Bohemian Switzerland – Pravčická brána

Wind, water and frost carved the arch from Cretaceous sandstone over many thousands of years. Tourism here took off in the 19th century under the Clary-Aldringen family, who owned the estate: a promenade path from Hřensko towards the arch was built in 1833, visitors were sometimes carried up by porters, and in 1881 Prince Edmund Clary-Aldringen built the Falcon's Nest as a hotel for guests.

By the late 20th century, centuries of footsteps had worn the rock, and in 1982 walking on the arch was banned; today it is viewed only from the terraces and lookouts around it, and sensors monitor movement in the rock. The surrounding area became Bohemian Switzerland National Park, whose rangers are also restoring native forest of fir and oak in place of planted spruce. The arch has also appeared on screen, including landscape scenes in The Chronicles of Narnia.

Hřensko, a village of half-timbered houses where the Elbe leaves Czechia, has long lived from walkers and day visitors, and the region shares its sandstone landscape and hiking culture with Saxon Switzerland across the border. Much of the trail runs through the park's strictest zone, and locals and rangers take its rules seriously: stay on marked paths, no fires or smoking, and camping only at designated sites.