Pravčice Gate is the largest natural rock gate on the European continent and a national nature monument. It is considered to be the most beautiful natural formation in Bohemian Switzerland and is the symbol of the entire area.
Pravčice Gate has been standing in its location since time immemorial. It is the result of millions of years of weathering of the less resistant parts of the rock mass, which consists of ashlar sandstone from the Turonian age.
As tourists first began to discover the beauties of Pravčice Gate, a small bark-covered cabin stood at its foot and was used as a pub. The access path, known as Pelagiensteig, from the village of Hřensko was already paved by the end of the 1870s, and around that time the promenade trail towards Mezní Louka was also built.
In 1881, the owner of the estate, Duke Edmund Clary-Aldringen, built the built Sokolí hnízdo (Falcon’s Nest), a holiday château at Pravčice Gate. For this purpose, he invited workmen from Italy for the simple reason that they were the cheapest labour at the time. The whole château was built within one year, which is almost record time when one takes into consideration the size of the structure and the period in which it was built. Several years later, guardrails were installed on the cliff lookouts dotted throughout the surroundings. Soon after the restaurant was built, an entrance fee was introduced.
Pravčice Gate is the largest natural rock gate on the European continent and a national nature monument. It is considered to be the most beautiful natural formation in Bohemian Switzerland and is the symbol of the entire area.
Landscaped trails and staircases run from the entrance to the individual lookouts in the area, from which visitors can observe Pravčice Gate itself or enjoy the spectacular views of the surroundings both nearby and farther afield.
Since its "discovery" by tourists, Pravčice Gate has been visited regularly by millions of people. One of the many well-known personalities who admired its beauties – twice, in 1831 and 1851 – was the famous fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen. It is undoubtedly clear that he drew a lot of inspiration for his work from this place.
April – October
Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
November – March
Saturday, Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
26 December–1 January
Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Adults 95 CZK / 4 EUR
Children (6-14 years) 30 CZK / 1,5 EUR
Students/seniors 30 CZK / 1,5 EUR
The entrance fee, which funds the operation of the premises, has been collected since the end of the 19th century and its real value remains about the same to date.
30. March – 07. October 2019
Daily 09:00 - 18:00
08. October – 04. November 2019
Daily 09:00 - 17:00
30. March – 07. October 2019
Daily 09:00 - 17:00
08. October – 04. November 2019
Daily 09:00 - 16:00
The gorges are closed outside of the periods described above.
More information on www.en.hrensko.net.
By car
A. From Děčín towards the national border, 12 km to Hřensko.
B. From Dresden to the national border crossing Schmilka–Hřensko.
By train
A. Railway station in Děčín, then by bus and on foot.
B. The railway station on the German side is in Schöna on the opposite bank of the Elbe, and you can cross to Hřensko by ferry.
By bus
The bus line from Děčín to Hřensko and Mezní Louka.
The stops are Hřensko, u Třech pramenů, and na Mezní Louce.
On foot
A. From Hřensko, follow the red hiking symbol.
B. From Mezní Louka, follow the red hiking symbol along the Gabrielina Stezka (trail).
Parking
You can leave your car at the car park in Hřensko (paid parking behind Restaurant Klepáč) or use the car park at Mezní Louka (near Hotel Mezní Louka); these are the two starting points for a trip to Pravčice Gate (it is strictly prohibited to park outside of these locations).
