Broumovské stěny (Hvězda)

The Broumov Walls are a national nature reserve declared in 1956 to protect a scenically outstanding, asymmetrical ridge (a cuesta) featuring a series of sandstone rock cities. They stretch about 4 kilometres west of the town of Broumov in the Náchod district of the Hradec Králové Region, in the Kladské pomezí tourist region. The viewpoint area of Hvězda above Police nad Metují is also a popular starting point.

The ridge is made of block sandstones from the Middle Turonian and forms a natural boundary between the Police region and the Broumov Basin itself. It is precisely the differing tilt of the rock layers that gives the walls their distinctive shape: the slopes descend gently towards the Police Basin, while towards the flat Broumov Basin to the northeast, the ridge drops away in steep walls. The result is a dramatic landscape full of rock formations that attracts hikers and photographers alike.

The area is criss-crossed with marked trails, viewpoints and nooks among the rock towers, so families as well as more experienced hikers looking for a full-day circuit will find something here. In 2009, part of the original reserve area extending into the cadastral territory of Police nad Metují was set aside as the newly established Police Walls national natural monument.

The Broumov Walls are an ideal destination for lovers of hiking and peaceful nature away from the crowds. Combined with the nearby sandstone gems of the Kladské pomezí region, they make for a rich multi-day itinerary. If you choose accommodation in Police nad Metují or in and around Broumov, you'll have the starting points to the ridge within easy reach and can head out onto the trail each morning without unnecessary travel.