The most interesting destinations in Czech Switzerland
České Švýcarsko National Park represents a unique landscape complex of sandstone rocks stretching along our northern border from Hřensk to the Šluknovský promontory. The most famous sandstone formation here is undoubtedly the Pravčická brána, but the park offers many other fascinating places that no tourist should miss. Lovers of hiking, landscape views, walks through deep forests, as well as cyclists and enthusiastic mountain/rock climbers will find their place here :-)
Pravčická gate and surroundings
One of the most famous rock formations in Bohemia - Pravčice Gate, is a place that no visitor to Czech Switzerland must and cannot miss. The Pravčická Gate, with a vault height of 16 m and a span of almost 27 m, is the largest sandstone gate in Europe, so visiting it offers a truly unique experience. The gate itself is of course inaccessible (understand, you simply cannot climb it), but in the immediate vicinity there are a number of viewpoints that are accessible and offer plenty of opportunities for taking the "most beautiful selfies" that have ever seen the light of day :-)
But seriously; the gate can be reached either from the border town of Hřensko or from the village of Mezní Louka. The first option is shorter (3 km), but steeper (2 km uphill), the second longer (about 6 km), but without a steep climb. The ideal (if you have time, the whole route is about 20 km) is to connect both together; start from Hřensko and walk through Dlouhý dol to the gate (where you can have a stylish refreshment in the restaurant Falcon's nest), then Gabriel's path around a lot of other sandstone rocks up to Mezní Louka and through the village of Mezná to the river Alumni. Follow the river Kamenice punt will transport you back to Hřensk while still enjoying the view of another well-known attraction of České Švýcarsko National Park – Wild and Silent (Edmund's) Gorge.
Although the Pravčická Gate itself is not accessible, its surroundings offer a variety of things climbing routes of various difficulties, after all, like the entire České Švýcarsko National Park. The park is called a paradise for rock climbers. The history of sport sandstone climbing here dates back to the 19th century, when a group around Carl Beck made the first ever sport ascent of a sandstone tower in Bohemia - the tower was then named Beckstein (also known as the Fortress).
Jetrichovicko
From Jetřichovice to Vysoké Lípa
The border of Zone I of the České Švýcarsko National Park passes around the village of Jetřichovice, where you can go after educational trail of the Jetřichovická wall. The educational trail (which also copies the red tourist sign) takes you around three well-known rock viewpoints - Mary's Rock, Vilemina's wall a Rudolf's stone. From all three viewpoints, which were named after members of the Kinski family, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape. It is possible to turn from the trail (and it is worth it) along the yellow path and walk through Tokáň to the gorge 2 km away Narrow stairs. If you didn't turn off, or if you came back, the educational trail will take you from Rudolf's stone to Vysoké Lípa, where you can have refreshments or (and) catch a bus (the route is about 8 km without the turn). However, more passionate walkers can continue from Vysoké Lípa following the blue sign around Dolske mill and then after the yellow cross the oldest reinforced concrete bridge in the Czech Republic (across the Kamenice River) through the Jetřichovická Bělé valley all the way back to Jetřichovice (about 15 km in total).
Dolský mlýn
Dolský mlýn, located at the confluence of the river Oysters a Jetrichovice Béla, probably dates from the beginning of the 16th century, but over time it has undergone a number of modifications and reconstructions. For most of its history, it served not only as a mill, but also as a sawmill, in addition, beer was brewed here and brandy was burned. Later, in the 19th century, the mill no longer served its original purpose, but with the first development of tourism, it became a popular destination for tourists and even a restaurant was established here. Today, however, you would look for a functional building here in vain, only the surrounding walls stand on the site of the former mill, after 1945 even the tourists left there and the mill has been dilapidated ever since. Despite this, or maybe because of this, the place does not lack a touch of romance and mystery. The mysterious atmosphere here, apparently contributed to by the local legend about the death of the miller's son, has lured many filmmakers; in 1952, a now legendary fairy tale was filmed here Proud princess.
From Vysoká Lípa to Mezní Louku
Rock castle Šaunštejn v Jetrichovice walls was probably created in the 14th century as a guard castle of the road known as Czech road. It is located near the village High Linden and today it is accessible by ladders and carved steps that can be used to climb the rock tops connected by iron walkways. The castle, also known as the robber's castle, is a well-known tourist attraction. As a huge climbing frame, it will be especially appreciated by children, while parents can enjoy the views of the landscape, for example on the highest point of Bohemian Switzerland – Růžový vrch. It is a stone's throw away from a robber's castle Little Pravčická Gate. All you need to know about her is the name :-), she is a smaller version of her more famous sister, but definitely worth seeing. You can pass both attractive places on the way from Vysoké Lípa to Mezní Louka. Following the yellow and then the red tourist sign - it's not even 5 km long, especially suitable for children.
Back Bohemian Switzerland
Kyjov Valley
Picturesque the valley of the Křinice river is one of the most visited attractions in Czech Switzerland. Here, the river bit into the sandstone terrain and created a shady canyon lined with rock formations with a number of caves. Among the most famous of them are Cave of fairies, where the frost in the winter season models ice icicles, curtains and other formations. Then, when you enter the cave, you will have the impression that you are surrounded by fairy-tale creatures. Kyjovské údolí is accessible from the village Kyiv (near Beautiful Lindens) along a paved path, which can also be reached with a stroller or wheelchair.
Cyclists will also enjoy the journey, as cycle route No. 3032 runs through the valley, which can be continued along the river to the state border to Zadní Doubice, where it can be connected to route No. 3031 and return to Kyjov. It is a not very demanding route, about 15 km long. But Czech Switzerland offers many others cycling routes and opportunities for enjoyment for those who prefer to pedal on their own :-)
Around the Brtnické icefalls
They are probably the biggest winter attraction of Czech Switzerland Brtnice ice falls. They are accessible from the village of Brtníky (where there is a train stop), from where you go along the green k Owls look out a Owl Cave. Then around Brtnické castle and on to the junction with cycle route No. 3033, which leads through the valley Vlčí brook back to Brtník. Detours to the ice falls are marked from the route. The ideal time to visit is the end of winter, assuming that there was some winter :-), but beware, it is really cold in the valley! The route, which is nice even without icefalls, can of course also be completed in the summer, the entire length is about 8 km. A variant, particularly suitable in the summer (it does not lead through the Vlčí potok valley, where you will find the most icefalls), is to continue along the green to Tourist bridge. Then follow the stream of Křinice to Zadní Doubice, from where you can continue through the valley of the Brtnické stream through the settlement of Kopec to Brtník.
