Pravčická brána, Natural sandstone arch in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic
Pravčická brána is a natural sandstone formation that creates an open passage through rock and rises distinctly from the surrounding landscape. The arch sits nestled within forested slopes and forms a striking geological feature in the Bohemian Switzerland area.
The rock formation developed over millions of years as water and wind slowly eroded the sandstone, creating the passage we see today. A nearby castle built in the late 1800s helped draw attention to the area as a landmark of note.
The arch bears a name rooted in the falcons that once nested here, shaping how locals understood this corner of the landscape. Today that same name connects the rock formation to the region's natural identity.
The site can be reached via a marked hiking trail from Hřensko village, and the path is well signposted through the forest. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for muddy or uneven ground, especially after rain.
At its narrowest point the rock is only a few meters thick, showing how finely natural erosion has whittled away the material. This extreme thinness reveals how fragile such formations can be.
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