Bohemian Switzerland National Park

National Park ·🇨🇿 Czechia

Area 79 km²

Time zone Europe/Prague

Official website www.npcs.cz

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Explore Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Bohemian Switzerland National Park Essentials

Bohemian Switzerland National Park features the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, Pravčická brána, alongside the Kamenice River's deep canyons. The landscape is defined by the Jetřichovice rock formations, offering elevated viewpoints from Mariina skála and Vilemínina stěna. Historic sites include the ruins of 14th-century rock castles Šaunštejn and Falkenštejn, and the 16th-century Dolský Mlýn. The area is characterized by temperate pine forests and distinct sandstone towers shaped by centuries of erosion.

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Nature and Views

Bohemian Switzerland National Park, established in 2000, protects the unique Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This collection features the Pravčická brána, Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, alongside the Jetřichovice lookouts—Mariina skála, Vilemínina stěna, and Rudolfův kámen—which offer panoramic views from historic wooden pavilions. The list includes sites like the 14th-century Šaunštejn rock castle and the Janov observation tower, showcasing the region's distinctive labyrinthine rock formations and deep forested canyons.

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Hiking and Climbing

Explore the rugged sandstone landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland through its most prominent hiking junctions and climbing peaks. This selection includes the ruins of Dolský Mlýn, a 16th-century mill, and the technical sandstone towers of the Jetřichovice walls, such as Mamutí věž and Věž mládí. Navigate the deep gorges of the Kamenice river at Edmundsklamm or follow the historical trails near the deserted settlement of Zadní Jetřichovice. The list also features essential stops like Mezní Louka for trail access and local outdoor equipment specialists.

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Historical Sites & Ruins

Explore the architectural heritage of the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland borderlands. This collection features 14th-century rock castles like Šaunštejn and Falkenštejn, which were carved directly into sandstone massifs for defense. It includes industrial relics like the 16th-century Dolský mlýn water mill and observation towers offering views across the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. These sites highlight the region's history of medieval fortification, timber milling, and early mountain tourism.

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Caves and Ice Waterfalls

Bohemian Switzerland National Park features a unique collection of sandstone caves and ephemeral ice waterfalls. During winter, seepage water freezes into intricate shapes along the rocky cliffs near Brtníky and Kyjov. Notable sites include the Jeskyně víl, known for its delicate ice stalactites, and the Hickelhöhle, one of the largest rock shelters in the region. These geological formations illustrate the park's characteristic erosion processes and microclimatic conditions that allow ice to persist in deep, shaded ravines.

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Sacred Sites and Historic Ruins

Explore the architectural history of Bohemian Switzerland through its medieval rock castles and Baroque religious sites. This collection features 14th-century ruins like Falkenštejn and Šaunštejn, carved directly into sandstone cliffs, alongside the 16th-century Dolský mlýn. The list includes significant spiritual landmarks such as the Gothic-Baroque Church of the Assumption of Mary in Chřibská and the 18th-century Church of St. John of Nepomuk, reflecting the region's defensive and ecclesiastical heritage.

12 places