Winter Locations in Bohemian Switzerland

Winter in Bohemian Switzerland comes with its own distinct advantages – excellent accessibility, crisp, clean air, and far fewer crowds even at the most iconic spots. Whether you are travelling with family, a partner, or solo with a camera, these locations offer exactly what makes it worthwhile to lace up your hiking boots even in January.

Pravčická Gate– the region’s most famous landmark, practically queue-free in winter

Wherever you walk today in the dramatic and diverse landscape of Bohemian Switzerland, a warm, shallow sea rippled ninety million years ago. Imagine its calm surface, beneath which fine sand accumulated for tens of millions of years, reaching a thickness of up to one kilometre. When the sea eventually receded, the forces of wind, water, heat, and frost went to work, tearing and carving that massive sandstone sedimentary plateau into its present form.

And that is precisely how the symbol of Bohemian Switzerland was born: a massive rock arch – the largest in Europe – called Pravčická brána. You should visit it if only because, according to experts, it is actually a wonder that Pravčická brána has not collapsed long ago. It is therefore a question of how much longer this icon, nominated as one of the semifinalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, will remain with us.

Tourists in the last century could still walk directly across the arch; today, you can admire it from a short distance from the viewing platforms built on the peaks of the surrounding rocks. In winter, the view of the massive rock gate is even more monumental, as the snow dampens all other sensory inputs, making you feel as if you are looking through a window into another dimension.

Opening hours are shorter than in summer, but you can conveniently buy tickets online (pbrana.cz/vstupenky/), which will shorten your waiting time in any potential queue – though these are rarely found here in winter.

Tisá rock labyrinth – a great tip for the festive period

The sandstone towers and (sometimes surprisingly narrow) passages between them, which featured in The Chronicles of Narnia film, are ideal for a walk after Christmas or on New Year’s Day, when crowds are at an absolute minimum. The trails remain passable even in winter; just consider packing anti-slip ice cleats or wearing non-slip footwear.
After a snowball fight in the rock town, head over to Hotel Ostrov for a meal, a luxurious wellness experience, and perhaps an overnight stay in a peaceful valley completely free of mobile signal.

Dolský mlýn – a historical stop on a peaceful route

The ruins of the old mill nestled in the valley of the Kamenice river look raw and exceptionally photogenic in winter. We recommend bringing along Natálie Belisová’s book “Osud má jméno Dolský mlýn” (Fate is Named Dolský mlýn), where you can read all about the dramatic history of this location. Access is possible on foot from Jetřichovice or Vysoká Lípa. Hotel Kortus in Vysoká Lípa is an excellent gastronomic choice, and you can also enjoy a very comfortable night’s sleep here.

Brtnické ledopády – an incredible experience, but only when it freezes

You will only catch the Brtnické ledopády ice falls in their full glory during true winter weather. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water transforms into colourful ice columns, whose mass changes throughout the season depending on temperature fluctuations. Before you set off, check the current conditions to avoid an unnecessary journey if the weather is not cooperating.
When there is a risk that you might turn into icicles yourselves, head over to warm up at Brewery Falkenštejn, where you can eat well, drink, and stay overnight, or to Lípa Resort, which also offers excellent dining and accommodation options tailored to your exact needs. Both establishments are located on the main square in Krásná Lípa.

Jedlová – a New Year’s hike for panoramic views and a deep breath

You can reach this popular peak with its lookout tower on foot from the Jedlová railway station (approx. 3 km). The lookout tower offers a beautiful view of both the Lusatian Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland. When the cold gets to you, you can warm up in Restaurace Jedlová, where they serve divine blueberry dumplings. For the journey back down (and if there is a blanket of snow, you can even slide down on a sledge, bobsleigh, or cross-country skis), you can take the ski slope to Jiřetín pod Jedlovou, pass via the ruins of the Tolštejn robber castle with its pleasant restaurant, or head straight back to the train. You can very contentedly await your train’s arrival in the Jedlová station restaurant (and if you happen to miss it, the Apartmány Jedlová apartments located right above the station pub will be happy to accommodate you).