Čertovy hlavy Želízy
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Čertovy hlavy Želízy

4.6
·5k reviews·Želízy, Czechia

Monumental 19th-century demon faces carved into a sandstone cliff, a unique artistic and natural wonder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry weather

Avoid slippery paths

CrowdMedium
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Čertovy hlavy Želízy

Čertovy hlavy Želízy

Best Time

Dry weather

Avoid slippery paths

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Monumental 19th-century demon faces carved into a sandstone cliff, a unique artistic and natural wonder.

4.6
(5k reviews)

"An incredible rock faces, totally worth the short hike up the hills."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Trekking Shoes Essential

Crucial for navigating slippery paths, especially in wet conditions.

💰 Bring Local Coins

Parking lot only accepts Czech Koruna coins. No card payments accepted.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Devil's Heads

The Devil's Heads

Sandstone rock face near Liběchov

Two colossal, roughly hewn demon faces carved into the rock, a unique 19th-century masterpiece.

Václav Levý Loop Trail

Václav Levý Loop Trail

Starts at the municipal office in želízy

Follow the blue trail to discover not only the main heads but also other reliefs by the same artist.

Klácelka Cave

Klácelka Cave

Near the Devil's Heads

Explore this cave featuring reliefs of historical figures and symbolic animal forms.

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Planning Your Visit

Footwear is Key!

The path to the Devil's Heads can be slippery, especially after rain. Opt for sturdy trekking shoes with good grip to avoid rolling down muddy hills. Sandals are a definite no-go! Reddit+1

Parking & Payment

There's a paved parking lot, but it only accepts local currency coins. Be prepared with cash, as card payments aren't an option. Portable toilets are available but can be quite dirty. Reddit

Best Times

When
Dry weather
Why
Avoid slippery paths
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Devil’s Head aka The Deil's Heid A prominent sea stack on the cliff just north of Arbroath. An easy 20 minute walk to get there with a well maintained path. Parking, food, and toilets available. #Arbroath #TheDevilsHead #TheDeilsHeid #ScotlandWalks
@theolivetreefamily
386 likes • 8.9K views

🥾 Trekking Shoes Essential

Crucial for navigating slippery paths, especially in wet conditions. Reddit+1

💰 Bring Local Coins

Parking lot only accepts Czech Koruna coins. No card payments accepted. Reddit

Devil's Head Fire Lookout #devilsheadfirelookout #devilsheadmountain #velvetrevolver #hiking #colorado
@colohiker13
19 likes • 173 views
reddit.com

what is this thing???? [KCD2]

🗺️ Follow the Blue Trail

The Václav Levý Loop Trail guides you to the main sculptures and other carvings. Reddit

🚗 Avoid Highway Traffic

Consider alternative routes to Prague to bypass potential traffic jams. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Trekking Shoes Essential

Crucial for navigating slippery paths, especially in wet conditions. Reddit+1

💰 Bring Local Coins

Parking lot only accepts Czech Koruna coins. No card payments accepted. Reddit

🗺️ Follow the Blue Trail

The Václav Levý Loop Trail guides you to the main sculptures and other carvings. Reddit

🚗 Avoid Highway Traffic

Consider alternative routes to Prague to bypass potential traffic jams. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the unique and monumental Devil's Heads sculptures, praising their artistic merit and the intriguing natural setting. The short walk is appreciated, though the slippery and sandy terrain requires sturdy footwear. Some note issues with parking payment methods and the condition of facilities.

"Short walk from the parking. Lots of beautiful huge rocks. Must see when in Czechia."

Kinga Gaál

"It's beautiful but hard to reach in the rain, we went there in October and rolled down the muddy hill a couple times, trekking shoes with a strong grip are highly recommended."

Benoni Rivera

"This is an incredible rock faces. Totally worth the short hike up the hills.
The monumental rock sculptures can be found in a pine forest near Liběchov by Želízy. Two, approximately nine-metre-tall terrifying devil heads, created by Václav Levý, were the first sculptures to appear in the local sandstone rocks between 1841 and 1846. Considering the dimensions, this artwork is quite unique in the country.

The devil heads are accessible along a blue trail that starts by the municipal office in Želízy. The trail is known as the Václav Levý Loop Trail. A number of other reliefs were soon to follow.

Visit the Klácelka Cave and take a look at the large relief of Jan Žižka, Prokop Holý, Zdeněk Zásmucký and dwarves forging weapons for the Knights of Blaník. The cave conceals symbols of human traits in animal forms according to the fables by František Matouš Klácel, whom the cave is named after."

Buster Got it

What People Like

Unique rock sculptures
Impressive scale
Interesting art history

What People Dislike

Slippery paths
Parking payment issues
Dirty toilets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Devil's Heads are located near Liběchov, about 30km from Prague. While you can drive, it's advised to avoid the highway due to potential traffic jams. Consider local roads for a smoother journey. Reddit Parking is available near the site, but be prepared with local currency for payment. Reddit

Information on direct public transport is limited, but local buses may serve the nearby town of želízy. From there, you might need to walk or arrange local transport. Checking local Czech transport schedules is recommended. Reddit

The blue trail, known as the Václav Levý Loop Trail, starts by the municipal office in želízy and leads to the sculptures. Reddit There's also a shorter, steeper path which is more challenging, especially in wet conditions. Reddit

Yes, there is a paved parking lot available. However, it only accepts local currency coins and does not accept card payments. Reddit

Portable toilets are available at the parking lot, but reviews suggest they can be quite dirty. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees for viewing the Devil's Heads themselves. The primary cost would be for parking, which requires local currency coins. Reddit

As an outdoor rock sculpture, there are no set opening hours. You can visit them at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility. Reddit

The trail itself is generally accessible without an entrance fee, as it's part of the natural landscape and local heritage. Reddit

Yes, you can visit year-round, but the condition of the paths can vary significantly. Dry weather is best for easier access. Reddit+1

No booking requirements are mentioned for visiting the Devil's Heads. It's a natural attraction accessible to the public. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The walk from the parking lot to the main sculptures is described as short. However, exploring the surrounding area and other carvings can extend your visit. Reddit+1

The terrain involves hills with sandy and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Reddit+1

Yes, the Václav Levý Loop Trail leads to other reliefs and smaller carvings by the same artist, V. Levý. Reddit

Given the steep and potentially slippery paths, the site may not be easily accessible for individuals with significant mobility issues. Reddit+1

Try to capture the scale by including a person in the frame. Consider different angles from the base and from higher points on the trail for varied perspectives. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the TikTok video mentions food availability, specific details are scarce. It's advisable to check local listings in Liběchov or želízy for dining options. TikTok

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, especially if dining options are limited or if you plan to spend more time exploring the area. TikTok

No specific picnic areas are mentioned, but you can likely find suitable spots to enjoy a packed meal, especially if you venture slightly off the main path. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the rock sculptures. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the heads. A smartphone camera can also capture great shots, especially with good lighting. TikTok

From the base, you can get a sense of their imposing size. Higher vantage points on the trail offer a broader view of the sculptures and the surrounding landscape. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas before flying. TikTok

Experiment with angles from below to emphasize their size and from slightly above to capture their placement within the rock face. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Devil's Heads offer a unique and slightly spooky adventure for families. The short walk from the parking lot is manageable for most children, but the slippery paths mean close supervision is essential. Reddit+1 Ensure kids wear appropriate footwear to avoid tumbles. The imposing sculptures are sure to spark their imagination, and exploring the Václav Levý Loop Trail with its other carvings can turn it into a treasure hunt. Reddit

Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited. The novelty of the giant stone faces and the surrounding forest setting can make for a memorable outing. Just be mindful of the terrain, especially if you have very young children or strollers, as it's not ideal for them. Reddit

🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For hikers, the čertovy hlavy present a short but engaging excursion. The Václav Levý Loop Trail offers a pleasant walk through a pine forest, leading to the impressive rock sculptures. Reddit While not a strenuous hike, the terrain demands attention, particularly the sandy and potentially muddy sections. Reddit+1

Nature lovers will appreciate the unique blend of art and natural landscape. The surrounding area offers opportunities for quiet contemplation and enjoying the forest environment. Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes, and be prepared for the possibility of slippery conditions. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Devil's Heads are a striking subject for photographers. The dramatic scale of the sculptures, carved directly into the rock face, offers fantastic opportunities for capturing unique shots. TikTok The interplay of light and shadow on the rough-hewn surfaces can create dramatic effects, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok

Experiment with different angles to emphasize their size and presence. Including a person in the frame can help convey the monumental scale. The surrounding forest and other carvings along the Václav Levý Loop Trail also provide interesting photographic elements. TikTokReddit Just be mindful of the terrain when setting up your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Václav Levý

The čertovy hlavy (želízy Devil's Heads) are a testament to the visionary work of Czech sculptor Václav Levý. Carved into the sandstone rock face between 1841 and 1846, these two approximately nine-meter-tall demon heads were among the first monumental sculptures to appear in the region. Levý's style was characterized by its dramatic flair and often unsettling imagery, drawing inspiration from folklore and historical figures. Reddit+1

Beyond the iconic Devil's Heads, Levý also created other reliefs in the vicinity, accessible via the Václav Levý Loop Trail. These include figures like Jan Žižka and Prokop Holý, as well as mythical creatures and dwarves. Exploring these additional carvings offers a more comprehensive understanding of Levý's artistic vision and his contribution to the local landscape. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the unique and somewhat eerie nature of these sculptures, noting their impressive scale and the skill involved in their creation. The fact that they are carved directly into the natural rock face adds to their raw, untamed beauty, making them a truly distinctive attraction. Reddit+1

Navigating the Terrain and Weather

The journey to the Devil's Heads requires some attention to the terrain and weather conditions. While the walk from the parking lot is relatively short, the paths can be quite slippery and muddy, especially after rainfall. Travelers strongly advise wearing trekking shoes with a strong grip to prevent slips and falls. Reddit+1 Open-toed shoes or sandals are not recommended. Reddit

Even in dry periods, the sandy ground can be challenging, so sturdy footwear is always a good idea. The steeper, shorter path is particularly treacherous when wet. Reddit The Václav Levý Loop Trail offers a more scenic route, but still requires careful footing. Reddit

Visiting during dry weather is highly recommended to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. If you do visit during or after rain, proceed with caution and be prepared for a potentially challenging but rewarding hike. Reddit+1