České Švýcarsko National Park, National park at Czech-German border, Czech Republic
České Švýcarsko is a national park in Děčín District at the Czech-German border. The protected area covers sandstone cliffs, steep gorges, and forested valleys where rock walls alternate with streams and woodland paths.
The area gained national park status in January 2000 to protect its rock formations and habitats. Cooperation with the Saxon side created a continuous protected zone across the border.
The name Czech Switzerland came from Swiss painters who worked in the region during the 18th century and were reminded of home. Today walkers follow trails once used by timber workers and smugglers moving goods through the valleys.
Marked trails cross the park, though some routes include ladders or metal steps on steep sections. The information center in Krásná Lípa provides maps and advice on planning a walk.
Pravčická brána measures 27 meters across and 16 meters tall, making it the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. Walkers once crossed the bridge, but access to the arch itself is now closed to preserve it.
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