The next morning we rented a car and drove about 2 hours to the city of Decin, which sits close to Bohemian Switzerland National Park. While this spot in Czech Republic is nowhere near Switzerland, the name was inspired by two Swiss artists who said the area reminded them of their homeland. We stayed at the Armex Live Centrum, and this was an excellent hotel to use as a homebase. The rooms are large and affordable, and the restaurant has excellent food and wine! This area has also been the most affordable on this trip, by far!
After checking in we took a walk around the city. There is a castle up on the hill so we walked around the perimeter just to stretch our legs after the drive. The castle grounds had several peacocks!
As well as the requisite peahens.
This statue of “The Black Knight” looked like something out of Star Wars. When I first saw it from a distance I thought “what is a statue of Boba Fett doing here?”.
Here is Kim at the entrance to the castle. Yes, it was unfortunately raining. My weather luck isn’t 100% perfect.
Kim pointed out this cheat sheet for Roman Numerals. I’ve gotta keep this handy!
This statue was above the main road that leads to the castle. I’m guessing Poseidon on the right, but not sure about the dude fighting him? Maybe he represents “Charlie the Tuna” from Starkist? Meanwhile, two ladies are exposing themselves below them. Maybe it’s just me, but I would have asked Poseidon if we could take a break from the fight and watch the show!
This dock was along the waterfront of the Elbe River, which made a nice photo op. The rock formation in the background is a good example of the surrounding topography.
The next morning we drove into Bohemian Switzerland National Park and started a hike to the most famous rock formation here, the Pravcicka Arch. The area had an arson fire in 2022, and was closed for quite awhile, but it’s open now, and you can see the signs of life coming back.
Some sections of the environment, however, appear more impacted.
Sme trees just do whatever is needed to survive, such as growing out of solid rock.
This sign tells you that you are getting close to your destination.
The archway starts coming into view, just to the right of the hotel that dates from 1881. There is no longer a hotel here, but there is still a restaurant.
Here is the archway, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. You used to be able to walk over the arch, but due to erosion from heavy use, it has been off limits since 1982.
Selfie time! I’m getting a little better at these.
This is the view looking back down the trail. You can pay a fee and see some more overlooks past the restaurant, but the line was very long and we had yet another hike to do, so we moved on.
Our second hike of the day was down into the deep Divoka Gorge. While it’s pretty steep up and down, it’s really not that long of a hike, so don’t let the steep grade scare you away!
The views at the bottom are gorgeous! There is a small bridge here passing over the Kamenica RIver, which cut this gorge over thousands of years.
Once you reach the bottom there is a further 10 minute hike to a spot where you can take a boat ride on the river. This hike is the most beautiful spot of the gorge.
The trail wraps under rocks…
…and around rock walls…
…and more rock walls, just covered in moss! It’s an incredible spot!
As you approach the boat dock you are greeted by this small waterfall.
It was only a few minutes wait for the boat ride up the river. There have been boats operating on this gorge since the late 19th century.
Our guide explained all of the sights along the way in both Czech and English. It was a little like the Czech version of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise”, with jokes along the way.
The boat ride lasts 20 minutes, and it’s the only way to see this part of the gorge. Highly recommended.
There is another dock at the far end of the ride, but nobody can get off here right now due to the 2022 fire damage just past this dock.
The hike back is just as beautiful as the hike in.
Selfie time from the bridge over the river.
After hiking back up that trail it was time for beer! Fortunately there is a bar right at the top!
Next up, we spend another day in Bohemian Switzerland, seeing some more incredible sights. Definitely put this place on your bucket list!