Čertovy mlýny rock formation

The Čertovy mlýny (‘Goblin’s Mill’ or ‘Devil’s Mill’) rock formation is located on the southern slope of Gírová mountain (840 m above sea level) about 150 m below the summit, uphill from a hikers’ chalet. It is a natural feature unique in the Těšín Beskydy range.

Some slopes and ridges in the Beskydy mountains show traces of destructive geological developments caused by the continental ice sheet which reached the Beskydy foothills twice in the early Quaternary. When the ice sheet retreated and the local climate became milder, areas of clay among the prevailing sandstone became slippery, helping rocks to slide across the slopes. This action created systems of hollows and fissures known as pseudo-karst cave formations – among which are the extensive caves and rock formations on Gírová which the local people named ‘The Goblin’s Mill’. Legend has it that bandits used to hide out here, and that devil-like goblins (‘čert’ in Slavic mythology) inhabited the formations, waiting for disobedient humans so that they could grind them up with the natural millstones. The site was also said to be a coven for witches…
The best access to the formation is from the Gírová chalet, past the old beech trees into the spruce forest, following the path for about 5 minutes to the central part of the site.
The most attractive and interesting feature of the ‘Goblin’s Mill’ is the series of caves. In most of them the fissures are vertical, making them dangerous to untrained explorers, and so there is no public access. However, there is a fissure cave that can be negotiated by children and hikers of slim build. It is around 9 metres long. Half way along it turns upwards to the east. The rocks are particularly popular with climbers who come here to practise and test their skills.