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Pravčická brána (Prebischtor) - by Pudelek

Treks / Czech Republic

Pravčická brána and Edmund's Gorge

Czech Republic · Nearest city: Prague (also Dresden)

TypeDay hike
Days1
Distance≈ 15 km
Climbing≈ 500 m
Highest point450 m

A day hike in Bohemian Switzerland to Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, with a boat ride through a gorge on the way back.

Fitness Easy
Best seasonApril to October
High pointPravčická brána

Watch out: The area was hit by a big wildfire in 2022. Check which paths are open.

Why people choose it

It's the easiest way to see Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, combined with a boat ride through a narrow gorge.

What makes it different

  • Europe's biggest natural rock arch
  • A boat ride through Edmund's Gorge
  • An easy day trip from Prague or Dresden

Route options

There is rarely just one way to walk Pravčická brána and Edmund's Gorge. These are the main choices people make.

Similar treks to consider

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Norway · 1 day · 8 km A short, popular hike to a flat-topped cliff 604 m above the Lysefjord. Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast) Italy · 1 day · 8 km A cliff-top path from Agerola to Nocelle high above the Amalfi Coast, with some of the best sea views in Europe. Pen y Fan United Kingdom (Wales) · 1 day · 7 km The highest peak in southern Britain, in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). A short, popular walk...

Before you go

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.

Phone and data

Phone plans from the EU and EEA roam here at home prices. Coming from the US, UK or elsewhere? A Europe data eSIM is usually far cheaper than roaming.

Europe eSIM on Airalo

Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.

Insurance that covers this trek

Most travel insurance includes hiking at this height. Check that hiking is listed and that medical evacuation is covered.

Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.

World NomadsHeymondoSafetyWingTrue Traveller

True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.

Camping and where to sleep

Camping is only allowed at designated sites in Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.

Route map

Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.

Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city

Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.

Stops: Hřensko → Pravčická brána

Simple overview map
HřenskoPravčická brána20 kmN

Step by step

  1. Months before

    Plan and book

    • No bookings are needed for most people. Choose a day with a good forecast.
    • Best time to go: April to October.
  2. 6–12 weeks before

    Train and test your gear

    • Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
    • Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
    • Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.

    Readiness quiz · Packing list

  3. Getting there

    Travel to the start

    • Most people start from Prague.
  4. On the trail

    Walk it

    • Start early and set a turnaround time. Be back down before the weather turns or daylight fades.
    • Carry water, food, a warm layer and a rain jacket even on a sunny day.
  5. The finish

    Get home

    • It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.

How the season changes things

Best time: April to October

April to May

Spring

Fresh green forests and cool, comfortable temperatures. Paths can be muddy.

Bring

  • Waterproof boots
  • Light rain jacket
  • Warm layer

June to August

Summer

Warm and sometimes hot, with thunderstorms and busy weekends at popular viewpoints.

Bring

  • Water and sun hat
  • Rain jacket
  • Go on weekdays if you can

September to October

Autumn

Beautiful autumn colours and quieter trails, with cooler mornings.

Bring

  • Warm layer
  • Headlamp
  • Waterproofs

What you'll see

4 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.

Pravčická brána (Prebischtor) - by Pudelek
Hřensko, okres Děčín
Near HřenskoHřensko Unterer Bielhornsteig
Near HřenskoNationalpark Böhmische Schweiz Oberes Bielhorn Aussicht

Gear for the Pravčická brána and Edmund's Gorge

Hiking boots Top pick: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Trekking poles Top pick: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Rain jackets Top pick: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Photo credits: Pravčická brána (Prebischtor) - by Pudelek by Pudelek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Hřensko, okres Děčín by Jiří Komárek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Hřensko Unterer Bielhornsteig by NutzerAusBerlin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Nationalpark Böhmische Schweiz Oberes Bielhorn Aussicht by NutzerAusBerlin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.