Pravčická brána, Národní park České Švýcarsko · 우스티주 (보헤미안 스위스 국립공원)
Location
Overview
Pravčická brána is the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, spanning about 26.5 m with an inner height of roughly 16 m, and the emblem of Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko). It featured in the film 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' and since 1982 walking on the arch itself has been banned to prevent erosion, so it is admired from viewing terraces below. The area was badly hit by a major wildfire in 2022 but has recovered, and as of 2026 the main trails and the route to the arch are open and in good condition. Most visitors reach it on foot via a forest hike from the village of Hřensko.
Highlights
The immense sandstone arch itself (26.5 m span, 16 m inner height) and its striking silhouette seen from directly beneath
Sokolí hnízdo (Falcon's Nest), the 1881 chalet built into the rock beside the arch, and the sandstone-tower panorama it overlooks
The paid viewpoints behind the chalet offering several angles, since you can no longer stand on top of the arch
The red-marked forest trail (Gabriela's Path) up from Hřensko through the pinnacles of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Visible signs of regrowth after the 2022 fire, including a new viewing platform opened in 2025
Good to know
RulesClimbing onto the arch has been prohibited since 1982 to protect it from erosion; view it only from the terraces below. Follow national-park rules: stay on marked trails, no camping, open fires or drones, and the park is open roughly 06:00–22:00.
RulesAdmission is often cash-only in Czech koruna (CZK); card payment and nearby ATMs can be hard to find, so bring enough cash. For 2026 the fee is reported around 125 CZK for adults and about 50 CZK reduced (ages 6–14, students, seniors), but confirm the latest before you go.
SafetyThe climb is moderate but includes stony uphill sections and historic stone bridges along cliffs, so wear grippy hiking shoes. Sandstone and steps become slippery after rain, so take care.
SeasonThe Kamenice gorge boat rides (Edmund/Wild Gorge) generally run only April–October, and the arch ticket office mainly opens Fridays and weekends with shorter hours from November to March. Winter weekends are free but facilities close, so check seasonal operations.
SeasonIt gets very crowded at weekends and in the July–August peak, when daily entry may be capped, so arrive early or book online. During summer fire-risk periods, smoking and open flames are strictly forbidden.
CautionStalls and exchange booths in the border village of Hřensko can offer poor rates or overcharge for euro payments, and pickpocketing has been reported. Pay locally in koruna rather than euros, and watch your belongings on busy trails and boats.
MannersYield to others and keep noise down on the narrow stone bridges and terraces, and carry your litter out. If you eat at the chalet restaurant, a tip of around 10% is customary in Czechia.
Practical info
From Prague's main station take a train to Děčín (about 90 minutes), then bus 434 (or 438) to Hřensko, and walk up about 3 km on the red-marked forest trail (you can also arrive by Elbe ferry from Schöna in Germany). It is generally open daily 10:00–18:00 from late March to October with reduced winter hours; always confirm current admission prices, opening hours and boat operation on the official pages before visiting.
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