Czech Saxon Switzerland Private Tour
Forests which go as far as you can see, deep gorges and glens, crystal clear streams and huge towers made of sandstone. That is a world worth seeing which awaits you in a land full of mysteries, the land of Czech-Saxon Switzerland. National park Czech Switzerland together with national park Saxon Switzerland represents an ideal place for relaxation and gaining new energy from nature. This park won an award of European destination of the highest quality in the travel industry for the Czech Republic. Take a private tour with us and let us show you this magnificent piece of nature in our country.
What you will see
Bastei
When our private guide picks you up at your hotel you will first drive about 1 hour 45 min to the German part of Saxon Switzerland to the most famous viewpoint in the whole German part of the park. Bastei lies on the right side of the Elbe river and consists of a huge rock formation above the river with amazing views. Its most famous highlight is the Bastei Bridge built in 1851. It is 76 meters long, over 200 metres high over the river and it was the first European structure built just for tourists. It belongs among the symbols of Saxon Switzerland. The bridge connects the viewpoint with the rock formation where in the 14th century used to stand a rock castle called Neurathen. On metal platforms and ladders you can walk above deep holes where the castle’s wooden walls used to stand. It is simply beautiful.
Pravcice gate
After you enjoy the German side, our private guide will take you to the Czech part called Bohemian Switzerland where you will be driven to a beautiful village named Hřensko. That is the starting point of the little hike (about 1 hour) to Pravcice gate. It is the symbol of the Bohemian Switzerland and with its size (16m high, 27m long, 8m arc) it is the largest natural sandstone gate in the whole of Europe. As a reward for the hike you can have a drink and toast in a tourist restaurant built right next to the rock from 1881. In 2009 Pravcice gate became a close candidate for New7wonders of natural wonders around the world competition. From the rock formations next to the Pravcice gate you can take amazing photos from the viewpoints that our private guide will show you. The walk down is easier than the hike up which of itself is not very difficult and even a non experienced hiker can easily make it.
Wild and Edmund’s glen
Two beautiful canyons belong to the most precious and beautiful parts of the Czech Switzerland. One of them is named after duke Edmund Clary-Aldringen who managed to open the glens for boats and tourists in 1890. Part of the glen is accessible only on boats and during the boat ride you can admire tall sandstone walls towering over the glen. Thanks to the deep canyon and sandstone walls there is a climatic inversion which creates a special environment for rare plants, moss and trees. If you are lucky you can see rare wild czech animals such as beavers, bats or otters. The boats are powered by boatmen with long sticks, just like gondoliers in Venice (don’t ask them to sing, those in Venice do not sing either). It is a wonderful experience.
Each part of the tour where you feel that you are not able to walk much more we can skip and adjust it to your needs and comfort. Your experience is our priority and we believe that even inexperienced hikers can enjoy a day in the Czech Saxon Switzerland a lot. If you would like to go for a hike to the sandstone hills, but do not wish to spend the whole day touring, you can check our shorter Private tour to Czech Paradise.
