The park contains the Pravčická brána, which is the largest natural sandstone rock arch in Europe.
The name 'Bohemian Switzerland' was coined in the 18th century by Swiss painters Adrian Zingg and Anton Graff, who found the landscape reminded them of their home country.
The park is home to the peregrine falcon, which has been successfully reintroduced to the sandstone cliffs.
Much of the terrain is characterized by 'rock towns'—dense clusters of vertical stone pillars created by weathering.
The Kamnice River gorge features boat-shuttle services that have been in operation since the late 19th century.
The sandstone here is notably porous, acting as a giant aquifer that stores large quantities of groundwater.
During the winter, the deeper valleys experience 'temperature inversion,' where cold air sinks to the bottom, allowing alpine plant species to thrive at low elevations.
The park's topography includes several mesas, such as Růžovský vrch, a basalt-capped volcanic peak.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park, or České Švýcarsko, is a protected landscape in northern Czechia known for its extensive Cretaceous sandstone formations. The park covers approximately 79 square kilometers and shares a border with the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) National Park in Germany. It is defined by deep river canyons, table mountains, and natural rock arches. The park was established in 2000 to protect the unique biodiversity and geological features of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Following the 2022 wildfires, specific zones of the park remain restricted to facilitate forest regeneration and ensure visitor safety. The landscape was formed over millions of years through the erosion of sediments deposited by an ancient sea. Significant flora includes rare glacial relicts like the dwarf birch and alpine plants in cooler canyon microclimates.
The viewing platform overlooking the Pravčická brána arch.
Check the official national park website for current trail closures, especially those related to post-fire recovery areas.
Carry a high-quality physical map, as GPS signals can be unreliable in deep, narrow canyons.
Visit during midweek to avoid high foot traffic on the narrow cliffside paths.
Attempting to climb or scramble on unmarked rock formations; staying on trails is vital for ecological preservation.
Select trail sections may close periodically for environmental recovery or safety; always verify access via the official park portal before departure.
Stick strictly to marked trails to prevent erosion and protect sensitive sandstone habitats; no drones are permitted.
