6 Things to Expect on a Hike to Kamenice Gorges

A walk along the Kamenice Gorges has taken my imagination to another world – a world where dwarfs and fairies roam around freely in the woods. The magical trail route to Kamenice gorges resembles the setting of an enchanted forest depicted in fairytale movies. It made me felt like jumping into the pages of my storybook. The landscape took me in nostalgia for my childhood days where fairytale stories lull me to sleep.

Hiking towards the gorges of the Kamenice River is one of the highlights of Czech Republic’s Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Though most tourists visit the famous Pravcicka Gate where “Chronicles of Narnia” has been filmed, the best way perhaps to explore the National Park’s landscape is through a hike to the gorges. It is an easy trail for all ages that would take roughly 2 hours, but others prefer a longer immersion in nature and take the longer route that could be completed for around 6 hours.

For those who intend to visit Bohemian Switzerland National Park and plan to trek to the gorges of Kamenice River, here are the 6 things you need to look forward to:

1. Walk Along a Path of Giant Pine Trees

Walking along the stretch of majestic Pine trees make you feel like a tiny being protected by towering trees. Feel the warmth of its embrace while it wraps your body with positive energy. Smell the freshness of the air that fills the surroundings. This would be the perfect place to calm down and contemplate.

2. Walk Under the Lush Canopy of Trees

You would never feel exhausted hiking on mid-day because the sun rays could not penetrate the ground. The sunshine would be gentle as it is filtered by the trees over you. You would not find yourself sweating too much as the air is cool even in summer brought by the dense vegetation.

3. Enjoy the Tranquility of Nature

Hiking towards the gorges of the Kamenice River is a great way to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city.Enjoy the serenity of nature as you listen to the sound of the flowing stream of water. The gentle movement of the trees and the chirping birds would bring music to your ears.

4. Stumble Upon enormous Rocks

The Kamenice River runs smoothly between the rocky walls of the deep ravine before it flows out to the main Elbe River. Hike on narrow footpaths along the river banks, cross foot bridges, and pass beneath rock overhangs and under boulders of rocks that slid down the ground. The vertical rock walls rise as high as 150 meters.

5. Experience a Dinghy ride

Some sections of the trail could only be traversed through small boats. These are the areas where the base of the rocks directly touches the water that you need to board a boat to proceed. Edmund Gorge takes you for a 20 minute boat ride and another 15 minutes if you wish to proceed to the Wild Gorge. The boat could accommodate up to 25 passengers that would be steered by a ferryman using a pole.

6. Observe the Rock Formations while on the Boat

Hop aboard a boat and entertain your eyes with the different rock patterns in which others were named as the “Guard”, and the “Rock Family.” Observe the high walls of sandstone rocks that are covered with moss and lichen. Discover the uniqueness of its land forms and appreciate the diversity of the flora and fauna along the trail. If you’re lucky enough, you could witness the man-made waterfall as it flows down the rock surface in Edmund Gorge.

The unique atmosphere of the trail to the gorges of Kamenice as well as its ineffable charm would make your trek an unforgettable experience.