Four national parks, from the rock arches of Bohemian Switzerland to the ancient forests of Šumava.
The Czech Republic has four national parks, and they are unusually different from one another for a country this size — sandstone canyons in the north, primeval spruce forest along the Bavarian border, and a mountain range with arctic tundra on top.
České Švýcarsko (Bohemian Switzerland)
Sandstone towers, gorges and the Pravčická brána — the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. Two hours north of Prague and the most spectacular day trip in the country. Parts were badly burned in a 2022 wildfire and have been recovering since; check trail closures before going.
Šumava
The largest park, running along the Bavarian and Austrian border. Deep spruce forest, glacial lakes and vast peat bogs, with some of the least disturbed woodland in Central Europe. Good for multi-day walking rather than a day trip.
Krkonoše (Giant Mountains)
The highest range in the country, topped by Sněžka at 1,603 m. Above the treeline there is genuine arctic-alpine tundra, a relic of the last ice age. It is also the main Czech ski region in winter.
Podyjí
The smallest and least known, on the Austrian border in South Moravia — a deep river valley with unusually rich flora, and vineyards right up to the park edge.
Protected landscape areas
Beyond the parks there are twenty-odd CHKO protected landscapes, including Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise), the rock towns and ruined castles closest to Prague and the easiest to reach without a car.
Practical notes
Trails are waymarked with a colour system that is consistent across the whole country and genuinely reliable. Wild camping is not permitted in national parks; marked shelters and huts exist in the mountains.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Which national park is closest to Prague?
Bohemian Switzerland, about two hours north. Český ráj is a protected landscape rather than a park and is closer still.
Can I visit without a car?
Yes. Trains and buses reach all four parks, though within Šumava a car helps considerably.
When is the best time to hike?
May to October. Krkonoše is a ski destination from December to March.
Read more: Böhmisches Paradies, nature trips near Prague Und day trips from Prague.
Last reviewed in August 2026.
