Lions are different. And although the lion is a symbol of the Czech state, and its image, stone, relief, sculptural, painted, can be met literally at every step, there are places where a meeting with the king of animals can be unusual. In the forest, for example. In a protected forest called Czech Paradise. This UNESCO mountain and Forest Geopark is very popular both among the Czechs and among many tourists. People come there to walk and breathe the healing air, to conquer sandstone rocks with climbing equipment, to get acquainted with ancient castles on the rocks. It is still possible to get out to explore the numerous forest relief sculptures due to the rather "soft" Sandstone mountains. Relief stone carvings were popular there. And all this can be done without leaving the forest.
An hour's leisurely walk (about 4 km) from the castle of Gruba Skala or 10 minutes (about 700 m) from the castle of Waldstein and you come to an incredible collection of rock relief sculptures right on the forest stones. You need to walk to the forest estate Kopicův statek (it is on maps and on forest signs).
A sculpture trail begins just behind the log house (a traditional type of mansion for this region). The entrance to it is preceded by a statue of St. George (early XIX century). One of the owners of the estate, Vojtech Copic, was interested in national history and folk art. From 1940 to 1978, he carved figurative compositions on themes of Czech history. On the rocks you can find the figures of St. Wenceslaus, Princess Libuše, plowman and beekeeper (traditional crafts and occupations for the Czech lands), and, of course, the Czech lion in several images.
Access to the gallery is free. Walking along the forest paths is easy. There are stone stairs and small differences in levels. Many people come for a walk with their children.