The best hiking routes in Národní park České Švýcarsko

Národní park České Švýcarsko is defined by its massive sandstone formations, deep pine-forested ravines, and sheer rock walls rather than high mountain peaks. Walking here means navigating a vertical landscape where the trail underfoot constantly changes. You will step over exposed tree roots on steep dirt paths, climb narrow metal staircases wedged into rock crevices, and follow flat, sandy tracks along the canyon floors. The damp, shaded gorges feel noticeably cooler and support lush mosses and ferns, while the exposed sandstone ridges above are dry, hot, and dominated by hardy pines.

The landscape owes its dramatic appearance to millions of years of erosion, which carved the ancient seabed into isolated towers, arches, and deep fissures. As you walk, you will see how the soft sandstone wears away into fine sand that accumulates on the paths, making some uphill climbs feel heavy. The most famous feature, the Pravčická brána stone arch, demonstrates this ongoing erosion on a grand scale, but the same process is visible along every cliff face where blocks of stone have sheared off over time.

In autumn, particularly October, the deciduous trees mixed among the pines turn vibrant yellow and orange, contrasting sharply with the dark grey rock. The main access routes and famous viewpoints can become crowded during weekends, but choosing the steeper, less direct trails that wind through the narrower side canyons offers a much quieter experience. There are no rolling meadows or wide open plains here; the view is almost always framed by stone walls or dense forest canopy.