Its dimensions are impressive, but when viewed close-up it seems to be even greater. Span arch at the bottom is 26.5 m, the height of the gate is 16m and its width is about 7-8m. The minimum thickness is 3m, the peak of the gate is 21m above the bottom.

From the point of entry into the area there are several divergent paths and stairs to the observation platforms where you can watch Pravčická brána or enjoy impressive views to the surrounding nature.

On your way to Pravčická brána you have to pass through the Castle Sokolí Hnízdo (Eagle’s Nest), built in 1881 on the site of the oak bark hut, which served as a bar. Castle Sokolí Hnízdo was originally used to accommodate important guests of the local family of Clary-und-Aldringen. Today there is the museum of the national park and stylish restaurant decorated with original paintings.

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Sněžka is not forested, therefore offers a panoramic view of the Czech Republic and Poland in good weather. This makes Sněžka frequent tourist destination. To the top you can get through several hiking trails from the Czech or Polish side. Probably the most beautiful leads through Obří důl. It takes about 3 hours walking to get to Sněžka from the most of the resorts.

The oldest building on top is a Polish rotunda chapel of St. Lawrence, which was built in the 17th century. Sněžka has, among other things, the highest post office in the Czech Republic, inaugurated in 2007.

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The River Elbe rises within the Krkonoše. The range has a number of major ski resorts, and is a popular destination for tourists engaging in downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling and other activities.

Important towns where you can accommodate and start your hiking or skiing in the Czech Republic side are:

• Špindlerův Mlýn, mountain resort
• Harrachov
• Pec pod Sněžkou, mountain resort
• Janské Lázně

and on Poland side:

• Karpacz, ski resort
• Szklarska Poręba, ski resort
• Kowary

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National Park Podyjí holds the European Diploma for Protected Areas, awarded by the Council of Europe and its administration is a member of Europe’s protected areas – EUROPARC.

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Šumava National Park is situated at the southwest border of the Czech Republic with Germany and Austria and is located in three different regions – Český Krumlov, Prachatice, and Klatovy.

There are many river springs. The major rivers in the area are the Vltava, Vydra and Křemelná, which create the river Otava at their confluence, then Volyňka, and Blanice. There are eight glacial lakes at about 1000 – 1100 m above sea level. On the Czech side of the Šumava they have an area of 42 ha, their names are Laka, Prášilské, Plešné, Černé, and Čertovo.

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Bohemian Switzerland not only offers the marvellous natural beauty of the National Park and the opportunity to set your mind at ease while there, but also the chance to experience adventures that you will never forget.

Bohemian Switzerland is located in the north-western Czech Republic. It lies on the Czech side of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains north of Děčín on both sides of the Elbe River. It extends eastward into the Lusatian Mountains and westward into the Ore Mountains. Its highest elevation is the mountain Děčínský Sněžník at 726m above sea level. It has been a protected area (as ChKO Labske Piskovce) since 1972.

The region along the right side of the Elbe became a national park on January 1, 2000, the České Švýcarsko National Park. The National Park is adjacent to the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Sächsische Schweiz) in Germany.

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