Getting to Bohemian Switzerland National Park from Prague

Reaching the park is straightforward for most travelers. Most journeys begin at Prague Main Station. You can take a fast train to the city of Děčín. The ride usually takes about 90 minutes. From Děčín, local buses connect you to the park entrance at Hřensko.

If you prefer more flexibility, consider renting a car. The drive from Prague takes roughly two hours. Parking can be difficult in peak summer months. Arrive early to secure a spot in Hřensko or Mezní Louka. For more details, see our guide on how to get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague easily.

Many visitors choose guided tours for convenience. These tours often include transport and a professional guide. This is a great way to see the highlights in one day. You can also look into day trips from Prague by train for other nearby adventures. Public transport is reliable and affordable in the Czech Republic.

12 Best Things to Do in Bohemian Switzerland National Park

This park offers a mix of adventure and tranquility. You can find challenging climbs or easy forest walks. Each site listed below offers a unique perspective on the region. Make sure to pack plenty of water and comfortable shoes. Here are the top experiences you cannot miss.

• Best overall: Pravčická Brána
• Best for families: Tisa Rocks
• Best rainy-day: Děčín Castle
• Best free: Mariina vyhlídka

1. Name: Pravčická Brána Type: sight Why go: It is the symbol of the park and Europe's largest sandstone arch. Best for: Photographers and hikers. Where: Near Hřensko. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for the lookout area. Getting there: Hike the red trail from Hřensko or Mezní Louka. Tip: Check the Pravčická Brána hiking trail map before starting.
2. Name: Wild Gorge (Divoká soutěska) Type: experience Why go: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride between towering rock walls. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Kamenice River. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid boat ticket. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from Mezní Louka. Tip: Some gorges may have seasonal closures; check the official site for updates.
3. Name: Bastei Bridge Type: sight Why go: This famous stone bridge offers incredible views of the Elbe River. Best for: Iconic views. Where: Saxon Switzerland (Germany side). Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free to walk the bridge. Getting there: Short drive or train ride across the border from Děčín. Tip: Visit at sunrise to avoid the heavy tourist crowds.
4. Name: Mariina vyhlídka (Mary’s Lookout) Type: viewpoint Why go: It provides a 360-degree view of the Jetřichovice rocks. Best for: Sunset watchers. Where: Jetřichovice. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Steep hike from the village of Jetřichovice. Tip: The wooden hut at the top is perfect for photos.
5. Name: Tiské stěny (Tisa Rocks) Type: nature Why go: A labyrinth of rock towers used as a filming location for Narnia. Best for: Families and climbers. Where: Tisá village. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Bus from Děčín to Tisá. Tip: It is less crowded than Pravčická Brána.
6. Name: Hřensko Type: neighborhood Why go: This gateway village features colorful timber-framed houses. Best for: Souvenirs and dining. Where: Park entrance. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: Main bus stop from Děčín. Tip: Try local Czech trout in one of the riverside restaurants.
7. Name: Dolský Mlýn (Dolský Mill) Type: experience Why go: Picturesque ruins of an old mill in the middle of the woods. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near Jetřichovice. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike from Jetřichovice or Vysoká Lípa. Tip: It is a popular spot for Czech fairytale films.
8. Name: Šaunštejn Castle (Robbers' Castle) Type: sight Why go: A rock castle with narrow ladders and high bridges. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near Vysoká Lípa. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike from the village of Vysoká Lípa. Tip: Not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
9. Name: Děčínský Sněžník Type: viewpoint Why go: The highest table mountain in the region with a stone tower. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Near Děčín. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Bus or car to the village of Sněžník. Tip: You can see as far as Dresden on clear days.
10. Name: Kyjovské údolí (Kyjov Valley) Type: nature Why go: A quiet valley with rock formations and a small river. Best for: Peaceful hiking. Where: Kyjov. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Local bus to Kyjov. Tip: Great for cycling on paved forest paths.
11. Name: Děčín Castle Type: museum Why go: A grand castle overlooking the Elbe with beautiful rose gardens. Best for: Culture and history. Where: Děčín city center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid guided tours. Getting there: Walking distance from Děčín train station. Tip: Visit the Long Drive (Dlouhá jízda) entrance ramp.
12. Name: Sokolí hnízdo (Falcon's Nest) Type: sight Why go: A 19th-century chateau built directly into the rocks near the arch. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Pravčická Brána. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included with arch entry. Getting there: Hike the main trail to the arch. Tip: Visit the gallery inside to see old photos of the park.

Top Hiking Trails in Bohemian Switzerland

Hiking is the primary way to experience Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The trails are well-marked with color-coded signs. Red trails are usually the main ridges. Yellow and blue trails often lead to valleys or smaller sights. Most trails involve some elevation gain on uneven ground.

The Gabriel Trail is the most famous route. It connects Hřensko to the Pravčická Brána arch. This path offers stunning views of the sandstone towers. If you want more variety, try the Bohemian Paradise hiking trails nearby. Both areas offer unique rock formations but different atmospheres.

For a full-day adventure, combine the gorges with the arch. This loop takes about six to seven hours. It is physically demanding but very rewarding. Always carry a physical map or use a reliable GPS app. Mobile signals can be weak in the deep valleys.

Essential Travel Tips for Your 2026 Visit

Plan your visit to Bohemian Switzerland National Park carefully. The park is very popular on weekends and holidays. Try to visit on a weekday if possible. This will give you more space on the narrow trails. You should also check the weather forecast before leaving Prague.

Respect the natural environment during your stay. Stick to marked paths to protect the fragile sandstone. Smoking and fires are strictly prohibited in the forest. These rules help prevent forest fires like the one in 2022. For official guidelines, visit the Visit Czechia portal.

Carry some Czech Koruna (CZK) for small expenses. Many small kiosks and boat rides do not take cards. You can find ATMs in Děčín or Hřensko. Wear layers as the temperature drops in the gorges. Proper hiking boots are essential for safety on the rocky terrain.