Pravčická brána
Hřensko, Czechia
The largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, spanning about 26 metres in Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Walk up from the Tři prameny car park near Hřensko in about an hour; an entry fee applies and winter opening is limited.
The Pravčická brána (Pravčice Gate) is the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, with a span of 26.5 m. It is 16 m high, up to 8 m wide and protected as a national natural monument. On the rock stands the Sokolí hnízdo (Falcon's Nest) inn, built in 1881 by Prince Edmund of Clary-Aldringen; an inn had already existed here in 1826. Since 1982 the arch has been closed to walkers because of erosion.
The approach is on foot along waymarked paths, for example on the red-marked route from Hřensko. There is parking in Hřensko (charged) and in Mezní Louka. An entry fee is payable and the site is privately owned; in winter it is open only on certain days (as of October 2026). Allow a few hours for the walk there and back, and come early in the day or outside the holidays, when fewer visitors are about.
- Nearest town
- Hřensko, Czechia
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 50.8847, 14.2819
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Czechia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- ThorwaldblickCampsite6 km from Pravčická bránaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- U FerdinandaCampsite7 km from Pravčická brána · 20 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Kleine BergoaseCampsite7 km from Pravčická bránaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Ostrauer MühleCampsite8 km from Pravčická brána · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Autokemp Česká bránaCampsite10 km from Pravčická bránaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping EndlerCampsite11 km from Pravčická bránaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Czechia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pravčická brána?
Pravčická brána is in Hřensko, Czechia, at GPS 50.8847, 14.2819. It is about 10 km from Bad Schandau.
Can you camp near Pravčická brána?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kemp Mezní Louka, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 56 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pravčická brána?
Pravčická brána is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Bohemian Switzerland: sandstone arches and river gorges.
What is there to see near Pravčická brána?
Places worth a stop nearby: Edmund’s Gorge (1 km), Königstein Fortress (16 km), Basteibrücke (17 km) and Tisá Rocks (21 km).
When is the best time to visit Pravčická brána?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)