After a two-year hiatus, one of the most popular spots in Bohemian Switzerland National Park is reopening: Edmund’s Gorge near Hřensko is once again welcoming visitors. Local officials are calling it a sign of a new beginning – under close observation and with strict rules.
Two years after the devastating forest fire in Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko), there is finally good news for locals and tourists: the municipality of Hřensko in the Děčín district has decided to reopen Edmund’s Gorge – one of the region’s main attractions. The picturesque section along the Kamenice River had been closed since summer 2022 for safety reasons. Boat services are to resume next week – initially on a trial basis and with strict restrictions. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed to enter the gorge each day.
Visitor procedures will be strictly regulated: initially, the gorge will only be accessible to locals on 15 and 16 July as part of a trial run. The official reopening date for the general public is 19 July. Tickets will only be available on the day of the visit at the information centre in the town hall. The gorge will only open if weather conditions are suitable. Visitors must wear sturdy footwear; prams and dogs are not permitted. Groups will be led through the gorge by a guide, after which a ferryman will take over for the passage on the water.
However, the popular Gabrielensteig trail to the Prebischtor rock bridge remains closed. Other trails in the national park must also be temporarily closed – for example, due to felling unstable trees or securing rock formations. Between 14 July and 14 August, the green-marked trail between Hřensko and the Janovská vyhlídka viewpoint will be closed.
The 2022 forest fire was the largest in the history of the Czech Republic. Over 500 people had to be evacuated, and around 6,000 firefighters battled the flames for 21 days. The damage amounted to approximately 270 million crowns.
