Quick Picks for Your Stay

Before diving into the full list, here are our top recommendations. These picks cater to specific travel styles. Whether you want luxury or easy transport, these spots work well. Most are just a short drive from the main trailheads.

• Best for families: Jetřichovice (Quiet streets and easy forest walks).
• Best for luxury: Bad Schandau (High-end spa resorts and river views).
• Best for transport: Děčín (Main train hub with direct lines to Prague).
• Best for hikers: Mezná (Located directly on the path to the arch).

Planning a trip to Bohemian Switzerland hiking towns requires some foresight. Book your accommodation early during the summer months. Many local spots fill up fast with nature lovers.

Best Towns to Stay Near Pravčická Brána Hiking Trail

The following towns offer the best access to the national park. Each has a unique character and varying price points. You can enjoy local Czech cuisine and stunning sandstone views. Use this list to find your ideal home base near the arch.

1. Name: Hřensko Type: Sight/Activity Why go: It is the primary gateway to the park. Best for: Being closest to the trail. Where: At the confluence of the Elbe and Kamenice rivers. Time: 1-2 days. Cost: Mid-range hotels. Getting there: Take a bus from Děčín or a ferry. Tip: Visit the Edmund Gorge boat ride while here.
2. Name: Mezná Type: Experience Why go: This tiny village sits right on the hiking path. Best for: Early morning starts without a commute. Where: On a plateau above the gorges. Time: 2 days. Cost: Affordable guesthouses. Getting there: Hike up from Hřensko or take a local shuttle. Tip: The sunset views from the village are incredible.
3. Name: Děčín Type: Day trip Why go: It is the largest city in the region. Best for: Travelers using public transport. Where: North of Prague on the Elbe River. Time: 2-3 days. Cost: Various options from hostels to hotels. Getting there: Direct train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Check out the Via Ferrata on the Shepherd’s Wall.
4. Name: Janov Type: Viewpoint Why go: Offers a peaceful atmosphere and a lookout tower. Best for: Avoiding the heavy tourist crowds. Where: Just above Hřensko. Time: 1 day. Cost: Budget-friendly pensions. Getting there: A short bus ride or uphill walk from Hřensko. Tip: Climb the Janov Outlook Tower for 360-degree views.
5. Name: Bad Schandau Type: Experience Why go: A beautiful German spa town just across the border. Best for: Relaxation after a long hike. Where: Saxon Switzerland, Germany. Time: 2 days. Cost: Higher-end pricing. Getting there: A 15-minute train ride from Děčín. Tip: Visit the Toskana Therme for its liquid sound pool.
6. Name: Jetřichovice Type: Sight/Activity Why go: Famous for its dramatic rock lookouts like Mary’s Rock. Best for: Photographers and serious hikers. Where: Eastern part of the national park. Time: 2 days. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Bus from Děčín. Tip: Hike to the Falkenštejn castle ruins nearby.
7. Name: Krásná Lípa Type: Experience Why go: The administrative center of the park with a great brewery. Best for: Learning about the park's history. Where: Northern edge of the park. Time: 1-2 days. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train from Děčín or Rumburk. Tip: Visit the House of Bohemian Switzerland for maps.
8. Name: Růžová Type: Experience Why go: A charming village with traditional timber-framed houses. Best for: A quiet, authentic Czech village stay. Where: Near the base of Růžovský vrch mountain. Time: 1 day. Cost: Low to mid-range. Getting there: Local bus from Děčín. Tip: Try the local cheese at the village farm.
9. Name: Srbská Kamenice Type: Sight/Activity Why go: Home to historical bunkers and a beautiful Baroque church. Best for: History buffs. Where: Along the Kamenice River. Time: 1 day. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Bus from Děčín. Tip: Walk the educational trail about the 1930s fortifications.
10. Name: Schmilka Type: Day trip Why go: A sustainable eco-village with a historic watermill. Best for: Organic food and unique stays. Where: Right on the German-Czech border. Time: Half-day. Cost: Mid-range to high. Getting there: Ferry from the Schmilka-Hirschmühle train station. Tip: Buy fresh bread from the traditional wood-fired bakery.

If you are coming from the city, learn how to get to Bohemian Switzerland National Park from Prague. This will help you time your arrival perfectly. Most towns are easy to reach via public transport or car.

Planning Your Bohemian Switzerland Hiking Trip

To enjoy the best towns to stay near Pravčická brána hiking trail, plan for the weather. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking. Summer is beautiful but can be very crowded during weekends. Always check the Visit Czechia website for trail updates.

You should also consider exploring best small towns near Prague by train. Many of these spots offer a similar historic charm. Bring sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water for the arch trail. The path involves some steady climbing but is well-maintained.