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Meet Our Guide

Václav Novotný

Senior Hiking Guide & Accessibility Specialist

16 years of experience making the Kokořínsko sandstone gorges accessible and enjoyable for older adults and beginner hikers

Václav Novotný, senior hiking guide with over 16 years of experience leading accessible outdoor activities in Czech sandstone landscapes
Václav Novotný working with senior hikers on a scenic Kokořínsko trail with autumn foliage and sandstone formations visible

Professional Background

The Story Behind the Routes

Václav's journey into senior outdoor recreation started personal. In 2008, his grandmother suffered a stroke and lost confidence in her physical abilities. Rather than accept that she'd never hike again, he decided to help her rediscover nature safely. That determination led him through Charles University in Prague, where he earned a degree in Physical Education and Environmental Studies, plus specialized training in gerontological outdoor activities at Masaryk University.

What began as a personal mission transformed into professional expertise. Over the past 16 years, he's developed more than 40 beginner-friendly hiking routes across Kokořínsko. He's guided over 3,000 seniors through these landscapes — not conquering peaks, but connecting people with nature in ways that respect their abilities and build real confidence.

Today, Václav leads outdoor content strategy at paraguayasdeoro s.r.o., combining hands-on experience from guiding hundreds of hiking groups annually with evidence-based research. He's collaborated with hiking clubs, wellness centers, and municipal tourism boards across Central Europe. His approach is straightforward: hiking isn't about proving something. It's about discovering what you're capable of, one step at a time.

What He Specializes In

Areas of Focus

Decades of real-world experience condensed into practical knowledge

Accessible Trail Design

Designed 40+ beginner-friendly routes that account for mobility limitations, joint concerns, and confidence building. Each route's been tested with real hikers of varying abilities.

Kokořínsko Landscape

Intimate knowledge of sandstone gorges, seasonal conditions, safe passages, and the best viewpoints. Knows which trails work in rain, which routes avoid crowds, where the steepest sections hide.

Senior Wellness Tourism

Certified in gerontological outdoor activities. Understands cardiovascular fitness, joint health, medication interactions, and the psychological benefits of nature access for older adults.

Risk Assessment & Safety

Evaluates terrain hazards, weather patterns, emergency protocols, and physical limitations. Teaches practical safety knowledge without creating unnecessary fear.

Navigation & Orientation

Expert in route planning, waypoint identification, and keeping groups oriented in unfamiliar terrain. Uses both traditional map skills and modern tools.

Group Leadership

Guided 3,000+ seniors across varied fitness levels. Develops group cohesion, manages pace appropriately, and creates confidence in nervous hikers.

Education & Certifications

Formal training combined with 16 years of field experience

Degree in Physical Education & Environmental Studies

Charles University, Prague — Completed 2008

Specialized Training in Gerontological Outdoor Activities

Masaryk University, Brno — Advanced certification program

Certified Outdoor Recreation Specialist

Professional certification — Recognized across Central Europe

Senior Content Strategy Lead at paraguayasdeoro s.r.o.

Current role — Directing outdoor recreation and accessibility content

"Hiking isn't about conquering peaks or proving something to anyone. It's about discovering what you're capable of doing today, building confidence, and connecting with landscapes that matter to you. Every person who walks these trails comes away different."

Václav Novotný

Senior Hiking Guide & Accessibility Specialist

By The Numbers

16

Years of Experience

Specializing in accessible outdoor recreation since 2010

40+

Routes Designed

Beginner-friendly trails across Kokořínsko and surrounding regions

3,000+

Hikers Guided

Seniors and beginner hikers through Kokořínsko landscapes

100+

Hiking Groups Led Annually

Active outdoor recreation leadership in the region

Featured Articles

Practical guidance from years of real-world hiking experience

Gorge Walk: The Most Popular Beginner Route

A detailed guide to the most accessible route through Kokořínsko's famous gorges. Includes real pace expectations, rest points, and what to bring.

Read the full guide

Staying Safe: What Every Senior Hiker Should Know

Practical safety information without the fear factor. Joint protection, hydration, weather awareness, and when to turn back.

Read the full guide

Gear Check: Which Equipment Actually Matters

Honest assessment of hiking gear. What's essential, what's nice to have, and what's genuinely unnecessary for beginner-friendly routes.

Read the full guide

Best Times to Visit: Seasonal Guide for Easy Walking

When to hike in Kokořínsko based on weather, crowds, and trail conditions. Spring through autumn seasonal breakdown with real recommendations.

Read the full guide

Ready to Start Hiking?

Whether you're planning your first trail walk or looking to get back into nature after a break, we're here to help. Reach out with questions about routes, gear, safety, or anything else.

Get in touch