Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland: Hiking Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Hiking sandstone bridges, river gorges and old castles from Prague

You’ll hike sandstone bridges above the Elbe canyon, share stories with your local guide over lunch at Falcon’s Nest near Pravčická Gate, and drift quietly through Kamenice river gorge by boat. Expect hotel pickup, all entry fees covered, snacks and lunch included — plus those small moments you can’t plan for but remember anyway.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the Elbe always finds its way back,” our guide Pavel said as we watched the river curve below the Bastei Bridge. I was still half-awake in the minivan, but that line stuck with me. The drive out of Prague was quiet — except for Pavel’s stories about Říp mountain and why Czech kids learn its legend in school. We passed fields that looked like green patchwork under a soft gray sky. Someone in our group asked if we’d see any wild boar. Pavel just grinned and said, “If you smell garlic in the woods, maybe.” Not sure if he was joking.

The Bastei Bridge really does look like something out of an old fairy tale — stone arches over a canyon that feels way too deep for central Europe. There was this chill in the air and a kind of damp mossy smell clinging to everything. We walked across as early sun started to burn through the clouds (not dramatic, just slow and gold). I kept stopping to look down at the Elbe and those weirdly perfect rock towers. Pavel told us about smugglers hiding there centuries ago; I tried to imagine it but mostly just felt small in a good way.

Crossing into Hřensko felt like slipping into another country even though it’s just a few minutes’ drive. The houses are painted these faded colors — blue, yellow, sometimes peeling — and you can hear water rushing somewhere behind them. Lunch came after our hike up to Pravčická Gate (that’s the huge sandstone arch you see on postcards). It’s bigger than I expected. We ate inside Falcon’s Nest, which is this creaky old restaurant right by the arch. Local beer tasted cold and grassy after the climb; my legs were wobbly but happy. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Pravčická” correctly — definitely butchered it.

The last part was quieter: walking along Kamenice river gorge where everything smells green and wet, then drifting downriver on a little boat with barely any noise except oars dipping in water. Our guide pointed out some birds — kingfisher? — but honestly I was just letting my mind wander by then. Back in Hřensko, our driver looked genuinely rested (he’d napped while we hiked) and dropped us off back in Prague before dusk. I still think about that view from Bastei Bridge sometimes when city life gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland

• Depart Prague in comfortable minivan
• View Říp mountain from the car
• Walk Bastei Bridge and castle ruins
• Visit Bastei Bridge viewpoint
• Pass through Hřensko town entrance
• Hike to Pravčická Gate rock arch
• Enjoy local beer at Falcons nest
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Hike down Kamenice river gorge
• Boat cruise on Kamenice river
• Return to Prague with drop off

Top questions

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

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this hiking tour?

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

Do I need a passport for this day trip?

Yes, a valid passport is required as you cross into Germany briefly.

What level of fitness is needed for this hiking tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to several hikes.

Are meals or drinks provided during the tour?

Lunch (main course and beverage), snacks, bottled water, and local beer are included.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking.

What should I wear or bring for this day trip?

Dress appropriately for weather; comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.

Are trekking poles available on this hiking tour?

Trekking poles can be rented free of charge if requested at booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Prague city center, all admission fees along the route (including Bastei Bridge and Pravčická Gate), bottled water and snacks during hikes, plus a traditional lunch with your choice of beverage at Falcon’s Nest before returning comfortably by minivan in the evening.