Where to go on a trip Kunratice (okres Děčín)

When introducing the Czech Republic to foreign visitors, one often mentions its beautiful forests, ponds, and picturesque hills. However, an essential part of the national landscape is also its pískovcová skalní města. In Northern Bohemia, visitors will find a vast rocky landscape with deep canyons that is a unique European feature. It was formed over millions of years by the activity of the river Labe and smaller watercourses. It was also fundamentally influenced by human activity.

Yes, we are referring to the Národní park České Švýcarsko, which was declared a national park in 2000 and covers an area of 7,900 hectares. It stretches across the Děčín district in the Ústecký kraj, follows the state border with Germany, and borders the Chráněná krajinná oblast Lužické hory and the Chráněná krajinná oblast Labské pískovce. It is bounded by the municipalities of Hřensko, Chřibská, and Brtníky, which belongs to the municipality of Staré Křečany.

97% of the national park's territory is covered by forests, where beeches and spruces are most prevalent, alongside hundreds of species of mosses and lichens. Some plants have gradually become extinct, as have a number of animal species, such as the Eurasian elk or wildcat. However, visitors may still encounter rare birds such as the Peregrine falcon or black stork, which have their largest population here in all of Europe.

The Národní park České Švýcarsko was declared primarily to protect rare sandstone formations and the biotopes associated with them. Visitors will find a multitude of sandstone rocks of various sizes and shapes – needles, towers, labyrinths, and rock windows. The most famous formation is Pravčická brána, which is also the symbol of the entire park. It can be found on all promotional items and information brochures.

Pravčická brána is included on the list of national natural monuments. With an opening height of 16 metres, an arch span of 26.5 metres, and a bridge width of 8 metres, it is the largest sandstone rock gate in Europe. For many years, it has attracted artistic and romantically inclined souls, who often capture its breathtaking beauty in their works. It also captivated the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, who mentioned the Národní park České Švýcarsko in his travel journals.

In past years, the rock arch was accessible to visitors. Over time, however, the arch began to shrink under their influence, and so, in the interest of preserving the monument, access to Pravčická brána was prohibited in 1980. There is no need to despair, however, as there are three other, no less beautiful viewpoints in the vicinity of the gate.

Also impressive is the excursion chateau Sokolí hnízdo, built in the Alpine style, which is part of Pravčická brána. In 1881, the local estate was owned by Prince Edmund von Clary-Aldringen, who had the chateau built as a place for important people from the princely family to meet. Today, it houses a stylish restaurant, an information centre, and the national park museum.

When visiting the Národní park České Švýcarsko, one will certainly be impressed by the gorges in Hřensko on the Kamenice river. The longer of them (960 m) is called Edmundova soutěska, and the slightly shorter one (450 m) is Divoká soutěska. These are long rock canyons with many interesting formations, some of which are accessible only from the water. Transport is provided by punts with a boatman offering expert commentary.

Jetřichovice is referred to as the heart of the Národní park České Švýcarsko. It is an ideal starting point because several tourist trails converge here. Behind the village, one will encounter the rocky fairytale world of the Kinský family, after whom the viewpoints above the village were named  Mariina vyhlídka, vyhlídka Vilemína, and Rudolfův kámen. Visitors may set out for the Šaunštejn castle, where an observation platform is located, or take the route from Kyjov to Rynartice, which is very popular with children and features Snow White and her dwarves carved into the rock. Another famous fairytale, Pyšná princezna, was filmed at the nearby Dolský mlýn ruins.

Most of the villages in the Národní park České Švýcarsko have preserved their traditional folk architecture. Protected heritage zones can be found in Všemily or Vysoká Lípa. Many warm-hearted people live here who will certainly be happy to share interesting stories or tips on lesser-known places that are not overcrowded with tourists.

In the national park, one will also find a number of different hills and peaks. The highest of them, Růžovský vrch with a height of 619 metres above sea level, is nicknamed the "Děčín Fuji". From its summit, one is rewarded with a magnificent view of the Lužické hory and the České Středohoří.

However, there is much more that can be experienced in the Národní park České Švýcarsko. As it is one of the most visited natural monuments in the country, conditions for tourists are adapted so that everyone can find their own entertainment. In addition to a number of marked hiking trails, the entire České Švýcarsko region is crisscrossed by many cycling paths. And when one has had enough of nature, one can head to the city. Nearby Krásná Lípa or Česká Kamenice are towns rich in cultural monuments, high-quality restaurants, and cultural events.

Are you already making plans for your next holiday? Nothing is simpler than using our portal to find suitable accommodation in the Národní park České Švýcarsko and setting out to explore the rock cities up close. Unforgettable experiences will be your reward. We wish you a pleasant holiday!

A picturesque hidden miracle of České Švýcarsko

This fascinating waterfall can be found approximately 1.5 km east of the centre of the village of Chřibská, on a peaceful forest trail leading from the former Střelnice towards Plešivec.

What will truly captivate you here

Stop and listen to the soothing sound of water in the heart of the forest. These waterfalls will enchant visitors with their unique character. They consist of two tiers, each reaching a height of between 1.5 and 2 metres. What makes them absolutely exceptional is the way the water falls: the stream plunges vertically, and throughout its descent, it does not touch the sandstone rock at all.

This vertical drop of water is a very rare phenomenon in the Czech natural environment, resembling the waterfalls typical of exotic tropical regions in its form. Surround yourself with silence and observe the play of light and shadow in this small but all the more impressive natural theatre.

How to get here and what else you can experience

From Chřibská, follow the marked forest path that will lead you through the valley to the waterfall. After your visit, you may continue up the wooden stairs to the junction above the valley. From there, you can return the way you came or continue towards Plešivec or the Chřibská railway station.

Pravčická brána is the symbol of the Národní park České Švýcarsko. It is located near the village of Hřensko in Northern Bohemia. This national natural monument is the largest natural rock arch on the European continent. It has stood in its place since time immemorial, formed by a millions-of-years-long process of weathering of the sandstone massif, specifically its lower, less resistant part.

Tourists began to discover the beauty of Pravčická brána, formerly known as Prebischtor, quite early. In the immediate vicinity of the arch, a small bark-covered house served as a taproom at that time. By the end of the 1870s, the access road from Hřensko had been paved, and the promenade trail to Mezní Louka was also established during that period. In 1881, Prince Edmund Clary-Aldringen, the owner of the estate, had the Sokolí hnízdo excursion château built directly at Pravčická brána. Italian builders completed it in almost record time, in a single year. A few years later, railings were added to the surrounding rock viewpoints. Shortly after the restaurant was built, an entrance fee to the area began to be charged. Since Pravčická brána became a tourist attraction, it has demonstrably been visited by millions of people, including famous personalities. The famous writer Hans Christian Andersen visited here not once, but twice, in 1831 and 1851, drawing inspiration for his work.

Until 1980, visitors had the opportunity to climb to the very top of the arch. However, access was prohibited because the presence of people on the rock arch caused accelerated erosion. As a result, this section narrowed by almost a metre, which led to the ban so that the monument would remain for future generations. Even though it is not possible to enjoy the view from the rock bridge itself, the vistas are certainly worth it. Three viewpoints offer beautiful views not only of the arch itself but also of the České Švýcarsko and Saské Švýcarsko regions. They can be reached via maintained trails and staircases that lead directly from the entrance to the area. The first viewpoint is located directly below the rock arch and will enchant visitors with its unique atmosphere. From the second viewpoint, Pravčická brána and the Sokolí hnízdo château can be seen in their full beauty, as well as the Křídelní stěny and the Pravčický kužel. The third viewpoint offers a view of the Dlouhodolské stěny.

Sokolí hnízdo, an excursion château in the Alpine style, is inextricably linked to Pravčická brána. In the past, it served as accommodation for important guests of the princely family. Today, it houses a stylish period restaurant, decorated with original wall panelling and paintings. In addition, the château is home to the museum of the Národní park České Švýcarsko and an information centre. The first floor of the building is dedicated to an exhibition of photographs of the local nature by Julius Pufler.

Pravčická brána can be reached either from Hřensko or Mezní Louka. If Hřensko is chosen as the starting point, a red tourist trail leads for about 2 km along the road towards Mezní Louka, then at Tři prameny, the trail enters the forest and continues with a gentle ascent for about 2.5 km to the national natural monument. A red trail also leads from Mezní Louka along the Gabrielina stezka; an undulating trail about 6 km long with beautiful views awaits visitors. Parking areas can be found in both Hřensko and Mezní Louka.

Visitors may wonder if there is surely more to see here besides Pravčická brána. And that is correct. Two nearby gorges, Divoká soutěska and Edmundova soutěska, also deserve attention. Explore also the CHKO Labské pískovce and the entire Národní park České Švýcarsko, including Malá Pravčická brána, Růžovský vrch, the rock ravine Úzké schody, or the Jetřichovické stěny. Is a bit of an urban environment desired? Head to Děčín, which has two landmarks: a château and the Pastýřská stěna with a viewpoint. Families with children will also be well entertained here, as a visit to the zoological garden or the aquapark will certainly be an experience.

Excitement for discovering this beauty is certainly shared. Plan a multi-day holiday with accommodation near Pravčická brána. In the surrounding area, stylish cottages and cosy guesthouses can be found, as well as comfortable hotels or chalets in a peaceful setting. When searching, various directions can be chosen; accommodation capacities are offered by Hřensko, Janov, Arnoltice, or Jetřichovice, and various rooms or apartments can also be found in Děčín. Pravčická brána and the entire České Švýcarsko region boast a unique beauty that is worth seeing with one's own eyes. Start planning your stay right now by browsing our accommodation offer!

Benešov nad Ploučnicí is a picturesque small town located in the Děčín District, in the Ústí nad Labem Region. In addition to the chateau complex, visitors are also drawn here during the summer months by the Termální koupaliště Benešov nad Ploučnicí. It can be found on the outskirts of the town, and visitors may make use of a 40-metre-long swimming pool and a children's paddling pool. The extensive surrounding grassy area invites visitors to sunbathe and relax.

The main pool is relatively large. Its dimensions of 20 x 40 metres ensure not only the opportunity for water fun but also for relaxing swimming. The average temperature of the thermal water is 26 °C. As it has a higher iron content, deposits may occasionally form on the bottom of the pool; however, these do not affect the quality of the pool water.

If lying by the water is not enough, visitors may make use of one of the beach volleyball courts, football tennis courts, or ping-pong tables. The little ones have also been considered here. Children will enjoy plenty of fun in the children's corner with a sandpit and various attractions. Hunger and thirst can be satisfied at the refreshment kiosk or at the bar with a terrace.

If spending a longer holiday in the Děčín region, relaxation by the water can be planned for other days as well. Having now been introduced to the Termální koupaliště Benešov nad Ploučnicí, why not try the nearby Aquapark Děčín? This aquapark features not only an indoor section but also an outdoor swimming pool. And if one is a tourist at heart, this area will be a true paradise. The nearby Chráněná krajinná oblast Labské pískovce or the Národní park České Švýcarsko guarantee an endless number of hiking trails, and the magnificent landscape scenery will leave no doubt that nature is truly the best architect.

And where to rest one's head after a day full of experiences? There is no need to worry. As local entrepreneurs are aware that North-West Bohemia is one of the most visited tourist areas, the range of accommodation is also quite extensive. Would one prefer accommodation in a town? There is a choice of, for example, Děčín or Česká Kamenice. And if accommodation in seclusion is preferred, there is no need to miss out either. On the MegaUbytko portal, visitors can find suitable accommodation near the Termální koupaliště Benešov nad Ploučnicí, such as cottages and chalets, apartments, guesthouses, and hotels. For the less demanding, campsites are also offered. And what type of accommodation suits you best?