Trip through the Modlivý Mine and Svojkov Castle

Sightseeing trip around Svojkov

Starting point

Parking lot under the Svojkov castle by the road connecting Nový Bor and Zákupy. Parking is free of charge.
 

Description of the hike

From the parking lot I followed the yellow trail towards the Beech Valley. The path led through the forest and then under the rocks. Just past the state road, the sign turns right and here began the first steeper climb on the trail. The trail took me between the rock blocks. I continued on the forest trail below Nightingale Hill. Then followed probably the steepest climb on the whole route. There is a small rock at the top of Nightingale, which can be climbed with a little skill. From the top you can get partial views of Bezděz or Ralsko.

I descended rapidly from the Slavíček to the saddle. I made a small detour to the Modlivý mine. The descent is very steep and there are stairs. However, it is a beautiful place, there is a rock chapel or oratory built here. After exploring the mine, I returned to the saddle and began the climb up Yew Hill. The first part of the climb is on a marked trail, but there is only a slight path to the summit itself. Even from this peak there are partial views of the landscape.

From Tisový vrch I returned to the marker and after it I started a gradual descent to the rock lookout. These are located on the rock ridge above the village of Svojkov. There are about 3 viewing platforms on the trail, which offer great views towards the Kokořínsko region. From the rock lookouts I then descended between the rocks back to the road in the village of Svojkov. Before I reached my car, I made a small walk to the ruins of the rock castle of Svojkov, which is right next to the parking lot. Then I went back to the car.
 

Difficulty

A simple trip to the sandstone cliffs. There is some elevation gain on the route, the ascent to the Nightingale Mountain is a bit steeper. Stairs between the rocks lead to the Modlivý mine. All the way along the marked forest trails. The route is ideal for families and dogs.
 

Water availability

Refreshments are available at the parking lot under Svojkov Castle. There is no refreshment or water fountain on the route, you must have at least 1 liter of water with you.
 

Mountain peaks

The route leads over two peaks - Slavíček 535 m above sea level and Tisový vrch 540 m above sea level. There are several other viewpoints along the way.
 

Danger

The route leads along forest trails. Sometimes it was pretty slippery on them, there are often roots or wet rocks covered with leaves. Probably the biggest danger, especially for children, are the rock outcrops. There are no handrails on any of them, and since the lookouts are on top of rock blocks, it's a good idea to stay off the edges of the rocks.
 

Food

The only refreshment is at the parking lot under Svojkov Castle. There is a small bistro. However, it was closed during my visit, so it probably only works in high season.
 

Attractions

The route of this trip will also visit the Modlivý Mine. It is a canyon between sandstone rocks. It was originally called the Smolný Mine, because in its vicinity the woodcutters produced charcoal from the wood of pine trees rich in pitch. It was renamed Modlivý důl (Blue Mine) after a legend in the late 17th century, when a young man was allegedly found murdered here. For some time the locals avoided the site, but later it became a place of pilgrimage. From 1772 onwards, numerous processions were made here to avert plague and famine. At the end of the 18th century, a rock chapel was built here, with a neo-Gothic portal in 1836. The chapel was transformed into its present form in 1903. After World War II, the pilgrimages to the mine fell into oblivion, but their tradition was revived in 1996. Mass is held here every year on 1 May.