Alex Jung

Alongside the renowned architecture, the Czech Republic has an array of natural wonders that nature-loving travelers can explore.

forest covered cliff sides — Czech Republic Natural Wonders. Petros. CC BY-NC 4.0

The Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, is well known for its rich history and Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. However, it is often overlooked that the Czech Republic, alongside other European states, has a great wealth of natural wonders for travelers to explore. Many of these natural sites play a large role in environmental conservation and the restoration of ecosystems. Thus, while acknowledging the remarkable European architecture is important, it is of equal importance to acknowledge and appreciate the natural wonders of Europe that actively promote ecotourism. Here is a list of seven natural wonders in the Czech Republic that travelers of all ages and interests can enjoy.

1. Mount Snezka

Long trail along a mountain — Mount Snezka. www.multimediaexpo.cz. CC BY-NC 2.0

Mount Snezka is the tallest mountain in the Czech Republic, with a height of 5,260 feet. The mountain is within the Krkonose National Park, and over 12 million travelers visit this National Park annually. Mount Snezka is on the border of both the Czech Republic and Poland. Through hiking this mountain, travelers can set foot in both nations. Many hikers find this hike of moderate difficulty. The hike is approximately six hours long. The mountain range has been a popular destination for many travelers due to the convenient transportation to the National Park. Travelers staying in the Capital City, Prague, can take a train directly to the National Park. The trip to the National Park is advised to be a day trip, as the transportation one way is approximately four hours.

2. Sumava National Park

Fog rolling over forest covered mountain — Sumava National Park. Adámoz. CC BY-SA 4.0

Recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, not only does Sumava National Park have unique and serene landscapes, but it has also been lauded for its conservation efforts in preserving endangered plants and animals. This park is the largest National Park in the Czech Republic, with an area of almost 7.5 million square feet. To see the full landscape, travelers can hike to the Meridian of the park, where they can view the entire mountain range. The park is also known for its glacial lakes, including Cerne jezero, the largest and deepest lake in the Czech Republic, which travelers can access. The Boubinsky primaeval forest that is nestled within the National Park has been undisturbed for centuries, with birds such as Capercaillie, Black Grouse and the Three-toed Woodpecker. The Sumava National Park is located Southwest of Prague and can be reached within a two-hour drive.

3. Hranice Abyss

rocky cliffside surrounded by greenery — Hranice Abyss. Radim Holiš. CC BY-SA 3.0

The Hranice Abyss is extraordinarily unique as it is the deepest freshwater cave in the world. This site has been significant for scientific researchers, as many geologists have travelled to the Abyss to observe its remarkable properties. The Hranice Abyss features an interesting structure, with a cave above the water's surface as well as stalactite decorations under the water, which many travelers who enjoy diving have explored. Since its discovery, the Hranice Abyss has also garnered a large amount of attention due to its connections to the Middle Ages, when the Abyss was once a site of executions.

4. Elbe Canyon

forest covered cliffside over river — Elbe Canyon. Pedro Albuquerque. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Many travelers who enjoy climbing have traveled to the Elbe Canyon, which has a depth of 984 feet. The Canyon and the Elbe River have been a popular site for travelers due to their versatility. There are several hiking trails around the Elbe Canyon and River, and many cycling paths as well. The Elbe Canyon is also a popular destination for families due to the family-friendly sites along the canyon, such as Pastevni vrch, a small Czech village. Travelers also enjoy viewing Tiske Skaly, a naturally formed maze of sandstones. By car, the Elbe Canyon can be reached in one hour and 30 minutes from Prague. The canyon is most visited during the summer, when travelers can also swim in the river.

5. Pravcicka brana

stone bridge in front of mountains — Pravcicka brana. Sredlova. CC BY-SA 3.0

Pravcicka brana is known to be the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. The arch is over 68 feet tall and 88 feet long. From underneath the arch, travelers can observe its natural formation. Due to the thin nature of the arch, travelers are unable to walk on top of the arch. However, travelers can view the arch from the small buildings underneath called Sokoli hnizdo. Due to the site’s popularity, there are many tour groups around the broader Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

6. Bohemian Paradise

Castle sits on forest covered cliffside — Bohemian Paradise. Hilarmont. CC BY-SA 3.0

Bohemian Paradise, or Český Raj, is a protected landscape. This site has been named a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its conservation efforts. The site has also been a large inspiration for many artists within the Czech Republic. This site was created as the first nature reserve in the Czech Republic. Many travelers come to this site to see the Prachov Rocks, Vezak Pond and Suche Skaly, sites with fascinating rock formations. Public transportation from Prague to nearby towns such as Jicin, Nova Paka, Semily, Turnov and Zelezny Brod can conveniently enable travelers to access the Bohemian Paradise. The Bohemian Paradise also features multiple castles, such as the Trotsky Castle, highlighting the site’s versatility as a point of intersection between history and nature.

7. Tiske steny

forest covered cliffside — Tiske steny. Richard Ellis. CC BY-NC 2.0

Tiske steny (Tisa Rocks) is a group of unique natural rock formations in Northern Bohemia. There are both Great and Small walls, allowing travelers to explore a variety of rock formations. This site is renowned for its mythology surrounding dwarves, who are said to have resided within these rocks to find precious metals and gems. Significantly, scenes from “The Chronicles of Narnia” were also filmed at this location. Many families come to visit this location with children to enjoy finding images within the shapes of the rocks, such as elephants and turtles.

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