Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland is a national park of wild sandstone country on the German border, where the Elbe and its tributaries have carved deep gorges, pillars and mesas from the rock, cloaked in forest. Its crown is Pravcicka brana, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, a soaring rock span with a view over a sea of forested pinnacles.

Background

The idea of a Bohemian Switzerland dates from the 18th century, when it was seen as a continuation of Saxon Switzerland in Germany, and the two together are called Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland. Tourists began arriving in large numbers during the later half of the 19th century. The whole region came under protection in 1972 as the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Protected Landscape Area. On 1 January 2000 the forest and rock land right of the Elbe, including the Kamenice Gorge and the land around Růžovský vrch, at 619 metres the highest point, became a national park of 79 square kilometres. A fire in July 2022 affected 10 square kilometres (1000 hectares), and another in April 2026 covered 100 hectares.

Source: Wikipedia, "Bohemian Switzerland"

What's there

• Pravcicka brana - the great natural sandstone arch, the largest in Europe.
• The gorges - the deep river canyons, some explored by boat.
• The rock formations - the pillars, mesas and pinnacles of the sandstone.
• The forest trails - the hikes through the wooded rock landscape.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for the trails, boat trips and forest; autumn adds colour. Some areas have been affected by wildfire, so check current access.

Good to know

The famous arch is reached by a fair uphill hike, and you can no longer walk on the arch itself to protect it. Parts of the park were damaged by a major wildfire, so check what is open. It is a couple of hours from Prague.

Nearby

It continues across the border as Saxon Switzerland in Germany; Decin and the Elbe are nearby.

Key facts