Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Day Trip Prague: Sandstone Hikes & Bastei Bridge

Two National Parks, One Day: The Sandstone Route Locals Actually Take

You get picked up from your Prague hotel and driven to two national parks on the Czech-German border, where you choose between hiking to Europe's largest sandstone arch, floating a gondola boat through river gorges, or exploring both. Lunch at a regional restaurant with local beer is included, as are park fees, a licensed guide, and return transport to your hotel by evening. The group stays under eight people, so it moves faster than a standard tour bus.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Pravcice Gate3h · entry included
2. Bohemian Switzerland National Park30m · entry included
3. Saxon Switzerland National Park30m · entry included
4. Dresden Christmas Market2h

Explore Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland

• Pick up from Prague accommodation
• Drive through Hrensko village
• Visit Bohemian Switzerland National Park
• Visit Saxon Switzerland National Park and Bastei Bridge
• Enjoy à la carte lunch at local restaurant
• Choose one: gondola boat on Kamenice River Gorges or hike to Pravcicka Gate or visit Tisa Rocks (seasonal)
• Return to Prague

The experience

Our guide Petr mentioned it offhand while loading the van at 7:30 a.m. Most Prague visitors never leave the city, and the ones who do usually hit the same crowded spots. He'd grown up in the region, so when he said the Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland day trip was the route he'd take his own family, it landed different. The minivan holds eight people max, which means no coach-load chaos, just a small group heading north toward the Czech-German border where the landscape shifts from rolling hills to something that looks almost carved. You're picked up from your hotel between 7:15 and 8:15 a.m., depending on which tour option you choose. The timing matters because it determines which sites you'll hit and how much daylight you get at each one.

The drive takes you through Hrensko village, the gateway to the national parks, and from there the day splits into options. Some people do the Pravcicka Gate, Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, which is a 3-mile hike at a moderate pace with views that justify the effort. Others take the gondola-style boat through the Kamenice River Gorges, a gentler float through narrow canyon walls where the water is so still it feels like you're moving through a photograph. The Bastei Bridge is always included, and it's the one everyone recognizes: a German landmark perched high above the Elbe River with table mountains stacked around it and the ruins of Neurathen Castle sitting below. Lunch happens midway through, at a local Czech restaurant where you pick your main course and a drink from the menu, not a set plate, which matters if you eat vegetarian or vegan. The beer is good, and if you want to try Kofola, a Czech soft drink that tastes like nothing else, it's there too.

You're back in Prague between 6 and 8 p.m., depending on the season and which combination of sites your tour option covers. The guide brings hiking sticks, daypacks, and raincoats, so you're not scrambling to rent gear. Breakfast snack, water, park entry fees, and the minivan with Wi-Fi are all included. If you have kids, there are booster seats available on shared tours, though children under 5 need a private booking for safety reasons. The whole thing is designed so you don't have to piece together transport, tickets, timing, and a meal. It's one day, one van, one guide who actually knows the region.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Prague, a breakfast snack pack and water, a gourmet à la carte lunch with your choice of main course and drink at a local Czech restaurant, all national park entrance fees and taxes, a licensed English-speaking guide trained in CPR, air-conditioned minivan transport with free Wi-Fi, and the use of hiking sticks, daypacks, and raincoats. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at lunch, and booster seats can be arranged for children on shared tours.

Options for this experience

10 options

Lantern Walk: Narnia+DinnerGuide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 14:30Tisa Rocks unique night walk: our most special tour, taking you to explore Tisa (Narnia) at night, with a small picnic followed by a fancy restaurant dinner. This all-inclusive tour with professional local guides covers door-to-door service, a premium local à la carte dinner, snacks, drinks and mulled wine. Everything is included. It lasts about 7 hours, with a start around 2 to 3 p.m. and a return around 9:00 p.m., though timing may vary a little. The à la carte dinner (main course and drink) offers vegetarian and vegan options, and hot wine, tea and snacks are included. Everything is included. The walk is easy, 3 miles (5 km), over stone stairs, uneven surfaces and forest paths that are often snow-covered, and ice spikes are provided. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. This romantic, special night tour is for anyone who wants something truly special, local and unique, and it is available only through Northern Hikes. Pickup is included.

Special deal: easy scenic routeGuide in English · 08:00Exactly the same as the Easy Scenic tour, at a special rate with only a few seats available, so book it if you see it! This relaxed tour visits two sites in one day: Bastei Bridge (Germany) and a boat ride in the Kamenice Gorge. It is offered at a special rate. This all-inclusive tour covers door-to-door service, a dinghy ride through the Gorges of Kamenice, Bastei Bridge and a premium à la carte lunch. It lasts about 11 hours, with a start around 8:00 a.m. and a return around 6:30 p.m., though duration may vary. Healthy breakfast snacks are provided, and the premium à la carte lunch (main course and drink) includes vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is included. The route is easy to moderate, with 4 miles (6 km) of walking on maintained trails, some stairs, split into three parts. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. Pickup is included.

Winter Hike: Gate+BasteiGuide in English · 07:30Two iconic sites in winter: visit Czechia's Pravcicka Gate and Germany's Bastei Bridge on a more demanding winter hike with scenic viewpoints. This all-inclusive winter tour covers door-to-door service, the Pravcicka Gate hike, Bastei Bridge, an à la carte lunch, and hot tea or mulled wine. It lasts about 11 hours, depending on group pace, with pickup at 7:30 a.m. and a return around 6:30 p.m. Healthy snacks are included, along with an à la carte lunch (main course and drink) and vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is included. This is a moderate winter hike of 7 miles (10 km), mixing uphill sections with flatter forest trails and scenic viewpoints, making it a fairly active option. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. Limited winter access: Pravcicka Gate is open only Friday to Sunday in winter, so this tour is a rare chance to see it. Pickup is included.

See 7 more options

Winter Magic: Narnia+BasteiGuide in English · 07:30Our winter bestseller: visit Germany's Bastei Bridge and Czechia's Tisa Rock Labyrinth (Narnia), two top winter sites. This all-inclusive tour with professional local guides covers door-to-door service, a premium local à la carte lunch, snacks, drinks and mulled wine. Everything is included. It lasts about 10 hours, depending on group pace, with pickup at 8:00 a.m. and a return around 6:00 p.m. Healthy snacks are provided, along with an à la carte lunch (main course and drink) and vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is included. The walking is easy, 4 miles (7 km), with some stairs up to viewpoints, making it great for families and active seniors. Ice spikes are provided. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. Popular in winter, the Tisa Rocks are snow-covered, creating a magical atmosphere. Pickup is included.

Gentle Walk: Narnia+BasteiGuide in English · 08:00Our easiest and most relaxed tour, visiting two sites in one day: Narnia Rocks (Tisa) and Bastei Bridge (Germany). This all-inclusive tour covers door-to-door service, Narnia Rocks (Tisa), Bastei Bridge and a premium à la carte lunch. It lasts about 10 hours, with a start at 8:00 a.m. and a return around 6:00 p.m., though timing may vary. Snacks include a healthy snack pack, and the premium à la carte lunch (main course plus drink) offers vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is included. The walking totals 3 miles (5 km) on maintained trails, with some stone stairs, split into three parts with breaks. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. This gentle-paced tour suits all visitors, including families with children. Pickup is included.

Easy Scenic: Boats+BasteiGuide in English · 08:00An easy-to-do, relaxed tour visiting two sites in one day: a boat ride in the Kamenice Gorge and Bastei Bridge (Germany). This all-inclusive tour covers door-to-door service, a dinghy ride through the Gorges of Kamenice, Bastei Bridge and a premium à la carte lunch. It lasts about 11 hours, with a start around 8:00 a.m. and a return around 6:30 p.m., though duration may vary. Healthy breakfast snacks are provided, and the premium à la carte lunch (main course plus drink) includes vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is included. The walking covers 4 miles (6 km) on maintained trails, with some stairs, split into three parts with breaks. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. This moderate experience is shorter and simpler than the TOP3 Hikers' route, with stone steps at some locations, and suits most visitors. Pickup is included.

Dresden Old Town and Bastei BridgeGuide in English · 08:00Dresden City and Bastei Bridge: a very easy tour that pairs a beautiful Baroque city with some of the national park's best views. This all-inclusive tour includes door-to-door service, a walk through the exteriors of Dresden Old Town, a visit to Bastei Bridge and a premium à la carte lunch. It runs about 10 hours, starting around 8:00 a.m. and returning to Prague around 6:00 p.m. The pace is relaxed, ideal for families and easy sightseeing. The premium lunch (main course and drink) comes with vegetarian and vegan options, and a small snack pack is also included. The day moves from Bastei Bridge to Dresden Old Town, with free time to explore or an optional one-hour interior visit to the Zwinger palace. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. Choose this tour if you want to see Dresden or combine the best natural scenery with a historic town. Pickup is included.

Hikers TOP3: Gate+Boats+BasteiGuide in English · 07:15Our full-day hiking option with all three main highlights: Pravcicka Gate, a boat ride and Bastei Bridge (Germany). This all-inclusive tour covers door-to-door service, the Pravcicka Gate hike, a dinghy ride through the Gorges of Kamenice, Bastei Bridge and a premium à la carte lunch. It runs about 12 to 13 hours, departing around 7:30 a.m. and returning around 7:30 p.m. Snacks are offered, with healthy breakfast snacks, and the premium à la carte lunch (main course plus drink) includes vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is included. The route is 10 miles (16 km) of moderately demanding hiking, suitable for experienced or fit hikers, split into four parts with breaks. You travel in a Volkswagen Caravelle T6 passenger van with air conditioning in every row and onboard Wi-Fi. This is our most demanding experience, ideal if you are fit and want to fit as much as possible into one day in Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park. Pickup is included.

Private Winter TourGuide in English · 08:30Private tour, tailored to you: your own guide and vehicle, just for your group. Choose your stops and pace, and change plans as the day unfolds. Everything is included with no extra costs: door-to-door transport, entry fees, parking, lunch, snacks, coffee and drinks, all arranged for you. Start whenever suits you, from early morning to noon, and return to Prague at a time that works for you. A premium local à la carte lunch is included, and you can order what you like, including extra desserts and drinks, all included. We plan around your wishes, the weather and your energy, and you can add or skip stops and adjust the itinerary during the day. You travel in a spacious private VW T6 Highline van with plenty of legroom, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. All ages are welcome, babies included, with infant car seats available, and we tailor the route, pace and stops to your family's needs. Pickup is included.

Private tour: plan your day your wayGuide in English · 08:30Flexible tour timing and itinerary: add a bonus stop to this tour and set your own pace, whether you want to move quickly or take it slowly. An ideal option for groups and families. This all-inclusive tour covers all expenses, including entrance fees, parking, a tasty lunch, snacks and coffee, all included in the price. It lasts up to 14 hours, and you set the duration yourself: start earlier at 7 a.m. or later at 9 to 10 a.m., and return to Prague when you choose. A gourmet lunch is included, with an opportunity for coffee, tea or beer afterwards. This is an extra compared with the shared tour. We create an individual route based on the actual weather, your wishes and your energy levels, so you can make the most of our planning help. You travel in a VW T6 Caravelle Highline, a top-class passenger van with plenty of legroom, three zones of air conditioning and very comfortable seats, the best in our fleet. Wi-Fi is included. Babies are welcome, with infant car seats available and no age restriction, and we also help you plan a baby-friendly itinerary. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:15, the last at 14:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Northern Hikes

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see both Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland in one day without arranging your own transport, park tickets, and timing: the fixed itinerary and small group size (max 8 people) are what make two national parks fit into a single afternoon and evening.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the tour options?

Options vary which sites you visit: some include the Pravcicka Gate hike, others the Kamenice boat ride, and some combine both. All include the Bastei Bridge. Tisá Rocks (the Narnia-like sandstone towers) are only available November to March. Check the itinerary when booking to see which sites match your fitness level and interests.

How long is the hike to Pravcicka Gate?

About 3 miles at a moderate pace. Hiking sticks and raincoats are provided. It's not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health, but suitable for most fitness levels.

Is lunch included, and are dietary needs covered?

Yes. You choose your main course and a drink à la carte from a local Czech restaurant. Vegetarian, vegan, and meat options are available. Kofola (local soft drink) and Czech beer are options if you want to try them.

What time does pickup happen?

Between 7:15 and 8:15 a.m. from your Prague accommodation, depending on your selected tour option. Return is typically between 6 and 8 p.m.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast snack pack, water, à la carte lunch with a drink, national park entry fees, a licensed English-speaking guide, air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi, and use of hiking sticks, daypacks, and raincoats.

Is the boat ride on the Kamenice River easy?

Yes. It's described as easy and family-friendly: a tranquil gondola-style float through the gorge with no physical exertion required.

Can I store luggage during the tour?

Some luggage can be stored in the van (daypacks, small bags). Strollers and very large bags are not recommended.