13 Tips for a Daytrip in Bohemian Switzerland
Hiking

13 Tips for a Daytrip in Bohemian Switzerland

A comprehensive guide to 13 of the most popular places in Bohemian Switzerland. Difficulty levels, family-friendly tips, transport, parking, and seasonal insights included.

9 min read

Bohemian Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers, families with children, and seasoned hikers alike. We've prepared a list of 13 of the most popular spots, each with details on difficulty, the best time to visit, and practical info on transport and parking.
From Alfapartmány in Krásná Lípa, you’ll have a perfect base for exploring them all!

Pravcicka Gate

1. Pravcicka Gate

The iconic sandstone arch of Bohemian Switzerland

Pravcicka Gate is Europe’s largest sandstone arch, boasting breathtaking views and the historic Falcon’s Nest chateau with refreshments. This moderately challenging hike is suitable for families with older children. April–October is peak season; arrive early to avoid crowds.

⏱️ 4–5 hrs
📏 ~15 km (loop)
⬆️ 450 m
💪 Moderate

Transport & Parking

  • Starting point: Hřensko (paid parking, fills up quickly in season)
  • Public transport: bus from Děčín, schedule varies by season
  • Best time: May–September (fewer people on weekdays)
  • Family friendly: yes, but consider the uphill trek
Kamenice Gorges

2. Kamenice Gorges

Scenic boat ride through sandstone canyons

Near Hřensko, these gorges of the Kamenice River offer a unique boat ride through wild and tranquil canyons. The walk is easy and ideal for smaller children. Closed in winter, best visited from spring to autumn.

⏱️ 2–3 hrs
📏 3–5 km
⬆️ 100 m
💪 Easy

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Hřensko or Mezní Louka
  • Parking: paid, often crowded in high season
  • Season: April–October, closed in winter
  • Family friendly: yes, kids love the boat ride
Kyjov Valley

3. Kyjov Valley

An easy walk starting right at Alfapartmány

Kyjov Valley is a charming gorge along the Křinice stream, beginning practically on the doorstep of Alfapartmány. Perfect for families and casual hikers. Enjoy the cool shade in summer, and don’t miss the spectacular autumn foliage.

⏱️ 2–3 hrs
📏 8 km
⬆️ 150 m
💪 Easy

Transport & Parking

  • Start: directly at Alfapartmány (Krásná Lípa)
  • Parking: free at the apartments
  • Best time: year-round, especially picturesque in autumn
  • Family friendly: great choice with kids
Jetřichovice Viewpoints

4. Jetřichovice Viewpoints

The most stunning panoramas of the rock towns

Visit three iconic lookouts: Mariina vyhlídka, Vilemínina stěna, and Rudolfův kámen, each offering sweeping views over Bohemian Switzerland. The route is moderate to fairly challenging, but the vistas make it worth the effort. Ideal in spring and summer.

⏱️ 4–5 hrs
📏 12 km
⬆️ 350 m
💪 Moderate/Challenging

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Jetřichovice (paid parking)
  • Bus access: from Děčín or Rumburk
  • Best season: spring–summer
  • Family friendly: suitable for older kids, caution advised
Dolský Mill

5. Dolský Mill

A romantic mill ruin by the Kamenice River

This picturesque ruin famously appeared in Czech fairytale films (e.g. The Proud Princess). The mill’s stone walls remain, offering a magical atmosphere. The route is easy, winding through forested paths along the river. Best from spring to autumn.

⏱️ 2–3 hrs
📏 5–6 km
⬆️ 150 m
💪 Easy

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Jetřichovice, Kamenická Stráň, or parking near Vysoká Lípa
  • Public transport: bus to Jetřichovice
  • Best season: spring–autumn
  • Tip: suitable even for smaller children, peaceful route
Edmund Gorge

6. Edmund Gorge

Continue the boat ride near Hřensko

If you enjoyed the Kamenice Gorges, Edmund Gorge is another segment of that journey. The route is gentle, and the boat ride is romantic. Expect lines for the boats during peak season.

⏱️ 1–2 hrs
📏 2–3 km
⬆️ 50 m
💪 Very Easy

Transport & Parking

  • Start: the village of Hřensko
  • Parking: paid lot (limited capacity)
  • Season: spring–autumn, boats don’t run in winter
  • Family friendly: yes, kids love the boat ride
Vlčí hora

7. Vlčí hora (Lookout Tower)

A viewing tower with panoramas of the Lusatian Mountains

Vlčí hora (581 m) is a short distance from Krásná Lípa. At the summit stands a viewing tower with splendid sights over Bohemian Switzerland and the Lusatian Mountains. Ideal for a shorter family trip; the ascent is not demanding.

⏱️ 1.5–2 hrs
📏 4–5 km (from Vlčí Hora village)
⬆️ 250 m
💪 Easy/Moderate

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Vlčí Hora village (limited parking)
  • Public transport: bus stop ~1 km from the tower
  • Best season: spring–autumn (tower often closed in winter)
  • Family friendly: yes, the trail is short
Růžovský vrch

8. Růžovský vrch

The highest peak of the national park (619 m)

Of volcanic origin and covered in beech forest, Růžovský vrch is a protected area with limited views, yet the ascent is a great workout. Perfect for more experienced hikers.

⏱️ 3–4 hrs
📏 8 km
⬆️ 400 m
💪 Moderate

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Růžová village (paid parking)
  • Best season: spring–autumn; enjoy the cool beech forest in summer
  • Recommendation: good for stronger hikers, kids can manage with breaks
Tisá Walls

9. Tisá Walls

A sandstone “rock city” on the border of Bohemian Switzerland

Popular among hikers and climbers alike, this network of sandstone towers features marked trails with some paid entry areas. The route is moderately challenging for families due to steps and narrow passages.

⏱️ 2–3 hrs
📏 3–4 km
⬆️ 200 m
💪 Moderate

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Tisá (paid parking in the center)
  • Admission: fee for the rock city
  • Tip: pair it with a trip to nearby Děčínský Sněžník
Děčínský Sněžník

10. Děčínský Sněžník

A lookout tower above the Elbe sandstone region

This vast sandstone plateau is crowned by a stone lookout tower. The moderately challenging route is popular year-round (snowshoes in winter). Parking is available near Penzion Sněžník.

⏱️ 3–4 hrs
📏 ~9 km
⬆️ 300 m
💪 Moderate

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Sněžník parking lot (paid, limited space)
  • Best season: any; winter landscapes are beautiful
  • Family friendly: fine for families with older kids
Mezní Louka

11. Mezní Louka & Brtský vrch

A tourist hub and a gentle viewpoint

Mezní Louka is a popular starting point for many routes (like Pravcicka Gate and the gorges). If you have limited time, head to Brtský vrch for an easy viewpoint. The gentle ascent is even suitable for strollers.

⏱️ 1–2 hrs
📏 3 km
⬆️ 100 m
💪 Very Easy

Transport & Parking

  • Parking: large, paid lot at Mezní Louka
  • Who’s it for: families with small children, strollers
  • Best season: summer or spring
Dolní Poustevna

12. Dolní Poustevna & the Border Crossing

Connect to the German side of Saxon Switzerland

Enjoy easy walks along the Czech-German border, catch a train to Germany, and explore the Saxon side. This is perfect for a day trip with straightforward rail connections.

⏱️ varies
📏 2–10 km
⬆️ mild
💪 Easy

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Dolní Poustevna train station
  • Train: direct link from Rumburk, connections to Saxony
  • Parking: limited near the station
Jedlová Hill

13. Jedlová Lookout Tower

A popular summit in the Lusatian Mountains near the park

Standing 774 m tall, Jedlová Hill boasts a beautiful stone tower visible from Bohemian Switzerland. The trail is moderately challenging; in winter it’s a skiing and cross-country spot. Families can manage the climb, but prepare for the incline.

⏱️ 3–4 hrs
📏 ~8 km
⬆️ 400 m
💪 Moderate

Transport & Parking

  • Start: Jedlová train station or the lot near the ski slope
  • Best season: spring–autumn; skiing possible in winter
  • Family friendly: for fitter kids, manageable

Key Info for All Trips

Seasonal Insights

  • 🌸 Spring: Blossom season, fewer crowds
  • ☀️ Summer: Long days, but busier
  • 🍂 Autumn: Beautiful foliage, magical atmosphere
  • ❄️ Winter: Some routes closed, peace and quiet

General Tips

  • 🚗 Arrive early for better parking
  • 🚌 Consider public transport (trains, buses)
  • 🚮 Keep nature clean, carry trash out
  • 📱 Download an offline map in case of poor signal

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Perfect starting point for hiking
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Right at the entrance to Kyjov Valley
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Comfortable accommodation after a long day
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Local tips for your trips
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Free parking
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Free Wi-Fi