Svatý Jan pod Skalou Viewpoint
Update (January 2026):
I have updated this article with a YouTube video recorded on January 1, 2026, which captures the view from Svatý Jan pod Skalou from December 30, 2025. The video was filmed in a unique atmosphere just before New Year's Eve. Although there wasn't much snow, a light dusting on the rooftops, clearly visible from the viewpoint, added a lovely winter touch to the scenery.
Quite a few people headed to the viewpoint that day, likely due to the tradition of post-Christmas walks and ending the year in nature. And it was definitely worth it.
Below the video, you can continue to the original post from April 2, 2025.
Original Post (April 2025):
Svatý Jan pod Skalou definitely deserves your attention. It is a stunning place in the heart of nature that you can visit in several ways - you can either park directly below the rock or plan a longer or shorter hike along the tourist trails (see more about the routes below). The climb to the viewpoint can be physically demanding, but it will reward you with a breathtaking view that you will surely fall in love with. It’s well worth the effort!
The Svatý Jan pod Skalou viewpoint is located in one of the most picturesque villages in the Central Bohemian Region, near the Berounka river. The site lies in the heart of the Bohemian Karst (Český kras) protected landscape area, just a short distance from Beroun.
How to get there?
• You can reach the village easily by car. You can park directly below the viewpoint, which is an ideal choice if you don't want to go on a long hike.
• Parking in Svatý Jan pod Skalou:
P1: 1-3 hours for 50 CZK, 3-24 hours for 100 CZK
P2: 1-3 hours for 40 CZK, 3-24 hours for 80 CZK
By Train + Walking from Beroun (🥾 6.3 km one way):
• If you want to combine the trip with a hike, you can take a train or drive to Beroun. From the main station, follow the red hiking trail, known as the Vojta Náprstek Trail (part of the St. James Way - Iron Route). The path will lead you past the Beroun Rehabilitation Hospital, the Herinky Oak, and finally into the village of Svatý Jan pod Skalou.
• If you want to combine the trip with a hike, you can take a train or drive to Beroun. From the main station, follow the red hiking trail, known as the Vojta Náprstek Trail (part of the St. James Way - Iron Route). The path will lead you past the Beroun Rehabilitation Hospital, the Herinky Oak, and finally into the village of Svatý Jan pod Skalou.
• Tip: You can park at the P+R lot by the Beroun main station for only 20 CZK/day.
By Train + Walking from Karlštejn (🥾 10.5 km one way):
• For more experienced hikers, a trek from the Karlštejn train station is ideal. You will mostly follow the red trail, which is part of several long-distance routes (e.g., Via Czechia - Central). Along the way, you'll pass places like the Pod Dračí skálou Restaurant, the Seven Brothers Oak, King's Well, Kubrycht's Hut, the Bubovice Waterfalls, and Propadlé vody.
• Parking at Karlštejn train station should be free, but it is often completely full.
• An alternative is the paid central parking lot, which you can check ↗ here.
• An alternative is the paid central parking lot, which you can check ↗ here.
• ⚠️ This route is more demanding but very beautiful. I do not recommend it for absolute beginners.
• ⚠️ The trail is not suitable for strollers.
• ⚠️ The trail is not suitable for strollers.
What will you find there?
Svatý Jan pod Skalou offers not only beautiful nature but also rich history and interesting monuments. In the village and its surroundings, you will find:
• Svatý Jan pod Skalou Viewpoint
An iconic viewpoint towers above the village, offering a magnificent view of the entire village and the surrounding Bohemian Karst. A path leads up past the Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and at the top, a large cross awaits on the rock. The viewpoint is 159 meters higher than the village square.
• ⚠️ I do not recommend going up with small children - the edge of the cliff is not fully protected by railings, and the surface can be smooth and slippery when it rains.
• ⚠️ I do not recommend going up with small children - the edge of the cliff is not fully protected by railings, and the surface can be smooth and slippery when it rains.
• Benedictine Monastery
The monastery complex grew from an original chapel built by Prince Bořivoj. Later, a Benedictine monastery was established here, which is one of the most significant historical monuments in the region.
The chapel was built in the 11th century (first mentioned in 1030) and the monastery was founded in 1310. It was rebuilt in Baroque style between 1653 and 1661, later closed by Emperor Joseph II in 1785.
• Pilgrimage Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
The church is connected to an old rock church and the Cave of St. Ivan, where, according to legend, the first Czech hermit lived. Next to the church, the strong St. Ivan's Spring flows, which is considered to have healing properties.
The church is connected to an old rock church and the Cave of St. Ivan, where, according to legend, the first Czech hermit lived. Next to the church, the strong St. Ivan's Spring flows, which is considered to have healing properties.
• Svatý Jan Museum
The museum is located in a former school building from 1822; the permanent exhibition presents local history, crafts, and the embroideries of the Berger family.
• History of Tourism
This place has attracted travelers since the 19th century. In 1889, the Vojta Náprstek hiking trail was marked here, leading from Beroun through Svatý Jan pod Skalou to Karlštejn Castle.
Nearby Points of Interest:
• Karlštejn Castle
→ One of the most famous and visited Czech castles.
→ Founded in 1348 by Charles IV to safeguard the Imperial Regalia and Crown Jewels.
→ Dominant Gothic architecture with beautiful landscape views.
→ The Chapel of the Holy Cross is unique – decorated with semi-precious stones and frescoes.
→ Surrounded by vineyards, viewpoints, and beautiful trails.
→ Open: from May to October.
→ 1.4 km from the Svatý Jan pod Skalou viewpoint.
→ Former industrial limestone quarries that supplied the lime kiln in Bubovice.
→ Operational from 1916 until the 1960s.
→ Today a mining museum with a narrow-gauge railway and a small mine train.
→ Displays include old mining machinery, replicas of tunnels, and wagons.
→ Child-friendly – includes an educational trail and interactive exhibits.
• Paraple Quarry
→ A small, abandoned limestone quarry near Svatý Jan pod Skalou.
→ The name "Paraple" (Umbrella) reportedly comes from an old umbrella someone once left there.
→ Known for its peaceful atmosphere and landscape views.
→ Now a natural monument – home to rare plants, especially calciphiles.
→ Not an official swimming spot, but the water is crystal clear.
• Alkatraz Quarry (sometimes spelled Alcatraz)
→ An abandoned quarry near Beroun, by the Berounka river.
→ Nicknamed "Alcatraz" due to its isolated, prison-like appearance.
→ Popular with climbers – the walls are used for rock climbing.
→ The quarry showcases a "geological profile through time" – various rock layers.
→ Nearby is an old railway tunnel, now a tourist attraction.
• Bubovice Waterfalls
→ Beautiful cascading waterfalls on the Bubovice Brook.
→ Best seen in spring or after rain when there is more water.
→ They can freeze in winter, creating stunning ice formations.
→ Located between the village of Srbsko and Svatý Jan pod Skalou.
→ Accessible via the red hiking trail; parts of the path can be muddy and slippery.
Other Interesting Facts:
• Famous visitors inspired by this place include poet Karel Hynek Mácha, the Čapek brothers, writer Božena Němcová, and President Eduard Beneš.
• The Chapel of St. Maximilian is a popular location for filming historical dramas.
• Svatý Jan pod Skalou is a small village (approx. 200 residents) consisting of three parts: Svatý Jan, Sedlec, and Záhrabská.
• It is located about 20-30 km southwest of Prague, in the heart of the Bohemian Karst within the Karlštejn Reserve.
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All photos and videos on these pages and my Instagram profile are my own work. I am the sole author. If you are interested in using them, please contact me via private message on Instagram. All content is captured with an iPhone 15.
Captured on April 2, 2025.
Captured on April 2, 2025.
