If you are looking for an interesting daytrip destination from Prague, look no further than Bohemian Switzerland. Here we will tell you why a daytrip to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague is such a great idea, how to go about it, and what you can expect to see on your visit.
Bohemian Switzerland
To protect the trade routes, several castles were constructed in the Bohemian Switzerland region. A few of these castles served as robber baron hideouts throughout the medieval era. The area had been relatively sporadically occupied since antiquity by a few Germanic, Slavic, and Celtic tribes, but German-speaking people ultimately settled the area in the 12th century. It was the residence of German Bohemians until the conclusion of World War II (later known as the Sudeten Germans). After 1945, when the area’s German population was expelled, Czechs have mostly replaced them.
In the 19th century, the region started to draw a lot of tourists. The untamed beauty of the rocks served as inspiration for romantic era artists. For instance, Rathen was the inspiration for artists Ludwig Richter and Carl Maria von Weber when they wrote their famous opera The Freischütz.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
The Bohemian Switzerland National Park is a relatively young national park. It was only founded in 2000 and covers an area of 98 km². The park is home to the largest sandstone arch in Europe, the Pravčická Brána.
The crown jewel of Bohemian Switzerland is the Pravická gate. The spectacular limestone bridge, which stands sixteen meters tall and has a twenty-seven meter span, is best appreciated up close. It is the real entrance to a world of enchanting rivers, enchanted landscapes, and charming towns.
The town of Děčín is perched precariously on a bluff, and its baroque and classical buildings dominate the landscape above the meeting of the Elbe and the Plounice rivers. The history of the Dun castle is strongly intertwined with the family of Thun-Hohenstein, and sadly, it is also intertwined with the slow destruction of the castle that was brought about by the stays of four successive armies. Just the main hospital that was used by the Soviet occupiers was almost solely responsible for damaging a full building. However, in recent years, a minor miracle has taken place, and the castle, which was once the crowning beauty of the region, has once again risen from the ashes. Each year, the tours are increased in length and continue to improve in aesthetic quality; soon, guests may even be able to see the castle rooms throughout the evening. The winding path that leads up to the castle, with its baroque rose gardens, charming stables with colonnades and ribbed arches, and breathtaking vistas of the Thun, is the primary draw for vacationers.
How to get to Bohemian Switzerland National Park
The best way to get to Bohemian Switzerland National Park is by car. The journey takes about two hours from Prague. You can also take a bus or a train, but the journey will take longer. There are also many organized daytrips from Prague that include transport and a guide.
When you are planning your daytrip from Prague to Bohemian Switzerland, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable. The best time to visit is between May and September when the weather is usually warm and sunny. However, even in the summer months, it can get quite cold in the shade of the forests so make sure to pack a sweater.
We hope this article has inspired you to add a daytrip to Bohemian Switzerland to your itinerary. It truly is an unforgettable experience and one that you will not regret! Thanks for reading!
