The Elbe Canyon is the mightiest sandstone canyon in Europe, carved by the river to depths of up to 300 metres. This is a place where raw rock walls meet wild forest, offering breathtaking views over the Elbe valley.

The landscape features towering rock walls up to 70 metres high, rock towers, ridges, scree fields and mysterious pseudokarst caves such as Pytlácká sluj and Loupežnická jeskyně. The slopes are covered with acidophilic and species-rich beech forests along with pine woods, and in spring and autumn the canyon is often shrouded in mist and temperature inversion in the side valleys. It's a wild, sparsely visited area, perfect for those seeking peace and genuine nature.

How to get there

• Děčín or Hřensko — trails running along the right slope of the canyon, moderate difficulty, several hours of hiking
• Belvedér viewpoint near Labská Stráň — the oldest artificially created viewing terrace over the canyon

Practical information

• Rock climbing is allowed with restrictions: no magnesium chalk, no wedged chocks for protection, no marking on rocks, and no disturbing nesting birds
• The area is a National Nature Reserve — staying on marked trails is required
• Managed by the Bohemian Switzerland National Park Administration

Interestingly, the region is home to critically endangered species such as the peregrine falcon, white-tailed eagle and lesser horseshoe bat, while the European beaver has made a comeback in the Elbe river — a living proof of just how wild this canyon still is.