Pravčická Gate

Národní přírodní památka − jeden z nejznámějších morfologických útvarů českých skalních měst, který se nachází 3 km od Hřenska poblíž státní hranice se SRN. Stal se symbolem Národního parku České Švýcarsko. Svými rozměry (výška klenby 16 m a šířka téměř 27 m, šíře oblouku 7–8 m) je největší pískovcovou skalní bránou v Evropě.

There are breathtaking views from the accessible rocks above the Sokolí hnízdo restaurant (a building from 1881). The Pravčická Gate has been visited since the end of the 18th century. The high number of visitors caused increased erosion of the upper parts and destruction of the gate. Therefore, in 1982, tourist entry to the gate was prohibited. The aim of the protection is to preserve the current state and natural development of the sandstone rock massifs and to minimize negative anthropogenic impact.

In 2009, the Pravčická Gate was shortlisted for the New7Wonders poll for the seven natural wonders of the world, when it advanced to the 71 semi-finalists. This national natural monument is visited by more than two hundred thousand visitors from the Czech Republic and abroad every year.

The monumental rock arch, however, fascinates not only visitors who climb the Pravčická Gate, but also scientists, who have been puzzling over how it is possible that the Pravčická Gate has not collapsed long ago. Its rock arch is too thin and fragile to withstand the weight of its own weight and repeated expansion and contraction depending on changes in external temperature. Scientists now believe that the Pravčická Gate is actually made up of two separate rocks (note the image of the Pravčická Gate, where the two rocks are shown in different colors).

Thanks to this, the arch is not exposed to great stress, which could cause the formation to break if the rock arch were firmly connected to the rock massif on both sides. Nevertheless, the gate is constantly monitored and measured by a system of special measuring devices that monitor its every movement. Experts also pay attention to the process of disintegration of the gate’s surface due to chemical weathering due to long-term air pollution and the reaction of the rock to acid rain. When you walk directly under the arch of the Pravčická Gate, notice the old inscriptions left behind by visitors in the 19th century. If they wanted to immortalize themselves on this monumental natural creation, the tenant of the local inn also lent them a ladder.

Gabriel’s Trail – TEMPORARILY CLOSED!

A traditional promenade connecting Pravčická brána with Mezní Louka. It was probably named after the sister of Prince Edmund Clara-Aldringen, a pioneer of local tourism. The trail leads along the foot of the Wing Walls through the most beautiful parts of Bohemian Switzerland.

Today, the historic Gariel Trail is the main part of the nature trail known as “Around Pravčická brána” , which begins at Mezní Louka, passes through Pravčická brána, and ends at Tři prameny.

– The nature trail is 6 km long

– There are a total of 12 stops along the way

– It takes about 2½ hours to walk the entire nature trail at a leisurely pace (including stops at the interpretive signs)

– The route follows the red-marked hiking trail – Most of the nature trail is located in Zone 1 of the national park, which is the area with the strictest regulations

– The nature trail has a significant elevation gain from Tři prameny to Mezní Louka, which can be very strenuous for older or ill people, especially in hot weather

– The nature trail was created before the year 2000; it was renovated in 2010 and took on its current form

– At each stop, you’ll find an illustration of a sandstone milestone on the information board, which will tell you the distance to key points along the nature trail.

Brochure: A Guide to the Area Around Pravčická Gate