3 tips for more sustainable trips around Bohemian Switzerland

OPS České Švýcarsko
30.07.2021

Today’s article offers you 3 tips on how you can make your trips more sustainable and help spare our planet from unnecessary strain.

The first and most fundamental issue in sustainable tourism is transport itself. In this regard, it is important to realise the strain that travelling by private car places on our planet. Travelling by car is certainly convenient, but apart from the environmental issues, it also brings other problems. One example is the issue of parking. During the peak tourist season, you may struggle to find free spaces in designated car parks. Car parks often charge a fee.

However, even parking in an unmarked – and therefore free – car park is not advisable, as it is strictly penalised in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. A much more environmentally friendly option is the train. A direct service is available, known as the Lužickohorský rychlík. You can board it at Prague Main Station, Mladá Boleslav Main Station and many other stops (see link), and it will take you straight to the heart of Bohemian Switzerland. There are also plenty of tourist bus routes available to take you all over the national park.

The second challenge for more eco-friendly travel is what is known as ‘overtourism’. This term describes a phenomenon we see very frequently these days. Large numbers of tourists flock to a single – the most famous – site in a given area. That particular site then suffers under the strain of tourist numbers. This, too, needs to be taken into account if you’re planning a trip here. Bohemian Switzerland is not just the Pravčická brána. You can find inspiration for lesser-known spots on our blog, for example, as well as on other websites. However, if you really do want to visit the most famous sites, try to choose a time outside the peak tourist season.

A final tip for more sustainable travel relates primarily to refreshments. Take your own reusable bottle with you on your trips, and avoid plastic bottles and plastic cups. For your refreshments, opt for small local restaurants, bistros and cafés rather than large fast-food chains on your way home. Coffee lovers can take their own cups along on trips, as well as their own bottles, so they can enjoy a takeaway coffee without feeling guilty.

Thank you for looking after nature with us!

OPS České Švýcarsko