štěpánovice, is 21.5 km long and is rated as moderate. The stated length indicates the extent of the route; the difficulty rating, by contrast, can vary with trail conditions. Signage and surfaces can also change. Therefore, check the current route and conditions before setting off.

The stone Štěpánovice Cross

The stone Štěpánovice Cross stands on the road from Štěpánovice to Rovensko pod Troskami, at the crossroads by Katova tůně. Residents of Štěpánovice had it erected in 1876. Josef Zeman from Tatobity made the pedestal. These details link the residents’ initiative with a specifically named craftsman and his work on the pedestal.

The cross adds a cultural and historical landmark with a precise location to the walks and the landscape. When planning your trip, you can treat the named walking routes, the cycling route and this stop as distinct highlights rather than combining them into a single tour.

Discover more destinations: Jablonec Nad Jizerou, Troskovice, Bradlecka Lhota, Pelešany, Chuchelna, Valterice, Libštát, Žernov U Semil.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Semily.