Tisza Walls - tour

Like the entire Elbe Sandstone region, the Tisa Walls were formed approximately 90 million years ago in the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era on the seabed. Several layers of sandy sediments were gradually deposited here, and the sandstones were then formed by their subsequent consolidation.
The result of the erosional activity of wind, sunlight and rain is a rock city with countless cracks, crevices, cavities, niches and tunnels.

The sandstone formations originated as sediments of the Mesozoic sea, which were broken up by volcanic activity after the water receded and subsequently began to be subject to erosion. This created the current complex labyrinth of joints, cracks, cavities, caves and other shapes. Through weathering, all types of cavities slowly expand and the sandstone rock is slowly washed away. Managers and volunteers are currently trying to slow the erosion process with wooden barriers.

The area is truly rich in fascinating sandstone formations, which bear poetic names and awaken the imagination. Individual peaks rise up to 70 meters high.
Rock formations have various names, such as Rock Mushroom, Golem, Stone Snowman, Elephant, and so on.

The so-called rock clocks are formed where two adjacent cavities widen and come closer together through weathering, leaving a narrowing column of sandstone between them.

There are two entrances to the rock city. The first one leads from the parking lot by the church in Tisá, the second one starts at the Tourist Cottage. An educational trail with information panels starts from both places.

At both entrances to the rock city, a contribution is collected for the maintenance and operation of access to the viewpoints, the sightseeing circuit, and the nature trail.

The Tiské Walls are divided into two main parts: the Great Wall and the Small Walls. Both parts are accessible via well-marked tourist trails, which form two sightseeing circuits. The two trails meet at a place called Skalní náměstí, forming one large figure eight.

This circuit runs between the rock square and the tourist hut and is longer and more demanding, but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The route leads through a labyrinth of rock towers, gorges and viewpoints. The journey takes about two hours.

The small circuit leads northwest from Skalní náměstí and is shorter and less demanding, suitable for families with children. The route leads through picturesque rock formations and offers views of bizarre shapes of sandstone rocks and the journey takes about one hour.

At the eastern entrance to the rocks there is a stylish tourist hut offering refreshments and accommodation.

The Tisza walls are accessible all year round. The rock formations create a microclimate with different temperatures and humidity. It is cooler and wetter in narrow gorges and shady places, while it is warmer and drier on sunny viewpoints and rock peaks.
In the winter months, cold weather and the occurrence of snow and ice must be expected.

The rock labyrinth has also served as an attractive exterior for several films. The most famous of these is the 2005 New Zealand film „The Chronicles of Narnia“. Thanks to this, the Tisza Walls have become known to millions of people, perhaps without even knowing where this magical place is located.
Czech films include the adventure film „Windy Mountain“ and the film „Two on a Horse, One on a Donkey.“ Of course, there were more filmmakers here and they keep coming back.

Many climbing routes of all levels of difficulty have been created in the area. The individual climbing towers of the rock city have their own names. There are 19 numbered rock formations with climbing routes in Malé stěny and 56 in Velké stěny.