Czech Switzerland - the main attractions of the national park. Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland (from Prague) Czech Switzerland hiking trails

Czech Switzerland(České Švýcarsko) is the most beautiful corner of nature in the north-west of the Czech Republic. The area adjoins the German "Saxon Switzerland" and is famous for its unusual shape of limestone cliffs, gorges and dense forests, stretching in the Elbe (Labe) river basin. In 2000, an area of 79 km2 officially became a national park and came under state protection.

Ironically, it is more convenient to get to the park from German Dresden than from Prague. We take the train to Schöna station, go to the ferry and, please, you are in Grzhensko, from where several popular hiking trails start!

From Prague to Decin (here it is worth seeing the local castle) can be reached by train - just over 2 hours on the way. Further to the town of Hřensko - by bus or taxi. The second option is preferable because you don't have to wait, but the trip will cost about 350 kroons

From Decin, you can also get to the place by sailing on a boat sailing along the Laba. The final stop is in the village of Shmilka on the German side of the border, then to the crossing in Grzhensko with a kilometer walk

Another interesting way is again by train from Prague. Direction to Decin, there is a transfer to the line to the German Bad Schandau and get off at Schöna station. Next, you already know…

The honor of opening the region to the public belongs to Adrian Zing and Anton Graff, two Swiss artists and teachers at the Dresden Art Academy, who lived in the mid-18th century. In search of "nature" they traveled along the Elbe, visiting places between Pirna and Chrzhensko, and painted a lot.

Almost immediately, their landscapes attracted attention and the tourist reached out to these places for unusual beauties. One of the most famous personalities who did not fail to visit here: the author of fairy tales, the Dane Hans Christian Andersen, who paid two visits, in 1831 and 1851.

Gorge Kamenitsa

What to watch

There are several routes that allow you to see Czech Switzerland in detail: both on foot and by bicycle.

Czech Switzerland

Mention iconic places national park, without the contemplation of which not a single tourist will leave here:

Pravčická brána is the largest natural limestone arch in Europe, 26 meters long and 16 meters high. You can’t climb it - it’s fraught, but it’s absolutely necessary to see it.

In 1881, Prince Edmund Clari und Olringen, who owned local lands, built a castle next to Pravcicka Brana, called the Falcon's Nest. The castle was built in just one year: today the building houses the National Park Museum and a restaurant with great views.

"Falcon's Nest" and Pravcicka Brana

Kamenice is a river flowing in a winding mountain gorge. Especially beautiful is the backwater of Tiha Souteska, the “Quiet Gorge” (Tichá soutěska), - for almost a kilometer, tourists from boats can contemplate sheer walls up to a hundred meters high, rocks that tried, but never slipped into the water, relic pine groves.

Edmund's Gorge - the most colorful part of Kamenitsa

The village of Jetřichovice, a convenient starting point for traveling through the mountain range of the same name Nearby you can visit the Falkenštejn castle and the Mariina skála, a beautiful view point at an altitude of 428 meters.

The ruins of the Šaunštejn fortress on a lonely rock - it was destroyed either in the 15th or in the 16th century and has not been restored since then.

Czech Switzerland

When tourists first hear such a name, their minds are concerned with only one question: where does Switzerland come from in the Czech Republic. It sounds really interesting, but in reality we are talking about an amazingly beautiful national park, which, due to its views and landscape, bears such an unusual name as Czech Switzerland.

Why is this place interesting for a tourist?

Bohemian Switzerland is part of the territory of the Elbe Sandy Mountains, which belongs to the Czech Republic. Tellingly, in Germany this area is called Saxon Switzerland. The territory of the park has nearly 80 square meters. m, and since 2000 it has officially acquired the status of a reserve. On the map of the country, Czech Switzerland is located in the northwestern region, near the headwaters of the Elbe River.

The reserve got its name thanks to two Swiss artists who, in their free time, traveled to these places and created, inspired by the local beauty. The masters of the brush did not even want to return home, arguing that they found their Switzerland in the Czech Republic.

Attractions of the Bohemian Switzerland Reserve

The park has a number of interesting and fascinating places, the creator of which was nature itself. So, what to see and where to take a souvenir photo in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park:

In one of the matches of the third round of the group stage of the World Ice Hockey Championship, the Czech Republic will face Switzerland. The match will take place in Copenhagen and starts on May 8 at 21-15 Moscow time.
Content:

Lifebet.ru notes that literally on the eve of the world championship, the national teams held two friendly matches between themselves, in which the Czechs confidently won twice.

Czech
The Czech national team is currently outside the top four in the group, but the team played only two more matches, and at the same time they played very well. In the course of the opening match, the Czechs were inferior to the Slovakian team, but showed fighting qualities and won the final victory in overtime 3-2. The day before, the team was defeated in the fight against Sweden 2-3.
Switzerland
The Swiss team, in turn, managed to score five points in two starting meetings, settling in the top half of the group. Moreover, in the first round, the team heavily defeated Austria. According to the results of regular time, there was a draw 2-2, and only in overtime did the Swiss tip the scales in their favor. Following was a fairly convincing victory over the Slovakian team 2-0.

Live online broadcast of the match Czech Republic - Switzerland

Match odds Czech Republic - Switzerland

P1 - 1.99-2.05
X - 4.25-4.35
P2 - 3.15-3.25
1X - 1.33-1.37
12 – 1,2-1,24
X2 - 1.77-1.82

Total odds:

less than 3.5 - 3.05-3.15
more than 3.5 - 1.36-1.4
less than 4.5 - 2.02-2.08
more than 4.5 - 1.83-1.88

Czech Republic — Switzerland expert forecast

This calendar year, the Czech national team has already beaten the Swiss three times, and now this trend is also likely to continue.

Salt to taste

After all, the Czechs scored only two points in the opening matches, and now the team needs to win. In general, lifebet.ru offers a prediction for the match Czech Republic - Switzerland: Czech Republic Victoria with a zero handicap.
Even this confrontation is unlikely to be over productive, and for sure the number of goals in it will not exceed 5.5. Along with this, we are betting that the Swiss will not be able to hit the opponent's goal more than 2.5 times.

Important statistics and interesting facts

Note that in the last ten personal meetings, the Czech team won eight times, losing to the Swiss team only twice.

Excursions and transfers to Czech Switzerland are in high demand. Czech Switzerland has become one of the main destinations for eco-tourism.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

The new concept of eco-tourism recreation has come from a rapidly growing number of eco-tourists who love the most beautiful corners and sights created by miraculous nature.

The beauty of the natural landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland fascinates not only the eco-friendly, but also ordinary tourists and travelers. The history of the emergence of a mountain range with crevices, streams and even lakes has more than one millennium. In ancient times, this part of the land with the Elbe Sandstone Mountains located on it was the subject of constant wars between Saxony, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria and Prussia. Robbers often ran here. Only in 1459 did it become clear about the ownership of the Elbe Sandstones, since the signing of the Treaty of Eger, the Elbe Sandstones were divided in the middle of the navigable Elbe. Since then, one half belongs to Saxony, which is part of Germany, and the other half has remained in the ownership of the Czech Republic. The Meissen plateau was the name of that part of the Elbe Sandstones, or as the Saxons of the Ore Mountains called them, but it lasted until the 18th century, later they were renamed Saxon Switzerland. There is practically no reliable information about the name Czech Switzerland. Either the Czechs, having decided to keep up with the Germans, called their part Czech Switzerland, or vice versa, the Germans, but now there are two Switzerlands on the map divided by the Elbe River Czech from the Czech Republic and Saxon from the German side.

Be that as it may, but the beauty of these Switzerland deserve attention. The point which is the highest in Czech Switzerland is Decinsky Snezhnik 723m., and the main attraction of Czech Switzerland is the unique so-called Pravcicka Gate, they are also Pravcheska Brana in Czech written as Pravcicka Brana. The width of this gate is not small 26 meters, and the height is breathtaking 16 meters. The view at the Pravcicki Gate - a huge arch, probably the fact that they are the main attraction of the delightful Czech Switzerland confirms the fact that the entrance to them is paid! There is also a small diner, with the same small assortment on the menu, beer and sausages, that's the whole list of dishes. Nearby is a castle built in 1881 that has grown into the rock. It was built in just a year and has a suitable name for the place: Falcon's Nest in Czech (Sokolí hnízdo). Delightful nature, a sea of trails and routes, a mountain river on which there are boats with boat guides carrying tourists and telling about the landscapes that tourists pass by.

If you want to book excursions from Prague to Czech Switzerland, go to the page excursions in the Czech Republic from Prague.

If you want to order a transfer from Prague to Czech Switzerland, go to the page Transfer in the Czech Republic from Prague.

Prague tour prices in Russian.

Prague Czech Switzerland excursion, excursions in the Czech Republic, Czech Switzerland, Czech Republic excursions, Czech Switzerland transfer, Prague excursions, Czech Switzerland tours, sights of the Czech Republic, nature in the Czech Republic.

Note:
The price of the excursion Czech Switzerland from Prague includes: transfer from your hotel to the very place of the excursion, a guided tour, the language of the excursion is Russian, transfer to the hotel back.

Here, you can learn everything about Czech Switzerland, from people who visited Czech Switzerland, read or write reviews and comments about Czech Switzerland - forum.

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Advantages

Very beautiful, rivers, mountains, castle, water park

disadvantages

Details

When people talk about the Czech Republic, everyone immediately thinks of Prague and Karlovy Vary. But in this country there are many other equally wonderful cities - resorts and others - albeit small, but old, rich in historical monuments and having their own unique features.
I have already talked about the thermal resort - Teplice, and now I want to open for you another small but cozy town of the Ustec region - Decin.
Decin, like Teplice, is located in the northwestern part of the Czech Republic, in an area called Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland, very close to Germany.

The town is located in a valley between mountain ranges, and it is here that the rivers Laba (aka Elbe) and Plouchnice meet. Therefore, Decin is an important river port.
The city itself is small - a little more than 50 thousand people live here, but there is something to see here.
interesting historical fact is that Decin (and in German - Techen-Bodenbach) as a single city was formed recently - in 1942. This happened as a result of the merger of two nearby villages - Techen and Bodenbach. Since 1947, the name of the city became Decin.
The city is incredibly beautiful: there are mountain ranges around, and between them there are colorful houses and ponds.
Look at the positive architectural forms. When I saw them, I immediately had the thought that in such a vibrant city, people simply cannot be unhappy :)

The reservoirs here are magnificent, they are crossed by old and new bridges,

Ducks and majestic swans swim in the water itself, which are fed by numerous tourists with pleasure.

The most famous landmark of the city is Decin Castle, located on a hill on the right bank of the Laba. The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century. Initially, it belonged to noble families, and in 1934 it was sold to the state.
A road cut between the rocks leads to the castle - “Long Ride”, high stone walls stretch on both sides of it.

And here is the castle itself, it is under a long reconstruction, and inside it there is a museum where paintings, weapons and more are exhibited.

There is a magnificent rose garden on the territory of the castle, but we did not have the opportunity to see this beauty in full, since Decin was visited in March.
By the way, photography is not allowed in the castle, as I understand it, this is quite traditional for the Czech Republic.
Near the rose garden there is another historical monument - the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The church was built at the end of the 17th century and has hardly been restored since then.

Bohemian Switzerland is one of the national parks of the Czech Republic

Inside it is decorated with magnificent frescoes.

In addition to the above, there are many other historical and architectural monuments in Decin that are worth seeing: these are other churches, a synagogue, churches and chapels, town halls, fountains, the “Shepherd’s Wall” - a sheer cliff on which the eponymous restaurant with more than a century of history nestled.

Children will also be interested in Decin. On the same Shepherd's Wall there is a small, but old and well-groomed zoo.
There is also a water park here, which we were lucky to visit. It consists of a covered open areas and is considered one of the most modern in the Czech Republic.

Of course, it is worth going to Decin even if only to see the incredibly beautiful area in which the town is sheltered - mountains and rivers give it a unique charm.

Ratings

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Year of visit:2010

Czech- Saxon Switzerland

We learned about Saxon Switzerland quite by accident, Pasha came across an article describing a trip to Saxon Switzerland with impressive photos. I decided to see what it is and where. It turned out that national park Saxon Switzerland is located near Dresden, right on the border with the Czech Republic. And on the Czech side, the park is called Bohemian Switzerland.

The park is not very big, but it has a lot of trekking routes and you can easily spend at least a whole week. But thinking that a week of vacation is an unaffordable luxury, we decided that we would go to Saxon Switzerland somehow just for a long weekend.

How to get to Saxon Switzerland?

The easiest way is by car. In this case, moving between routes and attractions in the park will be easy and convenient. The only downside is that you need to plan either round trip or roundabout routes to get back to the car.

It is also possible to get and move around by public transport. On the German side, the nearest major city is Dresden, on the Czech side, Prague. Both of them provide easy access to the park. But on the spot, in order to get to the start of routes from the surrounding towns and villages, you will have to find out the schedule of local buses and trains.

Where to stay near Saxon Switzerland?

If you are by car, then this issue is not so acute. From any village you can easily get where you need to go.

If you are traveling by public transport, then on the Czech side, Decin (Děčín) or Hřensko are good choices. Decchin is larger, but from it you have to go to the park. But several routes start directly from Hřensko, including one of the most famous ones to Pravčická brána.

From the German side, there are several options. If you want to visit the Bastei Bridge and take a walk in its surroundings, Rathen or Bad Schandau are the best choices. If you want to walk along other routes of the park, then you need to choose something from the villages close to the route. Almost all have small family hotels where you will feel like a real German.

We had to stay two nights over a holiday weekend plus we were in a car and weren't tied to buses. After looking at the options on Booking.com and Airbnb (we wrote more about what airbnb is in the article Airbnb - what is it? How to use and how to book accommodation in any city?), we chose accommodation on airbnb in Decin, but for now we thought this apartment already passed. Therefore, the next suitable for the price, comfort and location was a room in a family hotel in the village of Česká Kamenice.

What to do in Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland?

1 full day - Czech Switzerland

The route starts in the village of Mezni Louka and gradually climbs towards Pravcicka Brana. On the way to beautiful forest, rocky walls, separate rocky remnants - in general, very beautiful!

Further Pravcicka Brana and the building of the 19th century - the Falcon's Nest. Entrance to the observation decks 75 CZK. On the official website you can check the opening hours and current prices www.pbrana.cz. Most can be viewed for free, so it's up to you to decide whether to go to the paid part.

After this trail, you can go to Mezni Louki through the forest, or you can continue along the canyon just like we did. There is a second route Divoká soutěska and a second crossing - it will cost 60 CZK. We really liked the trail, it passes almost over the mountain stream itself, sometimes overhanging. There are beautiful rocks all around. On the first section there is a waterfall attraction - they bring you to a wet wall, tell some fairy tales, it depends on the boat manager, and then ... suddenly a powerful stream of water falls from the waterfall in a fountain. Nobody expected this...

During the boat ride, you will see not only a waterfall, but also beautiful wooden figures, each with its own history, you will be shown interesting rock formations that look like something or someone. The second part is less interesting, simply because it repeats the first. Although ... Whether nature can repeat itself in such unusual forms is a moot point. From the end of the second trail for another 20 minutes and we go to Mezni Loki, right to the central parking lot. By the way, parking is the most expensive "entertainment" - 100 CZK / 1 day.

Also this route can be passed from Grzhensko. You can go in the opposite direction, but I do not advise this, since the rise from Grzhensko is long and monotonous, it is much better to go down quickly there.

2 day or half day Saxon Switzerland and the famous Bastei Bridge

Most often, the route to the Bastei Bridge starts either at the Basteistrasse (Basteistraße) - in this case, parking will cost 3 € / day plus 1.5 € / person shuttle bass to the beginning of the route. The second option is the village of Rathen, almost all large parking lots are located in most of the village on the other side of the Elbe and you will have to use the ferry to get to the start of the route.

In the part of the village of Rathen, which is located on the same bank with the Bastei bridge, entry is allowed only to residents and hotel guests. However, the car can be left in private parking almost reaching the village. The cost is 3€/day.

Before the start of the route 15-20 minutes through a pleasant forest. At first, the signs took us to Basteistrasse, after looking at the prices, we returned to the idea that we would leave the car in the village itself. But ... we saw a sign forbidding passage to non-residents. Nearby was a private parking for 3€, but it was almost all occupied. Cars were parked on the side of the road, there was no sign prohibiting parking. Of course, we parked and went to the Bastei bridge.

Bastei is a group of sandstone rocks that, under the influence of time and nature, have taken on very beautiful and unusual shapes. Bastei is also famous for the Bastei bridge. The Bastei bridge was built in 1824 and was originally made of wood. In 1851, the Bastei bridge was replaced by a sandstone bridge, and it has remained so to this day.

If you have at least 3-4 hours, then you should go not only to the Bastei Bridge, but also walk along the route further, go down to the Elbe and return to Rathen along the bike path.

We were not lucky on the first evening, the weather was not very good, and as soon as we began to climb to the bridge it began to rain ... Without thinking twice, we cast a cursory glance at the bridge and drove to the place to spend the night. The second attempt was in the morning before the trip home. The sun was shining and the weather was just perfect. But we had very little time, so we limited ourselves to walking to the Bastei bridge and all the observation platforms and back. This route took us about 2-2.5 hours of leisurely walk from the car. There is an optional paid section on the route, the cost is 2€/person. The route passes along bridges between rocks. There is a description of several historical details, though little of them remains. But beautiful views of the Bastei bridge and the surrounding rocks.

By the way, the most famous photos of the Bastei Bridge are taken from free viewing platforms. True, fog or beautiful sunset / dawn rays must be specially waited for. Although you might be lucky?

As a result, I would like to say that if you are in the vicinity, and you have a free 1-2 days, then you should definitely visit Czech and Saxon Switzerland!

There are many interesting and picturesque corners on our planet, where once you get there, you want to return again and again. One of these places is Bohemian (Bohemian) Switzerland or, as the locals call it, Saxon Switzerland.

This park was founded not so long ago, at the beginning of the 2000s. Its territory is about 80 sq. km. When creating the park, the country's authorities wanted to preserve the area of untouched nature in its original state. And they succeeded. It's amazing here Beautiful places with minimal human intervention.

The basis of the park is made up of unique sand formations in the form of rocks. The rocks are covered with ancient forests with rare plant species. It is believed that the rocks were formed about 10 million years, and over time, when the water receded, the rocks, on the contrary, protruded. These sandy deposits were compressed mainly during the Mesozoic period under the influence of wind, temperature changes and other natural phenomena.

Unique natural formations impress with their picturesqueness: canyons, arches, windows, etc. And the ruins of fortresses and other medieval buildings, which have been perfectly preserved to this day, fit very harmoniously into all this. Many photographers come here to capture the unique beauty of these places.

History

For the first time this territory began to be inhabited by nomadic tribes of hunters and gatherers about 10 thousand years ago. They settled mainly near water bodies. Still locals after spring floods, ancient tools and utensils are discovered.

A little later, farmers began to settle in these places, for whom the lands along the tributaries of the river were the most fertile. Over time, to strengthen their settlements, people began to build walls and even build forts, the ruins of which are scattered throughout the national park.

In the 14th century, Saxon colonialists settled on these lands, who were engaged in logging. In those days, there were real impenetrable thickets here. They also settled here, in some places even the ruins of entire settlements with specific architecture remained.

But it was precisely two Swiss restorers who made this area touristic, who were invited to Dresden to restore one estate. During their vacation, they often walked along the modern territory of the national park from Dresden and admired the beauties of these places. And at the end of the work, they stayed here to live, because the local rocks very much reminded them of their native Switzerland. And so the name "Switzerland" got accustomed to this place. Since the end of the 18th century, this area has been called “Saxon Switzerland”.

In the 19th century, local communities opened the first tourist routes for travelers. The mining society of Bohemian Switzerland began to open the first hotels and restaurants here. They began to equip observation platforms and clear the most beautiful gorges. And on the Elbe River, everything was equipped for lovers of sailing. In general, everything was equipped for a comfortable stay of tourists in these places.

Where is

Conventionally, the park is divided into German and Czech parts, which are separated by the border between the states and the Elbe River in the west of the park.

Czech Switzerland is located in the northern part of the Czech Republic, close to the border with Germany and 40 km. from Dresden. The highest part of this park is Mount Dechinsky Snezhnik with a height of just over 700 meters. The most popular place among tourists is the Pravchitsky Gate, which was formed due to rain and severe erosion.

How to get there

In fact, there are only two options to get to this fabulous place: on your own in a rented or your own car, or with a guided tour. A guided tour can be bought at any travel agency in. The cost of such a tour is from 30 euros and more, depending on the number of people in the group. You will also have to pay separately for visiting certain attractions.

If you get there on your own, you can enter the park both from German territory and from the Czech Republic. You can enter the National Park in different ways: both along the autobahn and along ordinary roads. But it is worth using a map or navigator so as not to get lost.

You can also take a train from Prague to the city of Decin, and then go to the village of Khrzhensko by bus number 434.

When is the best time to go?

The park is open all year round. From November to March, the park is open from 10.00 to 16.00. And from April to October 10.00 - 18.00.

The most successful time to visit the park is spring and autumn, when it is not very hot, and you can spend a lot of time walking and relaxing.

The entrance ticket can be bought at the entrance to the park, it costs 70 crowns. Additional excursions will have to be paid separately. In the park you can go boating, with a sightseeing tour of the gorge, or visit the castles.

Tourism

The entire territory of the park is marked with special hiking trails, from which it is impossible to leave. Therefore, it is worth buying a map of the park immediately at the entrance. All trails are accessible. There are even routes for cyclists. You can rent a bike right in the park. There are also rock climbing areas in the park.

Fans of camping can spend the night immediately in the reserve, but this is allowed in special camp areas. Walking in the park is allowed even with pets, so you can safely bring your favorite pets for walking.

For a more comfortable stay in the reserve and search for places in the park, several tourist centers located in different parts of the park. The main tourist center is located in Krasnaya Lipa. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until the park closes. There are also information centers in Khrzhensko, Saule, Serbian Kamenica.

When traveling to Czech Switzerland, you should definitely take comfortable shoes and clothes. It is hardly easy to get uphill in heels or tight trousers. Be sure to take a couple of bottles of water with you, as water is much more expensive in the park.

Attractions

The basis of the reserve is forests and rocks. But even in addition to the stunning beauty of landscapes, you can see architectural sights in the park.

Pravchitsky Gate

The main attraction of the park is the Pravchitsky Gate arch. The gate is the symbol of the park. Tourists tend to see this colorful and miraculous property. Nature has been creating this huge hole in the rock for many millennia. And only after passing through it, you can really admire the work of nature. From the observation deck near the arch, a stunning view of the canyon from below opens. But climbing to the top of the arch is strictly prohibited.

Falcon's Nest Castle

This castle is located near the Pravchitsky Gate. It was built in 1881 by a noble Czech family, literally within a year. The walls of the castle are built into the rock, which gives it an extraordinary charm and simplicity. High-ranking guests have always been received here. The castle has ancient interiors and a restaurant decorated in the style of the Middle Ages. The view from the restaurant is amazing, but the menu is scarce, but with greatly inflated prices for dishes.

Ruins of Schaunstein Castle

They are another picturesque place that deserves attention. Once upon a time, barons engaged in robbery lived in this place. The barons themselves did not build the castle, they simply captured the already built defensive fort and firmly settled in it, changing its name to the "castle of thieves". You can climb to the ruins through a narrow gorge along a steep staircase thrown over a cliff. Today, tourists come here to see the beautiful views that open from the observation deck near the ruins.

Canyons of the Kamenitsa River

For a fee, you can see the beauty of the canyons from the gondola. During this journey, you can see a man-made waterfall leading to a cave with a pirate castle.

Dolskaya mill

This is another picturesque place, but it is located in a dense forest, and it is impossible to see the surroundings from it. The ruins of the fortress are used as scenery in films. By the way, it is believed that it was thanks to the films that this place became famous. The mill operated from the end of the 14th century and was destroyed for many years due to the impact of natural phenomena. But having declared this area a reserve, the restorers took up the mill. And in 2007, the mill became a national architectural monument.

royal spruce

Not far from the Dolskaya mill there is an ancient spruce tree, which is over 180 years old, and the tree trunk has grown to a width of more than three meters. Spruce is protected by the state no less than other monuments.

Falkenstein Castle

This is one of the oldest places in the park. The castle was built in 1394 on a high hill. This building was built for the purpose of defense against robbers. Climbing the walls of this castle was very difficult. Many parts of this castle are perfectly preserved, as they were carved into the rocks. Several legends are associated with it, one of which says that the robbers who wanted to capture this castle were caught. Then hanged. And soon angry dogs began to run around the castle, which can be found today in the vicinity of the castle. Local residents believe that these are the very robbers who are trying to take revenge on their killers.

mouse hole

Such a strange name has a staircase that leads to the top of the hill through a narrow gorge. There are a lot of steps at the stairs, and many tourists who go down the back constantly shout “Wow!”. It's hard to say why, but perhaps they admire their excellent physical shape. Initially, the locals called this staircase the staircase of the Angels. But the owner of the estate did not like the name, and he renamed it in his own way.

Chrzypska

Everyone has heard about Bohemian glass, but no one knows that it is not made in Bohemia, but in a workshop in Czech Switzerland in the village of Chrzypska. Since the 14th century, the very Bohemian glass that was admired before and admired to this day has been produced here. Today, excursions are not taken to the production, but in the village you can buy products made from real Bohemian glass for almost a penny.

Viewpoint Belvedere

This is a huge rocky terrace located above the canyon of the Laba River. The platform height is 130 meters. Not far from the site, the Belvedere Hotel was built, from the windows of which stunning views of the surroundings open. This site is considered the very first observation deck in Bohemian Switzerland. It was built by the owners of the estate, who owned almost the entire part of modern Czech Switzerland.

Silver mines of Jiržetin pod Jedlová

Precious metals have been mined in the ancient Mines of these mines for a long time. Today, in order to feel the spirit hovering in the dungeon, you can put on a mining helmet with a lantern and go down into the mine tunnels. these mines first opened in 1474. Silver and copper have been mined in the mines for over two hundred years. But the Thirty Years' War forced the owners to cover their booty. When mining resumed several decades later, it turned out that it was no longer profitable and the mines were closed again. Today, tour groups lead here, showing and telling in detail how the process of mining takes place.

What else to see?

You should definitely visit the city of Decin, which is located in the vicinity of Czech Switzerland. The main attraction of the city is the Decin Castle, built in the 8th century. At various times, the Castle was both a military and defensive structure, and the residence of aristocratic families and even monarchs. The city also has a small zoo and water park.

Video trip to Decin:

Khrzhensko is a small village, from which all excursions to Czech Switzerland begin. This is a nice and very hospitable place where you can relax and drink real Czech beer with German sausages. The village is located along the river Kamenitsa. The city is known for selling gnomes for gardens at almost every step, of various types, sizes, colors and for every taste.

A trip to Czech Switzerland is a solitude with nature, acquaintance with unusual sandy cliffs and a great chance to get acquainted with the sights created by Mother Nature herself.

In the northwestern part of the Czech Republic, on the border with Germany, there is a Czech national park. Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland is an untouched territory with wild nature 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 engage in active sports. You can explore the most important places in just one day, but many stay at the campsite for a longer time.

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

More than 10 thousand years ago, the first inhabitants of Bohemia lived here, who were engaged in hunting, fishing and collecting various berries and herbs. The ancient inhabitants wandered around the territory and settled mainly near water streams, so modern archaeologists find tools, utensils 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 here, who settled modern Germany, to make this place more civilized. The colonialists built villas, castles, engaged in industry and coal production here. Dense forests and the absence of wide plains have left many areas untouched. There were no places where one could permanently live or engage in industry. Nevertheless, some objects built by man have been preserved. For example, the runes of ancient half-timbered houses of the XX 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 began to come here, which were just beginning to form. To increase the attractiveness of the area, hiking trails have been laid out, restaurants, hotels and observation towers have been opened. Even later, tourists began to actively engage in extreme sports and sail on the river.

Park attractions: what to see in Bohemian 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 make a route so that you can visit the most in one day. interesting places. It is worth noting that it will be easier to travel by car, but you can truly enjoy the nature of the Czech Republic and partly Germany while walking.

Pravchitsky Gate

The symbol of the national park is the Pravchitsky Gate tower. The uniqueness of this natural site lies in the fact 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 sights from Grzhensk. From the car park you will need to walk about 4 km. You can’t climb the Pravchitsky Gate, but you can view the unique natural creation from the side. The entrance ticket for adults is 75 kroons, and for children (6-14 years old) - 25 kroons.

If you walk a little more from the Pravchitsky Gate along a wide path, you can see a small 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 nest

At the end of the 19th century, a castle was built in the rock near the Pravchitsky Gate, which, with its spring appearance, resembled a hunting lodge. The Falcon's Nest is a unique Clari castle that has been reorganized.

Now it is a popular tourist spot, where there is a restaurant overlooking the territory of the natural castle, and a museum dedicated to the history and natural diversity of this region.

Lupezhnitsky Castle or Schaunstein

Schaunstein Castle, which is also located in a rock near the High Lips, was inhabited by robbers, but eventually became empty and lost its former appearance.

Now it is ruins in a dense forest and a popular waypoint in 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 up. A small room was excavated at the bottom of the main tower, which served as a prison for intruders and a warehouse.

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

Dolskaya mill

It is hard to imagine that for several centuries it was a busy place where roads crossed and trade was conducted. Later, when the territory was empty, a fairy tale about a princess was filmed here. Today, Dolskaya mill is a ruin and a popular attraction of the park.

royal spruce

Not far from the Dolskaya Mill is the Royal Spruce. Its age is 180 years, and the coverage of the trunk is 3 meters. This ancient tree impresses with its scale and majestic appearance.

Khrzhensko

On the border with Germany, there is a small but very picturesque town of Khrzhensko. In the 15th century, Bohemian glass was made in a glass workshop. Tourists can visit this workshop and see with their own eyes the whole process of blowing Czech glass. Tourists often visit the workshop's souvenir shop, where you can buy various glass vases, glasses, crockery and other items made of crystal and Bohemian glass.

Few people live in the town of Khrzhensko, but everyone is involved in the 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 territory.

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

Other attractions

Along with these main attractions and popular tourist destinations, there are other equally beautiful and ancient points of the routes:

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.

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

Viewpoint Belvedere. This is a natural retreat that hangs over the river canyon, and is located near the town of Binovce. From this city on a straight road you can walk to a platform from which sandy cliffs are visible.
Gorges Wild and Quiet. Tourists who find themselves on the steep canyon of the Kamenica River can continue to explore Bohemian Switzerland by boat with local gondoliers between the dams. The first place they will sail to is the Wild Gorge, and a little further is the Silent Gorge. The latter has a unique waterfall that makes its way from the cliff. This is an incredible natural site that must be visited.

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

Ruzhovsky Vrh. This place is worth visiting only for active and risk-averse tourists, because you can only climb the Ruzhovsky Vrh mountain along winding paths through the thickets of a beech forest. There will be no sights along the way, only nature and people. This is an opportunity to test yourself for endurance, to think, in order to consider the opening view as a result, which deserves all the efforts made to climb.
Wolf board. This attraction is located near the canyon of the Krinitsa River and is known for its unbridled nature. There is also a 17th century stone slab depicting the story of a successful hunter.

Decinsky Sneznik is the highest mountain in Czech Switzerland and another observation deck. Here is a tower of the middle of the XIX century, 33 meters high, as well as the ruins of a medieval castle.

Independent travel routes

There are many marked routes for independent travel in the park. Tourists can lay a route both at their own request, and resort to the help of tourist centers. You can also go in for active sports here: rock climbing, horseback riding or cycling.

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

Route 1: Pravcicka brana - Divoka and Tycha Soutezki. The length of the route is approximately 15 km, the time will take approximately 5-6 hours.
Route 2: Arnoltice, Ruzhov and Janov. The length of the route is approximately 17 km, it will take approximately 4.5-5 hours in time.
Route 3: Saunstein castle - Ptaci kamen viewpoint. The route is approximately 11 km long and takes approximately 3 hours.
Route 4: Belvedere viewpoint. The route is approximately 18 km long and takes approximately 5 hours.
Route 5: Jetrichovice Rocks. The route is approximately 14 km long and takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Route 6: Falkenstein Castle - Rinartice - Pavlinino Udoli. The route is approximately 14 km long and takes approximately 4 hours.
Route 7: Bolshoy doubitsky district. The route is approximately 28 km long and takes approximately 8 hours.
Route 8: Narrow stairs. The length of the route is approximately 12-15 km, it will take approximately 3-4 hours in time.
Route 9: Ruzhovsky vrh. The route is approximately 13 km long and takes approximately 4 hours.
Route 10: Jetřichovice Lookout - Falkenstein Castle

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

There are several ways to get to Czech Switzerland:

By public transport: you need to take a train to the city of Decin, and then transfer to bus number 434, which goes to the Khrzhensko stop.
By car: follow the highway to the town of Decin, and then Khrzhensko. You can leave your car in the parking lot and go explore the national park.
By boat on the Elbe River from the city of Decin, but this city must be reached by train. The final stop is located 800 meters from Grzhensk.

Reviews of tourists

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

Czech switzerland map

You can get acquainted with the location of the main attractions of Czech Switzerland on the map of the national park.

Even 2 weeks before the trip to the Czech Republic, I began to plan some 2-day trip to nature. After some gathering of information, I chose the option - Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland.
Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland, in fact, a single natural complex of sandstone rocks and gorges, which turned out to be in two neighboring countries: the Czech Republic and Germany (Saxony). Those. Bohemian Switzerland turns out to be a gate to another Switzerland, even more picturesque: Saxon, i.e. to Germany.
First of all, I booked rooms at the "Labe" hotel on the website http://www.labehotel.cz/gb/
This hotel is located in the town of Hrensko.
You can also choose other hotels there. You can see the list here-
Czech Switzerland Hotels, pensions:
http://www.cztour.cz/en/hotels-pansion.php
We traveled with a friend from Prague first by train to Decin (Decin)
For example, you can take the EuroCity 178 Johannes Brahms train at 6:31 and be at 8 in the morning
in Decin, and from there by bus for about 20-25 minutes and on the spot in Grzhensko
And the whole day ahead!
For reference, the train to Decin costs 165 crowns (if you order in advance, then as I understand
will cost even less) The exchange rate at that time was like 1 euro = 25 crowns.
All information on trains-buses can and should be taken on the website -
http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusymhd/spojeni/

Here is the hotel "Labe". The bus stops almost 40 meters from the hotel.

In general, we settled in a hotel. I took 2 numbers. I liked the layout very much - there was an exit from 2 rooms to one balcony.

A couple of panoramic shots

There is practically one road in Grzhensko and along it there are guesthouses, restaurants, many shops and a lot of shops where the Vietnamese trade.
In general, the Czech Republic is flooded with Vietnamese. They sell all sorts of cheap consumer goods in all
Czech cities. And the Vietnamese turned out to be quite impudent. When I was walking along Grzhensko, a Vietnamese lady, furious that I did not react to her goods, hit me on the legs with a stick.

Here you can see the hotel Praha - probably here in this place the most expensive hotel

Such a small square in this Grzhensko

The houses are under the rocks - and after all, when it rains heavily, there may be a collapse of the rock

Village idyll

Road along the Elbe. Germany is on the other side

On the other side is the German side (railway station). On the Czech side, you can see part of the ferry, on which we will cross to the other side tomorrow.

On the road along which we arrived by bus there are shops "Duty free"
After all, the border is with Germany. The prices are really lower than for example in Prague.

We ate and drank beer in one of the many restaurants and then our way
lay in the Pravcicka bran.

Read on.

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