Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko) is located in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in northern Bohemia and was established in 2000. It is renowned for its monumental sandstone rock formations, deep gorges, and expansive forests that create a mystical and dramatic landscape. The park's most famous landmark is Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, which stands as a majestic symbol of the region's natural power. The area was named in the 18th century by Swiss artists who were struck by its resemblance to their Alpine homeland. Beyond the iconic rock cities, the park features the spectacular Kamenice River gorges, where visitors can travel by boat through narrow, steep-walled canyons. The park's rugged terrain provides a safe haven for rare wildlife, including peregrine falcons that nest on the cliffs and lynx that roam the woodlands. Together with the neighboring Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany, it forms a vast and unique transboundary protected area.

Nearby cities

Prague

The Golden City on the Vltava River, famous for its historic Charles Bridge and the massive Prague Castle complex.

Prague

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River and famous for its historic center and Charles…

Liberec

Liberec is located at the foot of the Jizera Mountains in northern Bohemia, known for its textile tradition and the iconic TV tower on Je…

Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové is a city in eastern Bohemia at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice rivers, known for its modern urban planning from the…

Kladno

Kladno is the largest city in the Central Bohemian Region and historically a major center of coal mining and heavy industry.

Most

Most is a North Bohemian city whose historic center was demolished in the 1970s to make way for lignite mining and subsequently rebuilt.

Lužiny Housing Estate

Lužiny is a large housing estate in the southwest of Prague, known for its modernist architecture and excellent connections to the city c…

Teplice

Teplice is a spa city in northern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, considered one of the oldest spas in Central Europe.

Chomutov

Chomutov is a city in northwestern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, shaped by the heavy industry and mining of the region.

Děčín

Děčín is located in the deep valley of the Elbe in northern Bohemia, serving as a major river port and the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland.

Jablonec nad Nisou

Jablonec nad Nisou is world-famous for its glass and jewelry industry, situated picturesquely in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains.

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, known for its hot springs, grand colonnades, and international film festi…

Mladá Boleslav

Mladá Boleslav is a major industrial city in Central Bohemia and the heart of Czech automobile production.

Česká Lípa

Česká Lípa is located in northern Bohemia on the Ploučnice River and grew rapidly in the 20th century due to uranium mining in the area.

Kolín

Kolín is a city on the Elbe River in Central Bohemia, known for its significant historical heritage and as a major industrial and chemica…