Deep within the sandstone gorges of Bohemian Switzerland—a National Park on the Czech-German border famous for its rugged beauty and “fairytale” landscapes—lies a place that blends cinematic magic with dark history. It is Dolský mlýn.
For Czechs, this is the “Hollywood” of their childhood fairytales, where the scenes of the most famous national movies were filmed. Every Christmas, television screens across the country follow the adventures of Princess Krasomila at this very spot. Yet for a global traveller, the real story lies deeper. Few realize that this ruined mill has survived real-life events dark enough to fill a gothic novel.
Dolský mlýn
Filmic Illusion vs. Harsh Reality. When czech filmmakers arrived in 1952 to shoot The Proud Princess, they found mill already abandoned and looted. To get the perfect panoramic shot, the crew simply demolished the hotel standing opposite. It spoiled the view. They destroyed real history to create a fairytale illusion—that was the cinematic era for you.
The Pohl Dynasty: Centuries in One Family
The earliest mention of the mill dates back to 1573, but its golden age is tied to the Pohl family. They held the property for several centuries, surviving fires, Baroque reconstructions, and even an assassination attempt on the miller in 1910. It was a self-contained world: a bakery, a distillery, and a hotel for the first wave of tourists who arrived by boat through the Ferdinand Gorge.
Bread vs. Vice: The Wild West of the Borderlands
After World War II, the history of the mill shattered. The Pohl descendants have to leave out czech, and the building bore witness to a period of lawless decline. Chronicles describe the region as a “Wild West.” New settlers looted the abandoned German homes, stripping everything from floorboards to stairs and roofs. For a time, the former hotel even served as a brothel. The majestic ruin had “rediscover” film director Bořivoj Zeman arrived with his cameras.
The Gorge from Vysoká Lípa: A Haunted Trail for MTB Madmen
One of the most beautiful gorges in Bohemian Switzerland leads from Vysoká Lípa down to the mill. I tried to tackle it on a mountain bike. That was a mistake. On this “haunted little trail,” you spend more time carrying the bike than riding it.
Take my advice: leave the bike at home. However, if you are a true MTB fanatic, the long path back to Jetřichovice along the bed of the Kamenice River is a balm for the soul. It offers a silence and a sense of mystery that the overcrowded Pravčická brána simply cannot match.
FAQ: Dolský Mlýn, Bohemian Switzerland
The most famous is ‘The Proud Princess‘ (1952). Later, the mill appeared in fairytales such as ‘Hell with a Princess’ (2009), ‘The Lost Prince,’ and ‘The Devil’s Bride.’ Filmmakers adore the site for its naturally dramatic atmosphere in the deep gorge of the Kamenice River.
No. There is no road access for motor vehicles. The best approach is on foot from Vysoká Lípa following the blue trail through the gorge, or from Jetřichovice. The path is suitable for hikers but is not recommended for strollers or prams.
Yes, the ruins are located in open nature and are accessible without restriction throughout the year. Entry is free, though caution is advised when moving near the crumbling stone walls.
The nearest parking is in Vysoká Lípa (near Hotel Lípa). From there, it is a steep 1.5 km walk down to the mill. An alternative is the longer but flatter route from Jetřichovice via the ‘Royal Spruce’ landmark.
