Million-year-old "stone fortress" suddenly attracts visitors: What's so hot that the country has to stand up to protect it?

Formed naturally, completely without human hands, this place becomes even more attractive in the eyes of tourists.

July and August are peak tourist months in the Czech Republic. The Basalt National Nature Reserve in the North of the Czech Republic has become a tourist attraction thanks to its unique landscape.

The Panská skála basalt rock formation , located in the Liebrage region of the northern Czech Republic, is made up of numerous vertical or slightly inclined five-sided and six-sided basalt columns, arranged in a row like pipes. It was listed as a national nature reserve in 1933.

Panská skála has become a popular tourist destination in the Czech Republic thanks to its unique landscape and many fairy tale films have been filmed here.

Formation process

The formation of Panská skála stems from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava, which creates cracks that naturally divide into hexagonal blocks. This phenomenon is the result of the rapid contraction of the lava as it cools , causing it to crack along its weakest planes, creating the characteristic columns of rock. This process not only gives the rock formation its unique shape, but also contributes to the preservation and maintenance of its structure over millions of years.

David Pastva told CNA that basalt is found on many hills in the area because it used to be a volcanic terrain, which is no longer active.

Pasteva said that because there are layers of solid sand on the surface that block the lava from erupting, the lava cools below the surface, forming unique organ-like structures. "If it were lava from an active volcano, it would flow on the surface and not form structures like this ," he said.

He said that in the 19th century, Panská skála was also used as a quarry. The basalt here was so durable that it was sold to the Netherlands and used to build sea dams to hold back the sea.

Deep meaning

Panská skála is not only a unique geological phenomenon, but also carries profound cultural and historical values. For centuries, this rock complex has been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers. In 1895, Panská skála became the first protected area in the Czech Republic, an important milestone in the conservation of the country's nature and geological heritage.

In addition to visiting and exploring the rock formations, Panská skála is also a place where many cultural and educational activities and events take place . Geological exhibitions and seminars are regularly held here, providing opportunities for visitors and scientists to exchange knowledge and experience. In addition, activities such as mountain climbing, camping and eco-tours are also organized so that visitors can experience and explore more about the nature and environment around Panská skála.

There is a lake in the Panská skála basalt group in the Czech Republic. The rocks and trees reflect the beautiful scenery in the lake, attracting visitors to stop and take pictures.

Famous destination attracts thousands of tourists every year

Today, Panská skála is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Visitors can walk on the trails around the rock formation, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and take souvenir photos.

Czech people climb to the top of the Panská skála basalt rock and admire the view in the distance.

The tallest basalt column in the basalt group reaches 12 meters. From the top of the mountain, visitors can look far away to see the landscape and the lake below the basalt group. The rocks and tree shadows reflect the beautiful scenery in the lake, attracting visitors to stop and take pictures.