Bohemian Switzerland presents the Ridge Trail as an experiential walking route. The trail spans 100 kilometers, guiding visitors through the region's most stunning yet relatively undiscovered locations. It takes around six days to explore these rock formations on foot. But what about winter? Is it possible to go cross-country skiing on the Ridge Trail? The answer is yes!
Selected stages of the Bohemian Switzerland Ridge Trail also offer cross-country skiing routes, which are equally beautiful in winter. The trail is especially enchanting when nature is covered in a blanket of snow and the sun's rays reflect off the ice crystals. I tried the first section of the trail, where it begins at the foot of the Ore Mountains, and brought my nine-year-old daughter with me. I had visited this area in the fall, so I knew she would enjoy it.
We went for a ride to Petrovice, to the parking lot of the Air Restaurant, which is 20 minutes from Ústí nad Labem. This restaurant is unique - it is a retired TU 104 airliner that flew for Czech Airlines and was relocated to Petrovice on 14th March 1995. After extensive modification, it was opened to the public as a restaurant. Parking is free here, and if you want to ride the cross-country trails near Petrovice and return to your starting point, this is the ideal place. The weather was beautiful; the sky was blue, and there were no clouds. The route starts behind the plane, where you climb a gentle hill past a short ski lift. At the top, you will reach a signpost informing skiers about the cross-country trails that lie directly ahead, allowing you to run and return to the parking lot. However, we had arranged a pick-up in Ostrov, so we left from the top.
I followed a path through the forest and was surprised to encounter tourists on cross-country skis, groups of walkers, and people walking their dogs. It was nice to greet other nature enthusiasts enjoying the beautiful weather. The trail took me along the historical Blue Ridge, which is represented by a red road. After leaving the forest, I crossed a large meadow with beautiful views. When I reached the Olšový stream, there was a restroom where I could take a break, and kids could have a chocolate bar for energy before the approximately fifteen-minute climb. After that, I passed through the village of Rájec - Zátiší, enjoying the view of the landscape and gaining new knowledge from an information board.
At the Lesní Zátiší cottage, turn left to find a beautiful path between sandstone massifs. It's a slight climb, but more adventurous dads can take it easy and descend the hill with a camera in hand. This path marks the border between the Czech Republic and Germany. About a kilometer from the turnoff at the Zátiší cottage, you can choose to go right to reach Hotel Ostrov on a shorter path with a steeper descent. However, if there's no snow, the path may have stones on it. I recommend continuing straight along the border. You'll arrive at a stunning valley, surrounded by sandstone massifs, with lakes in the middle. Here, you can enjoy refreshments at Hotel Ostrov. It's a remarkable place offering great food, accommodation, and a chance to walk between the ponds on wooden bridges. This is a sought-after place for its isolation from the ordinary world.
If you're feeling lazy, you can have your family's driver pick you up here. Alternatively, you can continue towards Děčínský Sněžník, another fantastic place on the route that I'll write about next time. This route isn't long – it took us less than an hour and a half. However, the experience we had will stay with us for a long time.
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