Bohemian Switzerland: Pravcicka Gate & Bastei Bridge tour

Summary

Winter walk to Pravcicka Gate and Bastei Bridge from Prague

You’ll walk snowy trails past sandstone towers in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, reach Pravcicka Gate without crowds, share stories over lunch at U Forta, and cross Bastei Bridge above the Elbe canyon with your local guide nearby. It’s a day trip from Prague full of quiet moments and wild views you’ll remember long after the snow melts.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen snow this quiet?" our guide Pavel asked, boots crunching ahead of us as we left the minivan behind in Bohemian Switzerland National Park. I just shook my head — it was like the whole forest was holding its breath. The air smelled sharp, almost sweet, and every branch wore a coat of white. We’d started early from Prague (they picked us up right at our hotel, which was honestly a relief because I never trust myself with public transport before coffee), and by the time we reached the trailhead, the sun was just starting to peek through gray clouds.

The hike up to Pravcicka Gate wasn’t too tough — maybe an hour or so? — but I did have to stop once or twice to catch my breath and pretend I was taking photos. Pavel kept pointing out these weird sandstone shapes poking out of the snow, telling stories about smugglers and border crossings back when this was a real frontier. At one point he handed me a snack bar from his backpack (included in the tour, but still felt like a small act of kindness). When we finally reached the arch itself, it looked unreal — huge and silent, with no crowds at all. Just us and maybe two other hikers in the distance. I tried saying “Pravcická Brána” properly; Li laughed when I butchered it.

Lunch at U Forta was warm in every sense — wood stove going strong, windows fogged up from inside. I went for something vegetarian (they had plenty of options), plus a local Cvikov beer that tasted kind of earthy after all that cold air. Pavel chatted with the staff in Czech; you could tell he’s been here a hundred times. After lunch we drove through Bad Schandau — old timber houses, people bundled up on bikes — then crossed into Germany for the Bastei Bridge part of the day trip.

The bridge itself sits high above the Elbe canyon, and walking across it with snow swirling around felt almost unreal. The wind picked up there; my cheeks stung but I didn’t care much because that view… well, you’ll see what I mean if you go. We lingered until our fingers got numb and then headed back toward Prague as dusk settled over everything. There’s something about winter light in Saxon Switzerland that makes you feel small but lucky at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Prague to Bohemian Switzerland

• Pickup at accommodation in Prague
• Pass by Decin town and castle
• Visit Pravcicka Gate stone arch
• Explore Pravcicka Gate viewpoints and formations
• Lunch at U Forta restaurant

Day 2 — Saxon Switzerland and Return

• Drive through Bad Schandau spa town
• Walk to Bastei Bridge and viewpoints
• Return to Prague accommodation

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Prague to Pravcicka Gate & Bastei Bridge?

The tour usually lasts from 7:45–8:15 am pickup until 6–7 pm drop-off back in Prague.

Is lunch included on this Bohemian Switzerland tour?

Yes, an à la carte lunch at U Forta restaurant is included with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Are there any difficult hikes on this winter national park tour?

The hike to Pravcicka Gate is moderate; travelers should have basic fitness but it’s not technical or steep.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Prague?

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

Can dietary requirements be accommodated during lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available and other dietary needs can be accommodated easily.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Prague by comfortable minivan with WiFi onboard, entry fees for both national parks, hiking sticks if you want them, a crafted snack package for along the trail, an expert English-speaking guide throughout, plus an à la carte lunch (with one main course and drink) at U Forta before heading back home again.