Bohemian Switzerland National Park is launching an extensive modernisation programme this year: plans include a new visitor centre, the expansion of the “Lynx Trail” experience area, and the renovation of key hiking trails.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Národní park České Švýcarsko) is planning a comprehensive modernisation programme from 2026 to 2028. This includes, among other things, a new visitor centre in Mezní Louka, the expansion of the “Lynx Trail” experience area, the renovation of the trail from Mezní Louka to Mezné, and the maintenance of the park’s most well-known hiking routes.
The project is called Bohemian Switzerland – modern and sustainable (České Švýcarsko moderně a udržitelně) and is set to be funded with over 120 million koruna through the Czech-Swiss cooperation programme. A further 13 million koruna will be contributed by the Ministry of the Environment.
“Visitors are an indispensable part of our national park. Wherever possible, we are modernising the infrastructure so they can experience the fascinating nature with respect,” says Petr Kříž, Director of the National Park Administration. “We have placed particular emphasis on sustainability in our planning. Guests will be offered attractive opportunities to discover the region’s natural values. In the heavily frequented Hřensko area, we will create tourist destinations away from the most ecologically sensitive zones – this will also benefit local residents and businesses.”
Investments in Mezní Louka
At the centre of the investments is Mezní Louka, a traditional starting point for park visitors. A new visitor centre with an interactive exhibition is planned here. The existing building, which is owned by the park administration, will be completely renovated. The exhibition will focus on the park’s nature and the restoration of areas damaged by forest fires.
The “Lynx Trail” (Rysí stezka) experience area will also be significantly expanded. The popular route opened in 2015 and was extended in 2022 to areas affected by storms. Additional sections are now planned in areas where the forest is currently regenerating naturally.
New Hiking Connection to Mezné and Further Projects in the National Park
Visitors will in future be able to travel more comfortably from Mezní Louka to Mezné and from there hike to highlights such as the Wild Gorge (Divoká soutěska) or the Fénix viewing platform. A new connecting path is planned from the visitor centre to an existing trail that runs parallel to the asphalt road. This will allow walkers to avoid road traffic entirely.
In addition, groundwork for future projects will be laid. This includes planning documents for the renovation of the historic trail from Tři prameny (Three Springs) to the Pravčická Gate (Pravčická brána), one of the park’s most visited paths, as well as a study for the restoration and safe reopening of the historic Gabriela Trail (Gabrielina stezka), which leads from Mezní Louka to the Pravčická Gate.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
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