Hiking from Karlštejn Castle to Velká Amerika

**Lace up your boots and take a hike through mystical woodlands to three old abandoned limestone quarries. **

Love the outdoors and seeking out hidden gems? Then a nature stroll to Mala and Velka Amerika is the perfect extension for a fun finale to an epic day trip after visiting the magnificent gothic castle of Karlštejn!.

Beat the crowds by visiting the castle in the morning and then head off on foot through the dense forest, stopping on route at a typical Czech restaurant for a tasty lunch. Fuel up, drink a pivo (beer) or two and then head off to Velka Amerika, the largest of the quarries.

A peaceful hike

Roughly 8km in distance from the castle (round trip), this scenic and peaceful hike should take no more than 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Velka Amerika (the first quarry). Begin the hike from the main stone gate of the castle grounds entrance and look to the right for a path that leads off into the woods. Follow the well trodden path and you should reach the restaurant within 10 minutes. From there, simply follow the road and you’ll come to a small Czech village called Mořina.

Here is where the route can get a little tricky as there are no sign posts. At the first cross roads, make sure to take the gravel looking road to your left which leads off towards the hills. Walk to the very end of this street and you’ll see a bus stop on the road that crosses it.

Take a right for a hundred metres or so and then take the road on your left which leads uphill. This will take you to the car park of Velka Amerika. From there, you’re free to explore and enjoy the various viewpoints. If you have time, walk on to the Mexico quarry and then finally to Mala Amerika where you can then walk back towards Karlštejn and take the train back to Prague.