The gorge was opened to the public for tourism by Prince Edmund Clary-Aldringen in 1890.
The local microclimate is significantly cooler than the surrounding area, allowing subalpine plant species to thrive at low altitudes.
The boats are manually navigated by operators who provide historical and geological commentary during the transit.
The area remains a habitat for the peregrine falcon, a protected species that nests on the high sandstone cliffs.
The site requires significant infrastructure maintenance, including the artificial damming of the river to facilitate boat navigation.
Kamenice Gorge is a deep sandstone canyon carved by the Kamenice River within the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The site features three distinct sections: Edmund Gorge, Wild Gorge, and Divoká soutěska. Navigation through the narrowest parts of the canyon is conducted via traditional flat-bottomed boats propelled by boatmen using long poles. The gorge walls rise vertically to heights of up to 150 meters, creating a unique microclimate that hosts rare species of ferns and mosses. The area is part of a protected landscape, requiring visitors to remain on designated hiking paths when off the boats. Several tunnels and bridges constructed during the late 19th century allow passage through the otherwise impassable rock formations.
From the boat while navigating the narrow, high-walled section of the Edmund Gorge.
Wear footwear with good grip as the paths near the water can be slippery.
Bring a light jacket as the temperature inside the shaded gorge is consistently lower than on the plateau.
Plan for the hike back or between gorges, as some sections require walking in addition to the boat ride.
Attempting to hike the entire gorge route without checking which sections are open to boat transit, as some areas are strictly boat-access only.
The boat service operates seasonally from spring through autumn; service may be suspended during periods of high water or winter frost.
Maintain silence to respect the natural soundscape and protected wildlife; do not touch the sandstone rock faces.
