Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Nature and viewpoints in Bohemian Switzerland National Park

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.

Nature and Views — Map

Jerzy Strzelecki / CC BY 3.0

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Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Established in 2000, this 79 km² protected area encompasses the Czech portion of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It is characterized by massive sandstone formations, deep valleys, and the iconic Pravčická brána arch.

IngolfBLN / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Pravčice Gate

The Pravčická brána is a narrow rock formation in Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic, approx. 3 km northeast of Hřensko.

Queryzo / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Malá Pravčická brána

The Malá Pravčická Brána is a natural sandstone arch, that is about 2.3 m high and 3.3 m wide.

Bali70 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Vilemínina stěna

A sandstone lookout point near Jetřichovice, named after Princess Wilhelmine Kinsky. It offers views of the surrounding rock massifs and the village of Jetřichovice from an elevation of 439 meters.

Caspar David Friedrich / Public domain

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Růžovský vrch

The Růžovský vrch, also Růžák is the dominant mountain in the Bohemian Switzerland east of the River Elbe in the Czech Republic.

Jiří Parimucha / CC-BY-SA

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Rozhledna Janovský vrch

A 40-meter-tall steel lattice observation tower opened in 2013. Located on Janovský vrch, it provides 360-degree views of Bohemian Switzerland, the Lusatian Mountains, and the Table Mountains in Germany.

Prazak / CC BY 2.5

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Großer Winterberg

Großer Winterberg is a mountain of Saxony, southeastern Germany. It is the second highest mountain of the Saxon Switzerland and is located…

Matěj Baťha / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Mariina skála

A prominent rock outcrop topped with a wooden pavilion. Named after Princess Maria Anna Kinsky in the 19th century, it serves as a primary vantage point for the Jetřichovice rock formations.

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Šaunštejn

The ruins of a 14th-century rock castle, originally built to protect trade routes. Accessible via steep ladders, the site features rooms carved directly into the sandstone and views of the surrounding forest.

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Rudolfův kámen

A lookout point situated 424 meters above sea level with a wooden shelter. It is accessible via a steep climb including stone steps and ladders, offering views of the Jetřichovice walls.

Jiří Parimucha / CC-BY-SA

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Malý Pravčický kužel

A distinct sandstone rock tower located near the Pravčice Gate, frequently used as a landmark for hikers and a destination for technical rock climbing.

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Aussichtsturm Großer Winterberg

An 1840 stone observation tower located on the second-highest peak of Saxon Switzerland. At 15.5 meters tall, it provides views over the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Bohemian border.

Other Lists

Bohemian Switzerland National Park Essentials Hiking and Climbing Historical Sites & Ruins Caves and Ice Waterfalls Sacred Sites and Historic Ruins