Quick Picks for Your Hiking Trip

Planning a trip can be overwhelming with so many options. We have simplified the choices for you. These quick picks help you find the right trail fast. Consider your fitness level and who you are traveling with. Some trails are steep, while others are very flat.

• Best Overall: Pravčická Brána for its iconic views.
• Best for Families: Edmund Gorge for a fun boat ride.
• Best for Photography: Mary's Lookout at sunrise.
• Best Nearby Trip: Bastei Bridge just across the German border.

Each spot offers a different perspective of the sandstone landscape. You can mix and match these for a full weekend. Most visitors find that one day is enough for the highlights. However, staying overnight allows for a deeper experience. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal updates before you go.

12 Top Spots for Bohemian Switzerland National Park Hiking

The following list covers the must-see locations within the park. These spots define the Bohemian Switzerland National Park hiking experience. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Many of these trails involve stairs or uneven terrain. Always stay on marked paths to protect the environment.

1. Name: Pravčická Brána Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. Best for: Everyone visiting for the first time. Where: Near the village of Hřensko. Time: 3–4 hours round trip. Cost: Approx 4–5 EUR for access to the viewpoint area. Getting there: Hike the red trail from Hřensko or Mezní Louka. Tip: Visit the Sokolí hnízdo (Falcon's Nest) restaurant right next to the arch.
2. Name: Edmund Gorge Type: Experience Why go: You get to ride a boat through a silent, mossy canyon. Best for: Families and those wanting a break from climbing. Where: Kamenice River. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Small fee for the boat ride. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from Hřensko. Tip: The boat only operates from spring to autumn; check dates for 2026.
3. Name: Bastei Bridge Type: Day trip Why go: This famous bridge offers incredible views of the Elbe River. Best for: Dramatic photography and history buffs. Where: Saxon Switzerland, Germany. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free to walk the bridge; small fee for the castle ruins. Getting there: Often included in a Prague to Dresden day trip. Tip: Go at sunset for the best light on the rocks.
4. Name: Mary's Lookout (Mariina vyhlídka) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides a 360-degree view of the Jetřichovice rocks. Best for: Hikers who love a good climb. Where: Jetřichovice. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the red trail from Jetřichovice village. Tip: The wooden hut at the top is great for wind protection.
5. Name: Saunštejn Rock Castle Type: Nature/History Why go: It is an ancient robber knight castle built into the rocks. Best for: Adventurous hikers who don't mind steep ladders. Where: Near Vysoká Lípa. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike the red trail from Vysoká Lípa. Tip: Do not attempt this if you have a severe fear of heights.
6. Name: Dolský Mlýn Type: Historical site Why go: See the ruins of an old mill used in Czech fairy tales. Best for: A quiet, atmospheric walk in the woods. Where: At the confluence of the Kamenice and Jetřichovická Bělá. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike from Jetřichovice or Vysoká Lípa. Tip: It is a perfect spot for a picnic by the water.
7. Name: Tisa Walls (Tiské stěny) Type: Nature Why go: A labyrinth of rock towers that feels like another planet. Best for: Families with children who like to climb on rocks. Where: Tisá village. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee in peak season. Getting there: Bus or car to Tisá. Tip: This was a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia.
8. Name: Rudolf’s Stone Type: Viewpoint Why go: Offers one of the highest and most rugged views in the park. Best for: Experienced hikers looking for a challenge. Where: Near Jetřichovice. Time: 3 hours (part of a loop). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the red trail past Mary's Lookout. Tip: The final ascent is very steep with narrow steps.
9. Name: Falcon's Nest (Sokolí hnízdo) Type: Sight/Indoor Why go: A beautiful 19th-century chateau built into the cliffside. Best for: History lovers and those needing a meal. Where: Right next to Pravčická Brána. Time: 1 hour (stopover). Cost: Entry included with the arch viewpoint fee. Getting there: Same path as Pravčická Brána. Tip: Visit the photo gallery inside to see the park's history.
10. Name: Wild Gorge (Divoká soutěska) Type: Experience Why go: A deeper, more rugged version of Edmund Gorge. Best for: Those who want fewer crowds than the main gorge. Where: Upstream from Edmund Gorge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Boat ticket required. Getting there: Connects from Edmund Gorge or Mezní Louka. Tip: Combine both gorges for a full water-based adventure.
11. Name: Belvedér Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: The oldest lookout point in the area with views of the Elbe canyon. Best for: A relaxing view without a long hike. Where: Labská Stráň. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by car or a short walk from the village. Tip: There is a hotel nearby for a nice coffee break.
12. Name: Děčínský Sněžník Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: A high table mountain with a stone lookout tower. Best for: Panoramic views across both Czech and German parks. Where: Near the town of Děčín. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Bus from Děčín to the base of the mountain. Tip: It is one of the best spots for seeing the "rock seas."

Essential Tips for Bohemian Switzerland National Park Hiking

Success on the trails depends on good preparation. The weather in the sandstone mountains can change quickly. Always check the forecast before leaving your hotel. Even in summer, the gorges can be quite cool. Bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.

The trails use a very clear color-coded marking system. Red trails are usually long-distance or ridge paths. Blue and green trails are connecting routes. Yellow trails are often shorter local paths. You will see these marks on trees and rocks everywhere. They are very easy to follow even without a map.

If you plan a winter day trip from Prague, be careful. Some trails, like the boat rides, close in winter. However, the rock formations look beautiful under a layer of snow. Ice spikes for your shoes are recommended for winter hiking. Always respect the park rules to keep the area clean.

How to Reach the Park from Prague

Getting to the park is straightforward for most travelers. Many people choose to go on day trips from Prague by train. You take a train from Prague Main Station to Děčín. The journey takes about 90 minutes. From Děčín, you can catch a local bus to Hřensko.

Driving is another popular option for more flexibility. The drive from Prague takes roughly two hours. Parking in Hřensko can be difficult during the summer months. Arrive before 9:00 AM to secure a spot. Most parking lots require a daily fee in cash.

For a stress-free experience, consider a guided tour. Many tours include transport and a professional guide. This is great if you want to learn about the geology. Guides also know the best secret spots away from the crowds. No matter how you get there, the scenery is worth the effort.