Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland: Day Trip from Prague with Hrensko, Pravcicka Gate & Bastei Bridge

Summary

Walk sandstone bridges, taste Czech beer and cross borders in one wild day

You’ll start your day with a friendly local guide from Prague and wander through Hrensko village before hiking to Pravcicka Gate’s sandstone arch. Taste homemade pastries, share laughs on forest trails, float quietly through Kamenice Gorge by boat, then cross into Germany to walk Bastei Bridge above the Elbe canyon. It’s a real mix of landscapes and stories — not just another tour.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide Jakub waving at us outside the hotel in Prague — big grin, coffee in hand, asking if we slept well. He had this way of making you feel like you were piling into a van with old friends instead of strangers. The drive north was quiet at first, everyone still waking up, but then he started telling stories about growing up near Bohemian Switzerland and how his dad used to take him hiking here before it was ever in guidebooks. I liked that. The windows fogged a little as we got closer to Hrensko; you could smell pine through the cracked window and something sweet from someone’s snack bag.

We’d barely stepped out before Jakub pointed at a bakery where he said they make “the best koláče,” and honestly, he wasn’t wrong (I think I still had flour on my jacket by the time we reached Pravcicka Gate). That arch is huge — bigger than it looks in photos — and there’s this hush when you stand underneath it. A couple ahead of us tried to re-enact a Narnia scene for their kid and ended up laughing so hard they nearly dropped their camera. The hike was doable even for me (not exactly an athlete), especially since the van picked us up between the main trails. Saved my knees for later.

Lunch in Hrensko was more than just food — Jakub ordered us local beer without asking (unless you’re vegan or not drinking, then they’ve got options), and the place felt like someone’s living room. There was this older woman who kept bringing out extra pickles “just in case.” After that, we wandered down to the Kamenice river gorge for the boat ride. It got quiet there except for the boatman’s voice echoing off sandstone walls and water lapping under the boat. I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating between those cliffs — it’s one of those moments that sticks around.

Crossing into Germany for Bastei Bridge felt almost sneaky — no border fuss, just new signs and suddenly everyone speaking German instead of Czech. The bridge itself is wild, all these stone towers above the Elbe canyon with wind tugging at your sleeves. Jakub pointed out some old castle ruins and told us about smugglers hiding out here ages ago; hard not to imagine them ducking behind rocks while tourists snap selfies now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland

• Hotel pickup in Prague
• Drive to Northern Bohemia (2 hrs)
• Introduction to National Park and trip
• Visit Hřensko village center
• Walk to Pravčická Gate sandstone arch
• Enjoy a la carte lunch in National Park
• Walk and boat ride in Kamenice River Canyon
• View Bastei Bridge and Neurathen ruins
• Walk across Bastei sandstone bridge
• Return drive to Prague hotel

Top questions

How long is the Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland day trip from Prague?

The tour lasts about 10-12 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, an à la carte lunch with main course and drink is included in Hrensko village.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, bring a valid passport as you cross from Czechia into Germany during the tour.

How difficult are the hikes on this tour?

The hikes are moderate; expect about 8 km total with some elevation gain but extra transport saves longer walks.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Prague are included in your booking.

Are vegetarian or vegan meal options available?

Yes, both vegetarian and vegan options are available at lunch.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for nature walks; hiking equipment is provided if needed.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group size is small—maximum 8 people per minivan for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Prague, all entry fees along the route, snacks and water during travel, free Wi-Fi in your minivan, hiking equipment if you need it (like poles or raincoats), a traditional à la carte lunch with drink in Hrensko (with veggie options), plus that peaceful river boat ride through Kamenice Gorge before returning home around 7 pm.