Driving to Bohemian Switzerland: tolls, fuel & road trip guide

Bohemian Switzerland (České Švýcarsko) is a national park in the far north of the Czech Republic, where the Elbe River has carved deep sandstone gorges, pillars, and forested ravines along the German border. Declared a national park in 2000, it forms one continuous wilderness with Saxon Switzerland across the frontier, and its crown jewel is Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe.

The park draws steadily growing numbers of road trippers as Czechia ranks among 2026's fastest-rising European destinations. After a major wildfire in 2022, the trails and viewpoints have reopened and the forest is regenerating. The gateway village of Hřensko sits roughly two hours north of Prague by car, making the park an easy scenic detour on a Bohemian loop before turning south toward Kutná Hora.

Top attractions

Pravčická brána (Pravčice Gate)

The largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, spanning about 26 meters and standing 16 meters high. Walking on the arch has been banned since 1982 to protect it, but a network of viewing terraces beside the 1881 Falcon's Nest chateau frames it perfectly.

Kamenice Gorges (Soutěsky Kamenice)

A pair of narrow river canyons, the Edmund and Wild Gorges, where visitors board flat-bottomed boats punted by boatmen through sheer sandstone walls. The ride begins near Hřensko and is one of the park's signature experiences.

Mariina vyhlídka (Mary's Rock Viewpoint)

A wooden viewing platform perched on a sandstone outcrop above the village of Jetřichovice, offering a sweeping panorama over the forested rock towers and ridges of the eastern park. A short but steep walk leads up to it.

Hřensko village

The main gateway to the park, a tiny village wedged into a sandstone canyon where the Kamenice meets the Elbe. At around 115 meters above sea level it is the lowest point in the Czech Republic and the usual place to park before setting off on foot.

Gabriela's Path (Gabrielina stezka)

A gentle, almost level forest trail roughly 3.5 kilometers long that runs from Mezní Louka to Pravčická brána. Cut in the 19th century for early tourists, it passes beneath towering sandstone cliffs and is the most popular walking approach to the great arch.