River murmur and rock magic: The Eger loop from Cihelny to the Hans-Heiling rocks

While many tourists start directly in historic Loket, there is an even more beautiful route for connoisseurs: the loop from Cihelny This tour takes you through the heart of the Kaiserwald (Slavkovský les) nature reserve and shows the Eger river at its most idyllic.

📍 The tour at a glance (2026 update)

  • 🏁 Start/Finish: Cihelny (easily accessible from Karlovy Vary)
  • 🗺️ Route: Circular route (forest paths & river trails)
  • ✨ Highlight: Svatošské skály (Hans Heiling Rocks)
  • 💪 Claim: Relaxing with gentle inclines

Forest idyll in the Kaiserwald

The start in Cihelny is wonderfully uneventful. Before reaching the river, you hike through the dense, lush green forests of the Slavkovský les. The air here is legendary – no wonder that nearby spa towns like Karlovy Vary have relied on it for centuries. The descent into the valley then reveals the glittering ribbon of the Ohře River.

The highlight: The Hans Heiling Rocks (Svatošské skály)

After walking along the riverbank for a while, they appear as if from nowhere: the enormous granite needles of the Hans Heiling Rocks. If you come from Cihelny, you have the advantage of approaching the rocks slowly, and their monumental size becomes increasingly impressive.

  • The legend: Remember the “petrified wedding”. From this side, you often have an even better view of the formations that look like frozen groups of people.
  • The bridge: The wooden suspension bridge near the rocks is a must-see. It sways slightly in rhythm with your steps – a little adrenaline rush above the dark waters of the Eger River.

Enjoyment by the river

What makes this tour so special is the atmosphere. Everywhere you go, you’ll encounter cheerful paddlers gliding downstream..

🍴 My tip:

Take a break at the restaurant right by the rocks. A Czech restaurant. Kofola or a portion Bramboráky Potato pancakes taste twice as good with a view of the granite towers!

The return journey to Cihelny

The loop concludes with shady stretches of forest that remain pleasantly cool even on warm summer days. The gentle ups and downs of the path make this a perfect outing for a relaxing afternoon.

💡 Tips for your hike:

  • Arrival: Cihelny is easily accessible by regional train from Karlovy Vary – a charming journey through the countryside included!
  • Photography: The rocks look particularly impressive when photographed from the opposite shore.
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet: Compared to starting in Loket, this route is often a bit more peaceful.

Conclusion: The Cihelny loop is the “leisurely” option in the Eger Valley. Little stress, plenty of nature, and a mystical destination that you won’t soon forget.

Which side of the Eger did you prefer? The tranquil, wooded area near Cihelny or the historic charm of Loket? Let me know in the comments!