Švarcvaldská brána is a striking little sandstone arch tucked at the foot of a 10-metre-high rock, part of a larger horseshoe-shaped rock amphitheatre known as Divadlo (the Theatre) in the Ralská pahorkatina hills. It's one of those hidden gems that rewards curious hikers with a genuinely unusual sight.

The sandstone here dates back some 90 million years to the Cretaceous period, and the rock face is riddled with weathered hollows, ledges, niches, columns and the iron-rich 'log' formations typical of this region, created when iron-bearing solutions seeped through the sandstone layers and hardened it. The surrounding landscape is dry pine forest dotted with white mistletoe and heather, while lichens and mosses cling to the rocks themselves. It's a quiet, atmospheric spot, especially appealing in late afternoon light when the sandstone glows warm orange.

How to reach the summit

• From Hamr na Jezeře — about 3 km southeast, flat to gently rolling terrain, easy walk
• Approach via the base of Široký kámen, roughly 200 metres from the formation

Practical information

• The site is protected as a natural monument (přírodní památka) covering 2.45 hectares, declared in 1996
• It lies within the former Ralsko military training area — stick to marked paths

The arch takes its name from the vanished village of Černá Novina (German: Schwarzwald), which once stood nearby. Look closely and you'll spot traces of bioerosion — soft patches of sandstone nibbled away by forest bees.