The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in Bohemian Switzerland

The snow is slowly melting away even from the last cold valleys, and your cross-country skis are already standing guard in the corner. Are your running shoes itching to hit the trails for a spring run? Then you’ve got the same condition… and it’s not COVID! Head out on one of our favorite trails.

1) Short loop through the Jetřichovice Rocks (6.5 km, elevation gain 235 m)

Take a car or bus to Jetřichovice. During peak season, we recommend the latter. You can park in the lot below Poštolčí kužel. Follow the green trail past the former sanatorium, across meadows offering views of the Jetřichovice Rocks. You’ll leave the main trail and disappear from view of the crowds heading to the popular Mariina vyhlídka viewpoint. You’ll run through a small forest past massive sandstone outcrops, and after about a kilometer on mostly smooth, soft ground, the path will begin to climb gently.

Toward the end, the gravel path winds like an earthworm, and you feel like you’re about to cough up a lung. Fortunately, the climb to the saddle is intense but short. From Pohovka—which, by the way, is the name of this spot—you’ll head left along the red hiking trail. Next comes the most beautiful part—a narrow traverse path offering magnificent views of Růžovský vrch, the Jetřichovice Rocks, and Studenec. The trail winds along the mountain ranges, carved high above the rocky valley.

The surface is soft and even; your knees will be grunting with delight. At the end of the traverse, the path descends through a cooler ravine, where timber was once hauled out of the forest long ago. At the end of the descent, turn left onto the blue trail. You’ll pass a rock chapel and other climbing structures rising from the forest right next to the path. Continue slightly downhill along the blue trail until a short, steep climb takes you up to the meadows above Jetřichovice. If you’re feeling energetic, don’t hesitate to take a detour to Treppenstein.

Just cross the meadow diagonally to the left or run through Pfeifer’s Grove and follow the signs. The view of the loop you’ve just completed will be your reward. You can return by following the blue trail past the church. As a reward, you can enjoy a beer or a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants.

2) For the views from Vlčí Hora and a tour of traditional architecture (7.7 km, 301 m)

This loop will charm you with its diversity. The route offers beautiful scenery, sweeping views, and the half-timbered houses characteristic of this region. While the course isn’t the easiest, you’ll be filled with new impressions and experiences once you finish. You can then recharge your energy in nearby Krásná Lípa at the Falkenštejn Brewery or the Luční Bar.

The route begins in Dlouhý Důl, from where you’ll follow the blue hiking trail past St. Anne’s Chapel to Vlčí Hora. From there, continue along the blue trail to Nobilis Tilia, a company that manufactures natural cosmetics. From there, follow the red trail to the “Pod Vlčí Horou, north junction,” where you’ll turn off and follow the yellow trail up Vlčí Hora. From there, head back to Nobilis Tilia and turn left onto the red trail. This will take you all the way to Sněžná. However, you’ll turn right and, passing by the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, return to Dlouhý Důl. All in all, a 7.7 km run with 301 m of elevation gain—a varied route. We highly recommend it!

3) Scenic route from the mouth of the Suchá Kamenice River to Děčín (16 km, elevation gain 420 m)

Leave your car in Děčín and take the bus to the Hřensko, Na výsluní stop. From there, walk 500 meters back toward Děčín to the mouth of the Suchá Kamenice. Hike up through the valley of the small river, past waterfalls and stunning rock formations, all the way to the Bynovec Plateau. The climb up is challenging, but from there it’s a breeze. Next comes a short stretch on asphalt through Labská Stráň, followed by a path through meadows, still following the red trail.

Apart from a few minor descents and ascents, the trail follows the contour lines for the most part. This is where the most beautiful views of the Elbe Canyon begin. At the end of the route, a bird’s-eye view of Děčín opens up. You can walk down the final descent into Děčín. The city offers a number of good restaurants and cafés where you can grab a bite to eat after your strenuous hike. I personally recommend Coffee and Books.

4) From Ostrov along the cliffs (9.4 km, elevation gain 186 m)

Leave your car in Ostrov u Tisé. From there, walk a short distance along the paved road toward the national border. Take the first junction to join the yellow hiking trail, which is already in Germany. Turn right. A rocky valley will open up before you, with a pleasant path running through the middle that slopes gently downward.

After about a kilometer, the trail gradually turns into a gravel path, which veers sharply to the right at its widest point. From there, you’ll continue running slightly uphill along the Durre Biela stream, which forms crystal-clear pools in some places, inviting you to take a refreshing dip. On both sides of the valley, which narrows again, are monumental rocky cliffs.

At the fork, continue straight through the forest, following the blue hiking trail, which will take you to Zadní Ves. You’ll have to walk a short distance on asphalt, but right by Hraniční Bouda, the path veers diagonally to the right, along the edge of the forest toward the road between Sněžník and Tisa. Before you reach the road, the red hiking trail, known as the Mlýnská cesta, turns back into the forest and then winds through the rocks to the peaceful village of Ostrov. In Ostrov, we recommend the renowned cuisine of Hotel Ostrov****, which is sure to delight you.

5) To Tokáň via the Narrow Stairs (9.3 km, 273 m)

Tokáň is one of the most beautiful places in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. In the deep forests, where you’re unlikely to encounter anyone but a deer or a fox, you’ll experience a true adventure. The trail will wind its way before you like a snake, and any trail runner will be thrilled.

You’ll start your run at the forest parking lot just outside the village of Doubice, where you’ll join the yellow hiking trail. This trail will take you to the fork near Eustach, where you’ll continue to follow the yellow markings. The trail begins to wind, and you’ll reach the Narrow Stairs—you can bypass them, but we recommend walking through them. You’re in for an adventure. Once you reach Tokáň, which is worth a visit, you’ll join bike trail No. 3076, which will take you back to the yellow trail. Turn right there and run back to the starting point of your run.

What’s next?

Bohemian Switzerland, the Lusatian Mountains, and the Šluknov Hook offer hundreds of kilometers of beautiful trails for both recreational and professional runners. Don’t hesitate to lace up your running shoes and go for a run through a landscape of sandstone cliffs, observation towers, breathtaking views, and picturesque villages. If you’re looking for recommendations in a specific area, we’d be happy to suggest where to go next!