Czech Switzerland routes by car. Bohemian Switzerland – National Park of the Czech Republic. Important statistics and interesting facts

On the border with Germany, I just want to write, in the dense forests there is a national park Czech Switzerland. It seems that in Europe all the places where beautiful nature bears the name Switzerland only the adjectives change. So in the north of the Czech Republic they did not deviate from traditions. National Park“České Švýcarsko” (as it looks like in Czech) is famous for its extraordinary beauty of high steep cliffs and babbling streams. Against the background of such beauty, one stands out natural monument, which is business card this area. It's about about the Pravchitsa Gate. This is a rock hole, as we would call it, the largest natural gate made of rock on our continent. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here for their sake.

Of course, when so many people gather in one place, it would be a sin not to organize walking routes and attractions with which you can earn money.
Boating along the gorge with pilots using poles is another entertainment that attracts tourists.
According to those who have passed this route, it is better to start it from the village of Mezni Louka. Along the route marked in blue (marks on the trees are blue) we descend to the Divoká Soutěska canyon. The markers start right behind the Mezní Louka Hotel. This option is convenient because most of the road will go downhill. We took the more difficult route.
It began for us in the village of Hrensko. Before he even had time to park the car at the entrance to the settlement, his mouth opened randomly from the beauty he saw. High cliffs hung directly above the road. At their foot, houses with restaurants have been built wherever possible. There was a parking lot under one of these rocks, where the car was left.
Before starting the route, let's look around and enjoy the moment. Next we will have a walk along the Kamenice River. To get your bearings correctly, let’s remember the film The Diamond Arm. The action will take place near the toilet. On the map marked with the letters M and ZhO. Everything is very similar here. Near a huge rock there is a low building with the same letters. If you go to the left of the rock, then you will meet the Pravchitsa Gate, and if you go to the right along the river, then you will sail on a boat with a guy who has a big pole.
Since the guys swim only until six, and we arrived after lunch, we decided to start with them.
The first part of the gorge is pedestrian. About twenty minutes along the path, sometimes just above the river, sometimes going down straight to it. The rocks are so close that your hands are reaching out to them. Pedestrian tunnels have been made somewhere for convenience. Children enjoy such a neighborhood. Together with adults, they play echo, screaming loudly inside. So, with jokes and jokes, they didn’t notice how they plowed two kilometers. As soon as the dam appears ahead, you can relax and slowly walk to board the boat. This part of the rides is called Edmund's Gorge (Edmundova soutěska). The riding session will last approximately 15-20 minutes. A lot of interesting features made for tourists can fit into this short period. It’s a pity that fluent Czech is not entirely, or rather completely incomprehensible to the Russian ear. Based on the stories of linguists, the boatman leads his unhurried story about the route and history of this place. In the most unexpected places, a dragon's head comes out, a boletus man sits on a rubble, a rock in the shape of an open mouth, and much more. For convenience, the places where you need to look at the strange rocks are painted yellow. And the crown of this story is a waterfall that suddenly turns on “by itself” (for this purpose, a wire is stretched at the top).
The freebie ended quickly and I need to work with my legs again. First, in light mode along the river to the bridge. On the way, right after the boat landing, there is a small cafe where you can have a snack. I really don’t recommend doing this, as the hardest part lies ahead. It starts immediately after the bridge.
Before continuing, I will make a short digression. The difficult section after the bridge begins for those who want to shorten the route. If you go as far as possible to the end, then after the bridge you need to move further along the river until the next boat boarding. The boat trip will take you through the Wild Gorge (Divoká Soutěska). Then you will need to climb up the mountain from the gorge and reach the village of Mezni Louka. Then, along the yellow tourist road called Gabriela's path, you need to climb the road along the rocks to see the rock massifs: Great Pravcicka Cone, Homole Sahara, Křidelní Wall. Ultimately, this trail will lead us to the Pravchitsa Gate.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have that much time and from the bridge we started the most difficult part of our journey. From the very bottom of the gorge, a steep climb uphill awaited us. For those who are not physically fit, the trail is made in the form of a serpentine. We went ahead. The twenty-minute climb ends at the hotel-restaurant. Here you can take a break and drink a cup (of beer). This small settlement called Mezna.
Then you need to strictly follow a straight line to the road leading down to highway 25861. This part of the route is marked in yellow. The road will first go through a field and you can see a rocky ridge along which a longer route goes. If you got there correctly, you will go straight to the bus stop, from which another ascent to the Pravchitsa Gate begins.
The climb itself is initially not very interesting until you reach the section along the rocks. The giants soaring up to a height of 30-40 meters hang over you. You are so small compared to them, you move further and further. When they end, you think everyone has arrived. However, no, this is only half, because after going around the stone you begin to move in the opposite direction. How long is it short, but after about ten minutes there’s a final push and there’s a huge rock ahead with a hole inside. This is not just a gate, this is a whole overpass across the gorge, but no, it will be cooler than the bridge across the Bosphorus Strait. Of course, taking into account the fact that nature did it itself.
Next to the gate is the Falcon's Nest castle, built in 1881 in the Alpine style. Previously, local hosts accommodated their guests here. Now there is a restaurant on the first floor, and a national park museum on the second. To get to the gate you need to bypass the castle and pay money. We didn't have time. The gate slammed in our faces. All that remains is to admire the gate and take a few pictures.
The way back was no longer pleasant. By this time, fatigue from the route and the morning race distance had taken its toll. The route ended in a cozy restaurant near a water mill in the village of Grzhensko.

My first trip to “Czech Switzerland” ( České Švýcarsko) was of a random nature: while preparing for a Christmas tour of European cities (the main of which was Prague), I was looking for what to see in the territory different countries and how best to plan your route. And then I came across the Pravchitsky Gate. “What is this, where is it, how is it?” - there were no answers on the Internet, which means you have to go and explore everything yourself!

And on the way from Dresden to Prague after the national park “Saxon Switzerland” (and I already talked about the trip there) I find myself in “Czech Switzerland”. The nature there is really different from what I am used to seeing in the center of the Czech Republic.

Yes, and visiting at least the main attractions promises leisure. On my second visit to the national park in summer, not winter, I spent the whole day exploring “Saxon” and “Czech” Switzerland: I left Dresden early in the morning and returned to Prague late in the evening. And this takes into account the fact that the distance between the cities is some 150 kilometers - no match for intercity trips across Russia.

I had to walk a lot, so I advise you to be fully armed: sports shoes (preferably with soft shock-absorbing soles, since after just the Pravchitsky Gate my legs were literally “humming”), comfortable clothes, a bottle of water and maybe some kind of... then a snack.

So, what is “Czech Switzerland” like and what can you see there? I'll tell you now.

History of the park

I have not heard any legends or epics around the rocks, crevices and canyons formed here several thousand years ago due to the movement of volcanic rocks.

So I had to look interesting information herself. It turns out that in the 13th–14th centuries, colonialists were invited here from the lands where modern Germany is now located, and castles and other buildings were built by them. They also started glass production and coal mining. But due to the lack of plains and dense forests, their life was, to put it mildly, not simple and very specific. In one place, I saw with my own eyes that food and other necessary things cannot be delivered here so easily. But more on that below.

So, all this specificity was reflected in the architecture. But in the last century, many buildings and even settlements fell into disrepair. Probably, the opportunity and availability of an easier life played an important role and people simply simply moved. Now, in some places on the territory of “Czech Switzerland” you can see the most picturesque ruins!

I have already talked about the name of the park, namely the word “Switzerland”, so I will not repeat it. In 2000, this area was given the status national reserve.

Geography of the park

České Švýcarsko- all the same Elbe Sandstone Mountains that I talked about at More precisely, a quarter of this mountain range. The national park is located in the north of the country, its western border runs along the Elbe River. It was from there that I visited “Czech Switzerland” both times. Actually, both national parks (“Saxon” and “Czech”) are separated by the border between Germany and the Czech Republic; they are adjacent to each other.

The highest point of the national park is Mount Decinski Snezhnik ( Děčínský Sněžník) - located at 723 meters above sea level. When I first heard about this, I smiled: I arrived in “Czech Switzerland” shortly after the Austrian Alps, where I lived in a hotel at an altitude of approximately 1,200–1,300 meters. But, after all, the reserve is not famous for its mountains!

Further in the text I added some cards. They will help you better understand the geography of the area, but they are unlikely to explain how to get to a specific attraction. But! In the near future locality for each of them (and they are visible on my maps) you can take a detailed paper map, as well as use signs along the roads and trails. The park took care of the convenience of sightseeing, which I personally really liked.

How to get to “Czech Switzerland”

There are basically two options: with a tour or on your own. I chose to travel in a rented car without guides or a group of onlookers. But for those who want to take a tour of the reserve, I advise you to read about tours from Dresden or Prague to “Saxon Switzerland” (I think they also offer tours to the Czech part). The prices, it seems to me, are similar, because there are parks in the neighborhood. Below I will tell you about an independent journey to “Czech Switzerland” by car.

From Prague

From Prague to “Czech Switzerland” you can go with different sides. There is an option to travel through Hřensko. It is not far from this city that the Pravchitsky Gate is located. By the way, the first time I read Hřensko as Hrensko (I didn’t notice the gachek above the letter “r”, which makes the sound [rzh]), and so it happened: to this day I refer to the innocent town almost as a vegetable (everyone makes associations to the extent of depravity, right?). I marked the route Via Khrzhensko on the map below, the first half of the route will pass through the highway, and then I propose to follow the usual highway past towns and picturesque fields.

You can also enter via Jetřichovice. To reach the town of Děčín, the route is the same as the previous one, and at the fork follow the signs.

Or Krasná Lípa. In theory, you can drive through the same Děčín; it seems to me that it won’t be too much of a detour in terms of time.

But the last half hour flew by faster: there were still no toilets along the way, the flow of hikers was small, but there was always one, so now the attitude is “get there!” was supported not only by curiosity, but also by obvious necessity.

Along the way, I came across these cute “installations”: I don’t know who “propped up” the mountain and why, but the spectacle amused me.

And finally you can see the Falcon's Nest estate (now a hotel/restaurant of the same name) and the Pravchitsky Gate to the right of it. It would seem that you just have to extend your hand. This was not the case: the vertical distance from me to my destination was several tens of meters, which also had to be walked in a loop.

But all the efforts were justified. The height of the arch itself reaches 26 meters, so that, standing in this natural opening, you feel all the greatness of nature. In addition, near the gate there was a stall with my favorite ones. By the way, they were cheaper than: only 1.25 EUR or 34 CZK.

Once through the gate arch, you can see many paths leading to observation platforms. And literally “the whole world is at your feet.”

"Falcon's Nest"

Almost under the Pravchitsky Gate is the summer estate Falcon's Nest. Once upon a time, the owners accommodated noble guests there. Now inside the castle there is an exhibition about the history of “Czech Switzerland” and there is a restaurant.

The restaurant has preserved original paintings, and the interior is designed in the style of the beginning of the last century.

I didn’t have dinner at the restaurant, since the local employee, as I understood, had already closed it. To be honest, I couldn’t fully understand him: he agreed to speak only in Czech and German, so the conversation was almost “hands-on”. But they did let me into the toilet.

Near the Falcon's Nest there is a booth with the control of the cable car.

I understand that walking and carrying the necessary things is not easy here, so there is a utility box running along the cable car, where you can put the necessary things and send them upstairs or downstairs.

Lupežnice Castle or Schaunštejn

I heard that the castle used to be a robbery site. That is, it was built as a fortification, but later it was captured by robbers and changed its name. Šaunštejn translates as “thieves' castle”.

The castle itself has not been preserved, so at present you can be content with ruins and a good viewing platform.

Connecting bridges are laid between parts of this site. You know, the sensations are quite exciting when you walk like this literally next to an abyss along a connecting structure that is quite easy at first glance!

Dolský Mlýn

They say that the fragments preserved from the mill date back to the beginning of the 14th century!

I heard that in the middle of the last century the place even became the setting of a Czech fairy tale film. You could even say that the film glorified this landmark.

Over time, without maintenance, the mill deteriorated more and more, until in 2007 it was declared a cultural monument and the process of destruction was stopped.

By the way, a hundred meters upstream there is a unique building: a reinforced concrete bridge. I heard that this is the first such structure (made of steel and concrete) in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the bridge was built shortly before its collapse.

The closest village to the mill is Kamenická Stráň, a kilometer away.

Royal spruce

They say that half a kilometer from the Dolskaya mill there is one spruce. Its age is about 180 years, and the trunk span is about 3 meters. Alas, I myself did not see this ancient tree, since I was limited in time, but don’t be lazy and take a walk to it from the mill.

Hřensko

To be honest, I really liked this one small town almost on the border with Germany. Most likely, there are few just residents here: almost everyone runs a hotel, restaurant or something else for the needs of tourists. But the 2-3 storey houses are decorated very authentically, this is exactly how small rural towns or villages seem to me.

I also liked the fact that globally there are only two streets in Khrzhensko, running parallel along the two banks. Of course, the high cliffs do not provide room for expanding the territory deeper.

If you drive along the river from the highway where you turned to Khrzhensko (remember, I asked you to remember this path?), then at the very end of it, in front of the parking lot, which I mentioned in the part about the Pravchitsky Gate, there is a waterfall.

Near it, I took two identical pictures towards the city: one in winter, and the second in summer.

The difference, in my opinion, is not big.

There are a lot of souvenirs near the track, but I didn’t buy anything there. It’s hard to say what the prices are: on the one hand, this is the Czech Republic, on the other, Germany and its prices are quite close. There is also another parking lot; you can ask the workers about a toilet nearby.

Other attractions

There are places where I was not able to visit, but I will definitely make up for it on my next visit:

• Dittersbacher peaks.
• Waterfalls near Brtnikov.
• A boat trip along the Křinice River (Kirnitzschklamm) on the border of the Czech Republic and Germany.

And this is just what remained in my ears after the trip. I'm almost sure that if you start digging, less touristy places in the national park might come up.

Routes around the park

At the moment, there are dozens of well-marked hiking trails and routes in the park: signs, certain specific coverage and relief for the type of tourism, picturesqueness. In “Czech Switzerland” you can go rock climbing, horseback riding, cycling, and camping in equipped areas (and only in them!).

True, I explored the territory on my own, without resorting to help tourist centers, but I can tell you the addresses of organizations that will help you organize your leisure time if necessary:

• In the city of Krasná Lipa.
  • Opening hours: June - August from 09:00 to 18:00, January - February until 16:00, in other months until 17:00; break from 12:00 to 12:30.
  • Address: Krinicke nam. 5, Krasna Lipa 407 46.
• In Hřensko.
  • Opening hours: November - January from 09:00 to 17:00, in other months until 18:00.
  • Address: Hřensko 71, 407 17 Hřensko.
• In Srbska Kamenice.
  • Address: Nam. Miru 73, Ceska Kamenice, 407 21.
• In Jetřichovice.
  • Address: Jetšichovice 393, CZ - 407 16.

Among the main routes, I know, there are:

• To the rock gate (Pravchitsky): along ornate stones and paths, then along the rock wall (I passed it too). Then the “Falcon's Nest” program - a visit to observation platforms on the tops of the rocks near the gate.
• To the Dolskaya mill.
• To Schaunstein.

Where to stay

If you want to choose camping over a hotel, then in the above-mentioned tourist centers you should inquire about special parking lots; you cannot set up a tent camp outside of equipped campsites: it is a specially protected area.

If you are more attracted to the east, then choose Krasna Lipa or Hřibská.

Room prices start from 8–10 EUR for camping and from 45 EUR for Double Room with one bed.

"Czech Switzerland" in winter

I was in the national park in winter, but their winter was quite slushy at that time, so walking along the forest paths was out of the question. Falcon's Nest Castle is, again, a summer castle. So we had to be content with waterfalls on rivers and towns around “Czech Switzerland”.

If you want to see much more of the above, I recommend coming in the summer!

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Anything to add?

The Czech National Park is located in the northwestern part of the Czech Republic on the border with Germany. Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland is an untouched area with wildlife and picturesque corners. In Germany this park is called Saxon Switzerland, and in the Czech Republic - Czech. This is due to the fact that the park is located on the territory of two states.

Tourists come to this park not only to enjoy nature, but also to do active species sports. You can explore the main sites in just one day, but many stay at the campsite for longer periods of time.

A visit to this national park will give unforgettable experience from communication with wild nature and ancient monuments, which are an important part of the culture not only of the Czech Republic, but throughout Europe.

More than 10 thousand years ago, the first inhabitants of Bohemia lived here, who hunted, fished and collected various berries and herbs. The ancient inhabitants roamed the area and settled mainly near water streams, so modern archaeologists find tools, dishes and used coal.

Farmers settled the area much later. Trade caravans passed through the entire territory of the modern park, and a fortified fort was erected for defense.

In the 13th century, the kings of Bohemia invited the colonialists who settled modern Germany here to make the place more civilized. The colonialists built villas and castles here, and were engaged in industry and coal production. Dense forests and the absence of wide plains meant that many areas remained untouched. There were no places where one could permanently reside or engage in industry. Still, some objects built by man have survived. For example, the runes of ancient half-timbered houses of the 20th century.

The tourism business in Czech Switzerland began to develop very early. In the second half of the 18th century, romantic artists began to come here in search of new, previously little-known places. Later in the 19th century, tourism began to develop systematically. It was during this period that farmers from local estates and tourist communities, which were just beginning to form, began to come here. To increase the attractiveness of the area, roads were laid hiking trails, restaurants, hotels and observation towers. Even later, tourists began to actively engage here extreme species sports and sailing on the river.

Sights of the park: what to see in Czech Switzerland?

There are no modern attractions in Czech Switzerland, but there are unique natural creations and ancient castles. There are a lot of attractions on the territory, but you can create a route so that you can visit the most interesting places in one day. It is worth noting that it will be easier to get around by car, but you can truly enjoy the nature of the Czech Republic and partly Germany while walking.

Pravcicka Gate

The symbol of the national park is the Pravchitsky Gate tower. The uniqueness of this natural site is that it is the highest rock in Europe, which has an incredible appearance. This is a natural monumental arch 16 meters high, which has a length of 26 meters.

You can get to the attraction from Grzhensk. From the parking lot you will need to walk about 4 km. You cannot climb the Pravchitsa Gate, but you can view the unique natural creation from the outside. The entrance fee for adults is 75 CZK, and for children (6-14 years old) – 25 CZK.

If you walk a little further from the Pravchitsky Gate along the wide path, you can see a smaller copy 2 meters high - the Small Gate.

Important! Please note that there is also a narrow path, which is marked in red on the map; it also leads to the Small Pravchitsky Gate, but you will have to wander around the park for a long time.

Falcon's Nest

IN late XIX century, near the Pravchitsky Gate, a castle was built in the rock, which with its spring appearance resembled a hunting lodge. "Falcon's Nest" is a unique castle of the Clari family, which has been reorganized.

It is now a popular tourist destination, with a restaurant overlooking the natural castle grounds and a museum dedicated to the history and natural diversity of the area.

Lupeznice Castle or Schaunstein

Schaunstein Castle, which is also located in the rock not far from Vysokikh Lipa, was inhabited by robbers, but over time it became empty and lost its former appearance.

It is now a ruin in a dense forest and a popular route through the national park. It is recommended to climb the stairs in the rock tunnel to the observation deck, where an extraordinary view of Czech Switzerland opens. At the bottom of the main tower, a small room was excavated that served as a prison for trespassers and a warehouse.

The place is fully equipped for tourists and is easily accessible, so it’s worth adding to your itinerary for independent travel.

Dolskaya mill

It is difficult to imagine that for several centuries this was a busy place where roads crossed and trade was carried out. Later, when the territory was empty, a fairy tale about a princess was filmed here. Today the Dolskaya Mill is a ruin and a popular attraction in the park.

Royal spruce

Not far from the Dolskaya mill there is the Royal Spruce. Its age is 180 years, and its trunk span is 3 meters. This ancient tree amazes with its scale and majestic appearance.

Khrzhensko

On the border with Germany there is a small but very picturesque city Khrzhensko. In the 15th century, “Bohemian glass” was made in a glass workshop. Tourists will be able to visit this workshop and see with their own eyes the entire process of blowing Czech glass. Tourists often visit the workshop's gift shop, where you can buy various glass vases, glasses, dishes and other items made of crystal and Bohemian glass.

Few people live in the town of Khrzhensko, but everyone is involved in tourism business. Here you can rent a hotel room, visit a restaurant or buy a souvenir. You can leave your car in the parking lot and walk around the area.

Residents' houses are no less striking objects, because they are decorated authentically and resemble small village houses. What is also unique here is that the city has only two parallel streets that run along both banks. If you drive a little further from the village, you can see the waterfall.

Other attractions

Along with these top attractions and popular tourist places, there are other equally beautiful and ancient route points:

• Abandoned silver mines. It will be interesting to visit this place with a guide who will tell you more about the ancient mines where silver was mined. You can also go down into the mine and feel involved in this industry.

• Falkenstein Castle. This castle is located among the rocks and is difficult to get to. Tourists who decide to climb the mountains will be incredibly amazed by the beauty of nature and architectural features castle building. If you climb to the very high point cliffs, you can view the park territory from a height.
• Panska Skala. Another attraction created by nature is a huge 12-meter cliff, which was formed from basalt slabs. Similar natural formations exist in Northern Ireland, but why not visit Panska Skala in Czech Switzerland?

• Observation deck Gazebo. This is a natural retreat that overhangs the river canyon, and is located near the town of Binovce. From this city you can take a straight road to a site from which you can see sandy cliffs.
• Gorges Wild and Quiet. Tourists who find themselves on the steep canyon of the Kamenica River can continue exploring Bohemian Switzerland by boat with local gondoliers between the dams. The first place where they will sail is the Wild Gorge, and a little further is the Quiet Gorge. The latter has a unique waterfall that breaks through the cliff. This is an incredible natural site that is a must visit.

• Suha Kamenitsa. At the beginning of spring, the canyon of the stream, which flows into the Elbe River, fills with water and small waterfalls gurgle between the rocks. At other times of the year it is not so unusual here, so tourists rarely visit this place.
• Kamenice Gorge. Not far from the village of Mezne there is a gorge where tourists ride gondolas and enjoy the wild nature.

• Ruzhovsky Vrkh. This place should be visited only by active tourists who are willing to take risks, because you can climb Mount Ružovský Vrh only along winding paths through the thickets of beech forest. There will be no sights along the way, only nature and people. This is an opportunity to test your endurance, to think, and as a result to consider the view that opens up, which deserves all the effort put into the climb.
• Wolf board. This attraction is located near the canyon of the Krinitsa River and is known for its untamed nature. There is also a 17th-century stone slab depicting the story of a successful hunter.

• Decinsky Snezhnik is the most high mountain Czech Switzerland and another observation deck. There is a mid-19th century tower, 33 meters high, as well as ruins medieval castle.

Independent travel routes

There are many marked routes throughout the park for independent travel. Tourists can plan a route either on their own or resort to the help of tourist centers. You can also enjoy active sports here: rock climbing, horse riding or cycling.

There are a huge number of routes for independent travel in Czech Switzerland, we will post only some of them that you can use:

• Route 1: Pravcicka brana – Divoka and Ticha Soutezki. The length of the route is approximately 15 km and will take approximately 5-6 hours.
  
  
• Route 2: Arnoltitsy, Ruzhove and Janov. The length of the route is approximately 17 km and will take approximately 4.5-5 hours.
  
  
• Route 3: Saunštejn Castle – Ptaci kamen observation deck. The length of the route is approximately 11 km and will take approximately 3 hours.
  
• Route 4: Belvedere observation deck. The length of the route is approximately 18 km and will take approximately 5 hours.
  
• Route 5: Jetrichovice rocks. The length of the route is approximately 14 km and will take approximately 4.5 hours.
  
  
• Route 6: Falkenstein Castle – Rinartice – Pavlinino Udoli. The length of the route is approximately 14 km and will take approximately 4 hours.
  
• Route 7: Greater Doubitsky district. The route is approximately 28 km long and will take approximately 8 hours.
  
  
• Route 8: Narrow stairs. The route length is approximately 12-15 km and will take approximately 3-4 hours.
  
  
• Route 9: Ružovsky vrkh. The length of the route is approximately 13 km and will take approximately 4 hours.
  
• Route 10: Jetřichovice Viewpoint – Falkenstein Castle
  
  

How to get from Prague to Czech Switzerland on your own?

There are several ways to get to Czech Switzerland:

• On public transport: you need to take the train to the city of Decin, and then transfer to bus No. 434, which goes to the Hrzhensko stop.
• By car: follow the highway to the town of Decin, and then Hrzhensko. You can leave your car in the parking lot and go explore the national park.
• By steamboat on the Elbe River from the city of Decin, but you need to get to this city by train. The final stop is 800 meters from Grzhensk.

Reviews from tourists

Tourists speak positively about the beauty and uniqueness of this place, but you need to be prepared to walk a lot.

Map of Czech Switzerland

You can see the location of the main attractions of Czech Switzerland on the map of the national park.

Hello friends. Czech Switzerland. Enough strange name, whatever is hidden behind it, right? And hidden behind it is a Czech nature reserve, located on the border with Germany. On the other side of the border it passes into Saxon Switzerland. But the park is famous not only for its strange name. What else? Now we'll tell you.

It is believed that in the 19th century two Swiss were invited to undertake the restoration. They were very surprised when they discovered sandstone mountains nearby, which strongly reminded them of their native land.

Artists, peering at the rocks of a foreign country, painted Swiss landscapes familiar from childhood.

Thanks to these paintings, the place was called Saxon Switzerland. There is another version: the artists themselves gave the place this name.

Centuries passed and the border between Germany and the Czech Republic passed here. Part great places, remained on the territory of the state of Saxony, and partly on the territory of the Czech Republic.

The Czechs slightly changed the name and Czech Switzerland (České Švýcarsko) appeared. The name stuck.

Since 2000, this area has received the status of a national park.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park- its official name.

Attractions and entertainment of the park

• The symbol of the park can be called the Pravčická brána - this is the largest natural mountain arch in Europe.

It cannot be reached due to the possibility of collapse, but you can admire it from one of several observation platforms.

The most famous of them is called Belvedere. It hangs over the Elbe Canyon.

• Next to the Gate is the hunting castle “Falcon's Nest” or Zámek Sokolí hnízdo.

It was built in the 19th century. Now it houses a museum, as well as a restaurant with original interior decor.

From the large gate you can get to the small one. They are called the Small Pravchitsky Gate.

Near the Small Gate you will see a sign leading to Schaunstein Castle.

• Move on. There you will see the Dolsky Mlin mill.

Now all that remains is mostly ruins.

And next to it is the Ferdinand Gorge, which received its name in honor of Archduke Ferdinand.

Elsewhere in the Czech Republic, the castle of Archduke Ferdinand has been preserved, where everything is still maintained as during the owner’s lifetime, and in the beer hall you can try the “7 Bullets” beer, based on the number of bullets that killed the Archduke and his family. The humor is black and bitter, and many people praise the beer.

• Another attraction of this area is the village of Khrzhensko.

It is famous for the fact that it was on its territory that a glass workshop previously functioned, where Bohemian glass was made since the 15th century.

You can visit it now to get acquainted with the accounting books of those times, see how glass is blown, or even buy something for yourself.

• Another offer for adventure lovers is an excursion to abandoned silver mines.

Here you can go down to find out how the miners worked, or climb higher into the mountains and get acquainted with Falkenstein Castle, located right in the middle of the rocks.

But all that remains of Tolštejn Castle are ruins. But from its walls there is a stunning view of the park.

• Another castle that still impresses with its size is Decin Castle.

It was a military fortress and residence for local aristocrats. European artists and even monarchs often visited here.

• If during the tour you miss the legends, go to the Wolf Board.

This is a stone slab with a story carved on it about a hunter who killed two wolves at once.

The mountains here may be small, but they are still mountains. Here you can go mountaineering, trekking, and rafting.

Unprepared tourists can feel like real rock climbers, although only with special equipment and an instructor.

The entire park is intertwined with many equipped walking paths. They vary in complexity and length.

There are special routes for bicycle fans.

Even though you are in Czech Switzerland, there are gondola excursions here.

They pass along the Kamenitsa river and two gorges: Quiet and Wild.

Another way to test your physical fitness is to walk along the Mouse Hole.

Despite the name, this place has nothing in common with mice. This is a narrow staircase leading to the top of the cliff. It was built on the initiative of Prince Ferdinand Kinski.

This video is longer, but also more beautiful:

Where to Stay in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Now many housing options have appeared on the service AirBnb. We have written how to use this service. If you do not find a free hotel room, then look for accommodation through this booking site.

We offer good hotel options in Czech Switzerland

How to get there

The best thing rent a car and do not use trains or buses. Driving around the Czech Republic by car is pleasant, plus you are not tied to schedules.

• From Prague

To get to this corner of the Czech Republic and explore the romantic ruins among the mountains and mines, you need to get to Děčín, the city closest to the park, from Prague Mosarikov Station.

From Decin it’s another 20-25 minutes by bus to Grzensko. You can also rent a bike there.

You can take a taxi - this is the most beautiful way. You will need to drive along the Elbe riverbed.

Don't be afraid to come here in winter. The waterfalls in the ice are simply amazing, as are all sorts of bizarre rocks, rare plants and other riches of this region, which we have already talked about.

• From Dresden

It's even faster to get there from Dresden. By car on route 172, after the castle, you need to get to the other side near the city of Bad Spandau. When you cross the border and enter the Czech Republic, highway No. 172 will turn into highway No. 62. Drive a couple of kilometers and turn left. Everything, in Czech Switzerland.

Czech Switzerland is not only mystical landscapes pine forests and picturesque valleys, majestic rock towers, gates, walls, gorges, rock cities and labyrinths of mountains, but also the incredibly beautiful canyon of the Kamenitsa River, a walk along which will leave an unforgettable impression.

This is Czech Switzerland!

Czech Switzerland (České Švýcarsko) is the Czech part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a fantastically delightful piece of nature located in Northern Bohemia, near the border with Germany. There is everything you need for a complete active or simple holiday: pristine dense forests, canyons, bizarre rocks, mountain rivers, picturesque valleys with rare plants.

Geographers believe that this area owes its unusual structure and beauty to the sea, whose waters covered this territory in prehistoric times. Over time, the water receded and thanks to the influence of the most skillful designers - nature and wind, such a unique natural landscape was formed over many centuries.

What to see in Czech Switzerland?

Pravcicka brane

It is so incredibly beautiful here that the state declared this place a national park of the Czech Republic in 2000. The park has many interesting places, but the most interesting attraction is the Pravčická brána, which is the largest natural gate formed from a rocky massif. Once upon a time, these gates were washed out of the rocks by the World Ocean itself. In 2009, Pravchitsky Gate made it to the semi-finals of the international competition “Seven Wonders of the World”.

Not without a castle. It's as if he was implanted into the rocks. And its name is appropriate - Falcon's Nest (Zámeček Sokolí hnízdo). It was built by Italian craftsmen in 1881 in a record time at that time - one year. Entrance to the Pravčicka brana is paid. But it's worth it. Right under the arch there is a small cafe and an observation deck, the views from which are breathtaking.

Decin

The Bohemian Switzerland National Park is located near the town of Děčín. Travel around the reserve usually begins from here.

The main attraction of the city is Decin Castle (Děčínský zámek), a military fortress and residence of influential aristocratic families.

The smallest zoo in the Czech Republic is the Decina Zoo. It is located in the city center, in the city forest park and covers an area of ​​only 6 hectares. His specialization is raising rare species of animals that have a hard time surviving life in captivity.

To rest and relax, go to the city water park Decin (Aquapark) or to the Olešský rybník.

Khrzhensko

The beautiful and hospitable border town of Hřensko is located on the banks of the Kamenice River. Most hiking routes around the reserve begin here. The city has everything for tourists - a tourist information center, large parking lots, hotels, guesthouses, shops.

Tolshtein

Tolštejn – romantic ruins of a medieval castle. It was first mentioned in 1337. At one time it was the residence of local robber barons. Today, the castle walls offer extraordinary views.

Schaunstein

The rock castle of Schaunštejn, built in the first half of the 14th century to protect trade routes, lost its significance after the Thirty Years' War and became a haven for robbers. Now these are fabulous ruins in a dense forest. You can climb them only via a steep staircase in a narrow rock tunnel. A stunning panorama will open from the top of the rocks.

Falkenstein

Falkenstein rock castle

Rock castle Falkenštejn is one of popular places in the Bohemian Switzerland park. Unlike Schaunstein, everything here remains as it was.

Souteski

The Kamenice River flows in a deep gorge. In two places, Tichá soutěska and Divoká soutěska, it is blocked by dams. Here you can take a boat ride among the high rocks, see trout under the rocks, admire the fantastic stone figures and the huge artificial waterfall.

Sucha Kamenice

Sucha Kamenice – small stream, which flows into the Laba. Its valley is beautiful in spring and autumn when there is water. There are many waterfalls rustling between majestic rocks, the riverbed seems to be paved with paving stones. When there is no water, silence reigns here.

mouse hole

Mouse Hole (Myší díra) is the name given to the narrow staircase that leads to the top of the cliff. Back in the 19th century, many tourists came to climb the Mouse Hole.

Hřipksa

Do you know where Czech crystal is made? The world-famous “Bohemian glass” is made in the village of Chřibská. It is here that glass production is located, the oldest in Europe (XV century).

Dolski Mlyn

Dolský Mlyn

Ruins of the medieval mill Dolský Mlýn – romantic place, lost in the forest. Several centuries ago the mill occupied an important position.

Ružovsky Vrh

Ruzhov Hill (Růžovský vrch) is a huge basalt volcanic cone. Hans Christian Andersen, who visited these places several times, called this mountain “Czech Fuji.” Although there are no tourist attractions on the hill, there are many observation points from which stunningly beautiful nature can be seen.

Belvedere observation deck

The Belvedere observation deck (skalní vyhlídka Belvedér) is a huge stone terrace that seems to hang over the canyon of the Laba River. It is located at an altitude of 130 meters from the river level and is located near the town of Khrzhensko.

In 1640, a forester who killed two wolves carved his story on a stone slab. For a long time, the Wolf Board (Vlci deska) was covered with a spruce tree that grew on it. But one day during a storm, a tree fell and the slab opened. Now we can find out the story of a successful hunt. The road to the board leads through the beautiful Kiyovska Valley, the canyon of the Krinitsa River.

Silver mines

In the ancient mines in the town of Jiřetín pod Jedlova, silver was previously mined. Today you can put on a real miner's helmet with a flashlight and go down into the amazing world of the dungeon.

How to get to Czech Switzerland

By car

First head towards the town of Decin and then Hrzensko. You can park your car there and continue sightseeing on foot.

By public transport

Take the train to Decin and then head towards Hrzensko by bus number 434. See the schedule with departure times and ticket prices.

On a boat

The motor ship on the Elbe River departs from Decin and Dresden. See more details. But keep in mind that you will have to walk about a kilometer to the pier, and then the same distance from the final stop to Khrzhensko.

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