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Top things to do in Prague

Aerial view of Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague.

Prague Castle

from

€5

Astronomical Clock in Prague with zodiac signs and detailed sculptures.

Prague Astronomical Clock

from

€19

Prague Astronomical Tower with weekend crowd in Old Town Square.

Towers of Prague

from

€16

Bartender explaining Czech beer pouring technique to a visitor.

Prague Beer Tours

from

€22

Elephant standing among rocks and trees at Prague Zoo.

Prague Zoo

from

€13

Cabo da Roca lighthouse with surrounding green landscape and blue sky.

Prague to Cesky Krumlov Tours

from

€75.65

St. Barbara's Church in Kutna Hora with surrounding greenery and town view.

Prague to Kutná Hora Tours

from

€45

Row of colorful historic buildings along the river in the old quarter of Karlovy Vary.

Prague to Karlovy Vary Tours

from

€53.10

Double-decker Big Bus Prague tour bus parked in front of historic building.

Big Bus Prague

from

€33

Performers in vibrant costumes at Black Light Theatre, Prague, creating dynamic visual effects.

Black Light Theater:Prague

from

€16.92

Equestrian statue in front of Prague National Museum with Czech flags.

Prague National Museum

from

€28.80

Fire performer entertaining guests at a Medieval Dinner in Prague.

Medieval Dinner Prague

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€57.60

Prague ghost tour guide leading group through historic Old Town at night.

Ghost Tours - Prague Tickets

from

€21

Boats on the Vltava River near Charles Bridge in Prague's Old Town.

Old Town Tours

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€19

Vyšehrad Castle's twin spires and historic church in Prague, Czech Republic.

Vyšehrad Castle

from

€38

LEGO sets display at LEGO Museum Prague featuring Star Wars and Super Heroes themes.

Museum of Bricks Prague

from

€8.40

Crawling baby sculptures on Zizkov Tower, Prague.

Zizkov Tower

from

€16

Illusion Art Museum visitor interacts with 3D painting of a knight on horseback.

Illusion Art Museum

from

€14.32

Terezin Concentration Camp cemetery with cross and rows of graves.

Prague to Terezin Concentration Camp Tours

from

€49.68

Child enjoying water slide at Aquapalace Prague.

Aquapalace Prague Tickets

from

€56

RegioJet train on railway tracks, showcasing modern design and branding.

RegioJet

from

€4.20

Woman interacting with giant cat illusion at Museum of Fantastic Illusions.

Museum of Fantastic Illusions

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€15

What is Bohemian Switzerland National Park?

Bohemian Switzerland National Park is a protected natural landscape in northern Czechia, right along the border with Germany, known for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep forested valleys, and quiet river gorges. The park is part of a larger cross-border sandstone area shared with Saxon Switzerland in Germany, but it has its own character—wilder, less developed, and more focused on hiking and nature immersion. Its most recognizable feature is Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, but the real appeal lies in moving slowly through the landscape: walking forest paths, floating through gorges by boat, and stopping at viewpoints that open suddenly above the Elbe River valley.

On your visit, you explore a region shaped by erosion over millions of years, where rock towers rise above spruce forests and narrow trails lead to natural arches, viewpoints, and secluded ravines.

Plan your visit to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park

  • The national park is open year-round, 24/7, as it is a protected outdoor area with free access. 
  • However, specific sites and services, such as the Edmund’s Gorge boat rides, operate seasonally, usually from April to October, depending on the weather conditions and water levels.
  • Some trails may close temporarily due to snow, ice, or conservation work.

Best time to visit

Comfortable visiting conditions are from May to June and September to early October, when trails are dry, forests are green or autumn-colored, and crowds are moderate. Summer (July–August) is warmer but busier, especially near Pravčická brána. Visit early morning on weekdays for quieter trails and clearer viewpoints.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park is located in northern Czechia, near the German border, about 2 hours north of Prague. The park administration and main visitor center are in Krásná Lípa, while popular entry points include Hřensko and Jetřichovice.

Address: Administration of the Czech Switzerland National Park, Pražská 457/52, 407 46 Krásná Lípa | Find on Maps

Getting there:

  • By train: Prague to Děčín is a 90-minute journey, followed by a short bus ride.
    Nearest stop: děčín hlavní nádraží (16.3 km away) | Find on Maps

  • By car: Driving is the easiest way to reach the trail; it takes 2 hours from Prague.Driving offers the flexibility to stop along the scenic route for photo/snack/restroom breaks | Find on Maps

Bohemian Switzerland National Park offers unique experiences year-round.

  • Spring brings colorful flowering in sandstone meadows; autumn showcases vibrant forest foliage over cliffs and valleys; spring sees bird migrations, and fall attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. 
  • Seasonal guided hikes and photography tours run mainly from April to October, helping visitors explore key viewpoints, gorges, and trails with expert insight. Timing your visit around these events enhances wildlife spotting, landscape photography, and overall immersion in the park’s natural beauty.

Unique facts about Bohemian Switzerland

  • It is home to Europe’s largest sandstone arch, Pravčická brána.
  • Temperature inversion is common across the park, where cooler air settles in the gorges and warmer air rises above, thus creating a misty atmosphere.
  • Artists & writers from the 19th-century dubbed parts of the park as The End of the World, inspiring early Romantic-era tourism and art.
  • The sandstone formations have served as a backdrop for films such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Brothers Grimm.

What to do in Bohemian Switzerland?

Hike through sandstone landscapes

Hiking is the main way you experience the park. Well-marked trails take you through pine forests, narrow ravines, and open rock plateaus, with routes ranging from easy 2–3 hour walks to full-day treks. This is ideal if you enjoy slow, immersive exploration rather than adrenaline-heavy adventure. Guided hikes help you cover highlights efficiently.

Walk to Pravčická brána

A hike to Pravčická brána, Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch, is the park’s most iconic experience. The trail is moderate, taking about 2–3 hours round trip, with a steady incline and forest shade. At the top, you pause, not to cross the arch, but to take in its scale and the surrounding cliffs. It suits most active visitors and pairs well with a guided day tour.

Explore gorges by boat

In Edmund’s Gorge and Wild Gorge, hiking gives way to quiet boat rides steered by local ferrymen. You glide between steep rock walls, with moss, ferns, and dripping sandstone close enough to touch. The walk-and-boat combination is easy and family-friendly, taking about 1.5–2 hours total. Boat operations are seasonal, so booking a tour helps avoid access issues.

Visit panoramic viewpoints

Viewpoints like Mariina skála and Vilemínina stěna reward short climbs with wide views over forests and river valleys. These stops are low-effort, high-reward, and often reached via short detours from main trails. Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer people. If you’re short on time, guided itineraries bundle multiple viewpoints into a single, efficient route.

Cycle and spot wildlife

Less-traveled forest roads are suitable for cycling at a relaxed pace, especially around Krásná Lípa. Early mornings are also good for spotting deer, birds, and smaller wildlife along quieter trails. This side of the park suits visitors who prefer independence and slower movement. Bike rentals and guided nature-focused tours make logistics easier if you’re not driving.

Guided day trips from Prague

Many visitors explore Bohemian Switzerland on a full-day guided tour from Prague, combining transport, hiking, viewpoints, and gorge access into one itinerary. This option suits first-time visitors, solo travelers, and anyone without a car. Tours usually run 10–12 hours and remove the need to coordinate buses, trailheads, and seasonal access.

What to see in Bohemian Switzerland

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Pravčická brána (near Hřensko)

The largest natural sandstone arch in Europe rises above forested cliffs, its scale best felt from the surrounding viewpoints. You can’t walk across it, but the surrounding elevated paths offer layered views, especially atmospheric in early morning mist or late afternoon light.

Edmund’s Gorge (Hřensko)

A narrow river canyon where steep sandstone walls close in on both sides. You experience it slowly by boat, gliding past moss-covered rock and quiet overhangs. Visit on weekdays or early in the season for a calmer, less crowded ride.

Mariina skála (Jetřichovice area)

A compact rock viewpoint with a metal staircase leading to open panoramas over dense forests and sandstone towers. The climb is short but exposed, making it ideal for sunrise or golden-hour views when the landscape feels wider and quieter.

Vilemínina stěna (Jetřichovice area)

A long sandstone ridge offering sweeping views across valleys and distant hills. The trail here is less busy than the main highlights, rewarding you with a sense of space and silence. Late afternoon brings softer light and deeper contrast.

Wild Gorge (Divoká soutěska)

More rugged and less decorated than Edmund’s Gorge, this section feels raw and enclosed. You combine a forest walk with a short boat crossing, making it suitable for families while still delivering a strong sense of immersion in the landscape.

In a nutshell: History of Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Bohemian Switzerland National Park is shaped less by human history and more by deep geological time. The sandstone formations you see today were created around 90 million years ago, when this area lay beneath a shallow sea. Over time, erosion by wind, water, and frost carved cliffs, arches, gorges, and isolated rock towers.

The name “Bohemian Switzerland” dates to the early 19th century, when Swiss artists Adrian Zingg and Anton Graff began comparing the dramatic landscapes to their homeland. This period also marked the rise of romantic-era tourism, with early trails, inns, and viewpoints built for painters and hikers.

In 2000, the Czech government designated the area as a national park to protect its fragile sandstone ecosystems. Today, conservation shapes how you explore the landscape; guided paths, seasonal closures, and strict access rules preserve the terrain for future visitors.

Flora and fauna at Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Bohemian Switzerland National Park is home to mixed forests of spruce, beech, and oak, along with unique sandstone-adapted plants. Wildlife includes red deer, wild boar, foxes, and a variety of birds, such as peregrine falcons and woodpeckers.

Note: Respect marked trails and keep a distance from animals to minimize disturbance.

Seasonal flowering adds color to meadows and ravines, especially in spring and early summer.

Conservation and responsible tourism

The park operates strict trail management and seasonal closures to protect fragile sandstone and prevent erosion. As a visitor, you can help by sticking to paths, avoiding rock climbing in prohibited zones, and carrying out all trash. Guided tours often include educational content about geology and ecosystems, making your visit both immersive and sustainable.

Cross-border context

Bohemian Switzerland National Park forms the Czech half of a larger sandstone region shared with Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany. Trails and rock formations continue seamlessly across the border, letting you explore complementary landscapes, viewpoints, and gorges. Booking a guided tour from Prague allows you to visit both parks and experience the subtle differences in trail infrastructure and natural scenery.

Handy tips for visiting Bohemian Switzerland

  • Wear sturdy shoes: Trails and sandstone stairways can be slippery or uneven, especially near gorges and viewpoints. Hiking boots or shoes with a good grip are highly recommended.
  • Book Edmund’s Gorge boat rides in advance: During peak season (May–September), reserve your boat ride 1–2 weeks ahead to secure your preferred time and avoid long waits.
  • Bring water and snacks: There are very few shops along the main trails, so pack at least 1–2 liters of water and light snacks for half- or full-day hikes.

  • Check seasonal trail conditions: Some trails may close temporarily after heavy rain, storms, or in winter. Verify the latest closures at the park visitor center in Krásná Lípa or Hřensko. 
    Insider tip: Ask about alternative routes to still reach viewpoints if your preferred trail is closed.

  • Arrive early for quiet trails: Even though the park is open 24/7, visiting around 8–9am on weekdays gives you quieter paths and better light for photographs, especially at Pravčická brána.
  • Plan your logistics well: If you’re not driving, take trains to Děčín and local buses to Hřensko or Jetřichovice. Parking near popular trailheads fills quickly. 
    Insider tip: Guided tours are convenient if you want to cover multiple highlights without worrying about transport or parking.

Frequently asked questions about Bohemian Switzerland National Park

It’s famous for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and dense forests, with highlights like Pravčická brána and Edmund’s Gorge. Visitors come for hiking, photography, wildlife spotting, and immersive nature experiences across this protected landscape.