Discover the World’s Most Exotic Getaway Destinations in Czechia!

Elephant Square Surrounded by Rocks

At Elephant Square, the whimsical elephant-shaped rock formations await your visit: it’s a charming round square nestled in the heart of the Adršpach rock town. As you explore, take a moment to look around; you might spot heads resembling gigantic elephants popping out from the rocky landscape, extending their trunks to greet you happily. You can visit this magical place any time of year, as the rock city remains accessible during winter and is open every single day. Even when the snow is thick, part of the trail leading to the Great Falls is kept clear; Elephant Square is located roughly halfway along the green-marked path. As you trek, you’ll also encounter an enchanting Gothic gate, a familiar sight from many Czech fairy tales; this used to be the original entrance to the rock town.

Elephant Rocks in Podještědí

You can discover more impressive elephant-shaped rocks just a little off the main road between Chrastava and Jablonné v Podještědí. In Jítrava, you can pick up the International Educational Trail of the Lusatian and Zittau Mountains, which will guide you to many fascinating spots in the surrounding area. Your first stop on this adventure will be the White or Elephant Stones. These large, rounded sandstone boulders appear to be a resting herd of elephants, creating a small rock city you can wander through via narrow passageways, tunnels, caverns, and caves. The White Stones, notable for their unique weathering patterns of Cretaceous sandstones, have been protected since 1955 and a nature trail named “Lusatian and Zittau Mountains” circles around them.

The Czech Africa

When talking about America, you are likely familiar with the quarry known as Great America, and the names of various locations in the Czech Karst region like the nearby quarries of Mexico, Canada, and even Little America which lies deeper in the woods. But have you heard of Czech Africa? Unlike the original Sahara, which is the world’s largest desert, spanning nearly the size of either China or the USA, Czech Sahara is much smaller: it refers to the sandy area near Vlkov, not far from Veselí nad Lužnicí. You can also find the Moravian Sahara in southern Moravia, situated between the railway stations of Bzenec-privoz and Rohatec, where thick layers of sand are a result of sediment deposits from the Morava River.

Sahara also has its own presence in Mladá Boleslav, where it names a district of the town, and in Serbia, a village nestled along the banks of the Berounka River between Karlštejn and Beroun, boasts a pathway known as Sahara. If you’re feeling adventurous and tempted by Aswan, make your way to the Prokop Valley in Prague, where one of the water reservoirs shares this name. Another Aswan can be found at Mladoňovic, located between Jemnice and Moravské Budějovice, and there is also a Jablonec reservoir near Přibyslav.

Shanghai, Abyssinia, and Taiwan

• • The old workers’ neighborhoods, known for their tightly packed houses and winding streets, were once referred to as Shanghai. You can find a collection of quaint half-timbered homes along the banks of the White Brook, featuring a sign marking its name, Shanghai, situated near Jaroš’s mill in Veverská Bítýška, which is also known as Divišova čtvrt’ in Brno.

• • Similarly, there are areas dubbed Abyssinia, reminiscent of one of Ethiopia’s former names. You can find Habesh in places like Strakonice, Česká Třebová, and Bludov.

• • Have you heard of Czech Taiwan? It is the largest island located in the Lipno Dam, and its unique name is surrounded by various stories. Some believe its shape mirrors the distant island of Taiwan, while others tell of a fisherman known as the Chinese who lived there and named this favorite fishing spot after his exotic homeland.

• • In the Třeboň region, you will come across interesting names of small settlements like Big and Little London, Paris, New York, Venice, and Bosnia. One theory suggests that these exotic names were intended to draw in settlers; another theory attributes them to gratitude towards Western powers after World War I, as they helped the disputed (and previously Austrian) region of Vitorazska join the newly formed Czechoslovakia.

Iconic Rock Formations

Exotic Place Names & Highlights

Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit Rock Towns: Spring through autumn for hiking; winter for quieter, snowy vistas

• Trail Marking: Follow green‑marked routes in Adršpach for easiest navigation

• Local Legends: Ask guides about folklore behind Czech Taiwan’s exotic moniker