České ŠvýcarskoA trip to Vysoká Lipa, in spectacular 'Czech Switzerland'
|
||||||
|
It's said that in the time leading up to 1938's Munich Agreement, several high-ranking German generals believed that going to war with the Czechs would result in a costly battle, severely damaging their chances of conquering France, Belgium and the Netherlands. As you take the train from Prague along the Vltava and later the Labe (or Elbe) rivers up to Děčín you can see why the German strategists were a little nervous. The wide river that snakes between high cliffs and creeps its way through dense forest up to the German border would be a perfect permanent ambush lane. The town of Děčín lies 126 kilometers northwest of Prague and is the most accessible drop-off point for what is known as České Švýcarsko ("Czech Switzerland"). This area is the most recent addition to the Czech Republic's expansive National Forest, given National Park status in 2000. Although the area was heavily deforested by the communists, a massive reforestation plan since 1989 means that Czech Switzerland is well on the way to full recovery. Arrival in Děčín offers the visitor several options, one of which is Vysoká Lipa. The bus from Děčín to Vysoká Lipa takes anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour (full details below). There are numerous camps dotted around the park area making for convenient bivouacking for the novice camper. There are showers, drinking water and electricity around the camp grounds and the little chaty (bungalows) provide much sought-after dry cover in the event of rain (a distinct possibility). Unlike the United States, camping isn't allowed on national forest territory. This concept has its merits, maintaining the beauty of the limited number of forests in the area but for all you diehards who wish to escape the verbal diarrhea of the campground, there's another option... Although Prague TV doesn't, of course, condone such behavior, it's still possible to camp in the woods. No rangers will check on you, and as long as you don't light a fire, no one will know you're there. You might end up having a bear sleep next to your tent, and there's a risk of being attacked by wolves, but if you really need to get away, you can. The national park itself is incredibly green and hilly. High sandstone cliffs tower above you and the famous landmark Pravčická brána is the largest natural stone bridge in Europe. The vegetation looks like the base of the Rockies while some of the cliffs resemble the temples of Angkor Wat. The area itself has surprisingly low elevation so even though you feel like you're are at a high altitude, in reality you're less than 700 meters above sea level. Regardless, there are breathtaking views and fun hikes through the woods of Czech Switzerland. České Švýcarsko is a great weekend trip, albeit one better suited to a long weekend. The fresh air, fresh running water and lush forest make for a fine escape from the grime of the city. Below are some tips on transportation, and suggestions on where to go. Official Website http://www.ceskesvycarsko.cz/ (Czech and German only) How To Get There Take a train from Prague's Hlavní nádraží station to Děčín. Most days of the week, trains leave at 11:08am, 12:08pm, 1:08pm, and 3:24pm. The journey takes about one hour and 25 minutes. (The most luxurious train is the EC service, which leaves at 3:24pm). From Děčín take the bus to Vysoká Lipa. The main bus station is approximately 350 meters from the train station - leave the train station, turn left past the post office and the bus station is on your right. See the IDOS site for more detailed timetable information. Tip: If possible, buy train tickets in groups of three or more, to take advantage of considerable group discounts. Accommodation For a list of accommodation options, in Czech, see the official České Švýcarsko site. One camping option is Mezní Louka (412 554 084) which is about a five-kilometer hike from Vysoká Lipa. It's a good starting point for most day hikes and you can rent little bungalows there for two to four people in case of rain. The cost is 140 Kč per person. Hiking You should have a trail map (turistika) of the area before you go. You can actually purchase one in the hotel at the Vysoká Lipa intersection for 85 Kč. The hiking is very easy with trails all over the area. Interesting sites include Dolský mlýn, Pravčická brána, and Kyjovské údolí. Money Tip: Take plenty of cash. Practically no České Švýcarsko establishments accept credit cards and there are no bank machines in the area. České Švýcarsko Image Gallery READERS' COMMENTS |
Article added on Thu 26th Aug, 2004 [last updated Wed 25th Jul, 2007]Share this page 
|
| COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE | ||
| READ ALL SPORTS AND RECREATION ARTICLES MORE SPORTS AND RECREATION ARTICLES |
|
Sharlston Rovers Welcome Czech Internationals by Phil Caplan, Rugby League European Federation Press Release Added on Wed 5th Oct, 2011 (Last updated Wed 5th Oct, 2011) |
|
2010 Winter Olympics by Prague TV Get More out of the Games Added on Tue 23rd Feb, 2010 (Last updated Tue 23rd Feb, 2010) |
|
Prague Hibernians Gaelic Football Club by Shane Crean Press Release Added on Fri 2nd Oct, 2009 (Last updated Fri 2nd Oct, 2009) |
|
2008 Olympics by Prague TV Watching the Games in Prague Added on Thu 7th Aug, 2008 (Last updated Mon 11th Aug, 2008) |
|
Czech Rugby League News - June 2008 by Czech Association of Rugby League Czech Association of Rugby League (CZARL) Press Release Added on Thu 19th Jun, 2008 (Last updated Thu 19th Jun, 2008) |
|
Euro 2008 by Sam Beckwith Watching the Tournament in Prague Added on Fri 23rd May, 2008 (Last updated Mon 9th Jun, 2008) |
|
Mushroom Picking in Prague by Jarra Gruen 'Shrooming Safely Added on Thu 13th Mar, 2008 (Last updated Mon 17th Mar, 2008) |
|
Biking in Prague by Steve Smith Cycling Guide Added on Thu 6th Mar, 2008 (Last updated Wed 12th Mar, 2008) |
|
Olympic Dreams - and Nightmares by Casey Dean Prague's Games Bid Added on Wed 12th Dec, 2007 (Last updated Thu 13th Dec, 2007) |
|
Running Without Shame by Jarra Gruen Jogging in Prague Added on Wed 5th Dec, 2007 (Last updated Tue 15th Apr, 2008) |
|
Beroun Schools Battle It Out in Rugby League Thriller by Czech Association of Rugby League CZARL Press Release Added on Mon 26th Nov, 2007 (Last updated Mon 26th Nov, 2007) |
|
Prague Barbarians RFC 2007/08 by Prague Barbarians Press Release: Expat Rugby Added on Mon 23rd Jul, 2007 (Last updated Mon 23rd Jul, 2007) |
|
River Islands in the Heart of Prague by Petr Štěpánek Slovanský, Střelecký, Dětský Added on Thu 24th May, 2007 (Last updated Mon 23rd Jul, 2007) |
|
Prague International Marathon by Prague TV 13 Years Running Added on Thu 3rd May, 2007 (Last updated Thu 3rd May, 2007) |
|
Prague Pool Halls by Oliver White Where to Play Eight-Ball Added on Tue 16th Jan, 2007 (Last updated Tue 16th Jan, 2007) |
| READ ALL SPORTS AND RECREATION ARTICLES |
Visit the Sports & Recreation main page
Find listings, help forums, tips and more
Galeria Harfa
The biggest shopping & administration mall in Prague
Ristorante Soave
La cucina italiana
Century 21
World Leader in Real Estate
MORE ARTICLES
Prague TV Home | Contact | About | FAQ | Site Map | Search | Advertise | Privacy | Terms of Service
Prague TV is a Real Time Production. ©2012 All rights reserved.
Alexei Krenke
April 26th, 2006