The oldest protected geological formation in the Czech Republic
An inconspicuous hill protruding above the terrain on the edge of Kamenický Šenov next to the main road to Nový Bor hides a geological gem. With the even gradual cooling of igneous lava, long and regularly developed five- or hexagonal stone rock columns developed here. This extraordinary geological formation is the oldest geological reserve in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest protected areas in Europe. The place is very easily accessible from a nearby car park, which is why it is the most visited geological formation in the Czech Republic.
Geologically unique
Geologically, it is the columnar separation of basalt. The rock itself represents the rest of the lava flow created during volcanic activity in the Tertiary. The amazing stone regular columns were formed by the uniformly slow cooling. The columns are up to 15 meters long and 20–40 centimeters in diameter. Some are standing almost vertically, but others are gradually sloping.
Stone organ
The rock formation is immediately captivated by the remarkable, regularly developed five- or hexagonal stone columns, and because they are arranged at different heights like organ pipes, the rock is popularly called the Organ.
Road to the top of the rock
You can climb to the top of the rock to a height of 597 m above sea level and enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape.
Road around the rock
The rock can be bypassed without any problems, along the way you can discover pieces of rock on which the structure of stone columns is clearly visible.
Stone quarrying
The paradox is that the current attractive form of the rock was helped by stone mining, which took place here at the end of the 18th century. Local basalt columns were used for their quality in the construction of seawalls in the Netherlands. Thanks to mining, a unique rock structure was discovered.
The lake
Despite long-term efforts to stop mining, the amazing view of the extraordinary scenery is completed by the picturesque lake in front of the rock wall.
An attractive place for filmmakers
She is known from the cult fairy tale The Proud Princess from 1952 and from the Czech film The Watchmaker's Apprentice, and she also starred in the French film about the magician Merlin.
Marian Column
The Marian Column stands at the southeastern foot of Panská skala. It was built in memory of a young companion and widow who froze here on a stormy night on January 18, 1739.