Bohemian Switzerland is one of Central Europe's most dramatic landscapes — a world of soaring sandstone towers, hidden gorges and dense conifer forests that feels more like a fairy tale than a national park. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a curious first-time visitor, the sheer scale of these ancient rock formations will stop you in your tracks.

The national park sits right on the Czech-German border, forming a seamless natural unit with Saxon Switzerland on the other side. Forests cover an extraordinary 97% of the park's area, and within them you will find stone arches, labyrinthine rock cities and narrow river canyons carved over millions of years from Cretaceous sea sediments. The atmosphere is moody and atmospheric — think morning mist drifting between cliff faces and the distant call of a peregrine falcon echoing off the walls.

Highlights:

• Pravčická brána — the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe and the undisputed symbol of the park, with the charming Falcon's Nest chalet perched beside it
• Růžovský vrch (620 m) — a volcanic basalt cone and the park's highest point, offering sweeping panoramic views
• Kamenice Gorge — a scenic raft ride through narrow river canyons, perfect for families
• Falkenštejn Castle ruins — a medieval rock fortress clinging dramatically to sandstone cliffs

Practical info:

• Best time: May–October — spring brings fresh greenery, autumn offers golden forests and atmospheric mist
• Base towns: Hřensko, Krásná Lípa, Děčín
• Trail difficulty: mostly easy to moderate; raft gorge tours and family-friendly paths are widely available
• Getting there: by car from Prague approx. 1.5 hrs via E55; by train to Děčín, then local bus to Hřensko

The region's romantic name was coined by two Swiss painters — Adrian Zingg and Anton Graff — who worked in Dresden in the 18th century and felt that this wild Czech landscape reminded them so strongly of home that they simply called it 'Switzerland.'