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Bohemian Switzerland.

 

 

This rather unusual name originates from two Swiss citizens, artist Adian Sinng and engraver Anton Graff who had participated in the reconstruction of the Dresden gallery since 1776. They spent their free time traveling to all kinds of locations mostly near the Czech-Saxon border. Both loved the place and they were even rumored to refuse returning home because they had found their real Switzerland. Their idea got some development, and first records mentioning Saxon, and later Czech Switzerland date back to 1785.

The "Czech Switzerland" national reserve occupies the area of 79 sq. km., being the fourth biggest Czech reserve since January 2000. The national park lying near the German border includes the most beautiful and valuable part of Laba sands. If we cross the border we will see Saxon Switzerland, a German national park. Both parks make a region which is unequalled in today's Europe, taking into account its minimal population and favorable location.

One of the most popular routes across Czech Switzerland is a hike to Pravcická brána and sailing down the Divoka ("Wild") and Ticha ("Calm") gorges.  Pravcická brána is the biggest natural rock ark on our continent, deserving its title of one of the most amazing natural wonders.  Pravcická brána is a true symbol of Bohemian Switzerland.

Pravcická brána is located deep in the woods, not far from Hrensk, surrounded with mystical silence, as if forgotten forever. Its natural beauty and pure magic have been attracting visitors for several centuries. Some might have been there, while others saw this only on postcards. When you first face this ark of stone, the magnificence and splendor will make you awe. The size is very impressive, and when you are close enough, it simply amazes you. The ark's span near the ground is 26,5 m., the ark is 16 m. High, 7-8 m. wide, at least 3 m. thick, and the highest gate landing is situated at the height of 21 m. Paths and stairs run from the entrance, and you can use the viewing grounds to enjoy the surrounding landscape. When you had enough of the scenery, you can please yourself with a delicious meal. There is the "Falon Nest" restaurant situated nearby. In 1826 a shack padded with oak bark stood there, and it was a pub. In 1881 it was replaced with an Italian style castle. Italian construction workers were invited, for they were the cheapest labor force. The residence was completed within a year, which is a record of the times, taking into account its size and complexity. A fence was added to the rocky viewing grounds some time later. Noble guests of the Clary and Andringen family stayed there, with their baggage lifted by porters and donkeys. Currently there is a stylish restaurant on the castle's ground floor, featuring the original 19^th century interior. The floor, walls and paintings are authentic. Go one floor up and you'll see the one and only Czech Switzerland state museum. Since Pravcická brána were established as a tourist attraction, millions of visitors saw them. Among them, in 1831 and 1851 its beauty was appreciated by Hans Christian Andersen. There is no doubt that he got plenty of inspiration here.

Let us leave Pravcická brána and get down to the ground, or maybe even to the water. What can be more exciting than a romantic boat trip accompanied by the funny stories of the boatman? You can travel up and down the Kamenica river flowing through the Divoka and Ticha gorges. The gorges have been bringing huge discomfort to local people, but these were created places to fish for salmon and trout. The golden tourist age started for this place when in 1877 five people had a crazy bet in one of the Hrenska pubs. They claimed that they would be able to sail down the river on rafts. On a set day the rafts were brought to Kamenica near Polski mlyn (the Polish mill). The lucky guys reached places which were considered to be the end of the world. From then on the gorge started being used for tourist purposes. Duke Clary-Aldringen invited Italian masters to decorate the gorges with the help of 200 workers. Footways, bridges, tunnels and a dam were built. On 4 May 1890 the opening of the Ticha gorge and a local restaurant was celebrated. People started passing the Divoka gorge on boats 8 years later. In 1920-s sailing across Czech Switzerland was the favorite pastime for tourists. Over 160,000 people enjoyed boat trips every year, from 7 AM till it got dark. Restrictions were established prohibiting peddling, begging, commercial photography and political advertising.

The ticket cost is 50 Kc for adults, 30 Kc for children. Unfortunately, there are no discounts.

You can park your car for 100 Kc per day. By the way, after you complete the ascent, don't be too hurry to leave for home. Take a walk across the little market where cute wicker and plaster figures of dwarfs, animals and other funny creatures are sold

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