If you are looking for a place where you can get lost in a maze of vertical sandstone walls, scramble through rock windows, breathe in the crisp forest air, and fall into bed at night with the feeling that your knees might just give out, then Bohemian Switzerland Guide (České Švýcarsko) is your destination. The landscape enchanted by the Romantic painters of the 18th century.
Located in the northern Czech Republic, right on the border with Germany, this region is steadily recovering after the great fire of 2022. If you know where to look, it will captivate you—even without having to elbow your way through thousands of tourists.
This hub summarizes our personal experiences and specific routes, hidden viewpoints, canyons, and historical sites. During our numerous visits, we have also explored the Elbe Sandstones and the German side, known as Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz).
This guide reflects the current state of trails, closures, and forest regeneration for 2026.
Pack your sturdy boots, a good supply of water, and let’s go. One of the greatest hiking surprises in the Czech Republic awaits you.
Table of contents
Pravčická brána and the Gorges (Mezní louka)
Although our most frequent base is Doubice—which we’ve nicknamed the “Brain Spa”—we’ll start our journey at the opposite end of the National Park, in Mezní Louka. This is where the trails to the Divoké soutězky (Wild Gorges) and the Great Pravčická brána begin. It is the largest sandstone arch in Europe and the undisputed icon of the entire region.
Šaunštejn Castle and Dolský Mlýn (Vysoká Lípa)
Moving a few kilometres further to Vysoká Lípa, we discover the ideal base for ascents to Malá Pravčická brána (Little Pravčice Gate—yes, there is one). Just a stone’s throw away, you can find the remains of the Šaunštejn Robbers’ Castle. If you don’t feel like climbing, you can scramble down the canyon stairs to Dolský Mlýn. This ruined mill is famous as the filming location for the cult Czech fairytale The Proud Princess.
The Jetřichovice Circuit
Next, we head to Jetřichovice for what is arguably the most beautiful hike in the region. The circuit takes you across the Rudolfův kámen, Vilemínina stěna, and Mariina skála viewpoints. If I could recommend only one hike in Bohemian Switzerland, this would be it. This is where those classic, almost kitschy photos of sunsets over a sea of forests are born.
While in Jetřichovice, don’t miss the yellow trail to Falkenštejn Castle. But a word of warning: if you are a “consumer-tourist” with a bit of a pub belly, there’s no guarantee you’ll squeeze through the narrow rock stairs to reach the top.
Doubice: The “Brain Spa”
Passing through Rynartice and Dolní Chřibská (with the Chřibský hrádek ruins and various viewpoints), we arrive at our base: the village of Doubice. I’m not entirely sure why it charmed us so much—perhaps it’s the peace or the lack of tourists. From here, some of the best MTB climbs on the other side of the mountains begin. We also discovered the Kyjov Valley (Kyjovské údolí) here. If you prefer quieter, more magical trails lined by meandering streams and massive rock walls, Kyjov will win you over.
- Zadní Doubice and the Death March Memorial
- Černá Brána (Black Gate) along the Křinice river
With a gravel or mountain bike, you can easily reach several trails that 90% of tourists never discover.
Elbe Sandstones and Děčín
Canyons and rock cities that will take your breath away. Where the gorges end, the majestic Elbe river takes over. The Elbe Sandstone Canyon between Děčín and Hřensko is the deepest sandstone canyon in Europe. The view from the Belvedere viewpoint, looking down at the river carved deep into the rocks, feels like being in a North American National Park.
Děčín is more than just a transit station; it is the gateway to the vertical world of sandstone walls. You can combine hiking with breathtaking views of the river canyon.
Saxon Switzerland (Cross-border Bonus)
Sandstone rocks know no borders. Just across the German frontier, the landscape becomes Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz). Here, the nostalgic tram in Bad Schandau, the iconic Bastei Bridge, table mountains (like Lilienstein or Königstein), and incredibly (Germanically) precise paths to the summits await.
Why is it a great idea to combine both National Parks into one trip? Read our expedition article. And if you’re thinking of tackling these gorges with holey sneakers and a kick-scooter, read our report from Bad Schandau first. It will give you plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t.
- Easter in Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland
- Bad Schandau and the Scooter: The Perplexing Case of the Lost Gorge
Where to Stay?
Our strategic base, away from the main tourist rush, is usually Doubice. However, if you want everything within reach, Krásná Lípa and Jetřichovice are excellent strategic hubs where you won’t even need to move your car.
Survival Tips for Sandstone Labyrinth
- Forget the sandals: The trails are full of sand, roots, and ladders. Quality footwear with a good grip will save your ankles.
- Wake up earlier than the others: If you want Pravčická brána or the Bastei Bridge to yourself for a moment, you must get an early start. Besides, morning mist among the rocks looks a million times better than harsh midday sun.
- Respect nature: Sandstone is fragile, and these forests have gone through difficult times. Stick to the marked paths—the best views are safely secured anyway.
Bohemian Switzerland will test you, air out your “office-brain,” and guaranteed, it will deliver a much-needed dose of endorphins. Pick a route, pack your bag, and head out to discover this rock miracle!
