Pulcin Rocks

Pulcinske skaly stand on a ridge in the Javorniky above the village of Pulcin and form the largest rock town in Moravia - blocks and towers of Magura flysch sandstone up to about twenty-five metres, separated by wide clefts opened by slow slope movement rather than by water, which is what distinguishes these from the Bohemian sandstone cities. Between the blocks are pseudokarst caves formed in the gaps, of which Zkamenely zamek, the Petrified Castle, runs close to a hundred metres and is among the longer pseudokarst systems in the country. On the ridge above are the earthworks and fragments of a medieval castle. It is a national nature reserve and the trails are marked, with the route involving stairs and narrow passages between the blocks. The Javorniky here are quiet, wooded and much less walked than the Beskydy to the north.

What you'll find

• Moravia's largest rock town - flysch sandstone blocks and towers to twenty-five metres.
• Clefts from slope movement - the gaps opened by the hillside creeping, not by water.
• Pseudokarst caves - the Petrified Castle running close to a hundred metres.
• A castle ruin on the ridge - earthworks and stone fragments above the rocks.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Practical notes

The approach is on foot and steep. Passages are narrow and slippery when wet. Caves are unlit and entering them properly needs equipment. Services in the village are minimal.

Nearby

The Beskydy are north; Vsetin is west.

Key facts