Drive From the Saxon to Bohemian Switzerland

On the way, stop at this café where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast sitting on the terrace overlooking the river.
I recommend trying the homemade cakes, which all look great, or try one of the savoury options the café offers.
The café is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Mondays.

Leave your car in this car park, which is very convenient being a 10-minute walk from the start of the climb to the bridge.
Before 10:00 AM there are generally not many people and you will comfortably find space to park.

Stop by these incredible rock formations, smoothed by water, which are connected to one another by the Bastion bridge.
To reach the bridge, which rises about 300 metres above the Elbe River, you will have to climb exactly 487 steps. I therefore recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and take a water bottle with you.
If you pay attention, you will probably remember seeing this bridge in the film The Chronicles of Narnia or in The Grand Budapest Hotel.
This part of the park is called Saxon Switzerland National Park because the artists who first fell in love with this land were Swiss and named it after their homeland.
The first version of the bridge was constructed in 1824 with wood but in 1851 a new version was built to help with a steady increase in visitors.
From the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains and the beautiful landscape of Saxony in Germany.

Next to these rock formations, you can see the remains of Neurathen Castle, which was converted into an interesting open-air museum.
It was once the largest boulder castle in the region, but only the sandstones rooms, corridors, water tank, and wooden bulkheads of the former timber superstructure remain today.
According to what you will read, the castle was repeatedly attacked, seized, and burned during the military conflicts between the Bohemian and Saxon armies.

Head back to the car park to get your car before stopping for lunch and then get back on the road for the next stop in the Czech Republic.

Stop at this little restaurant with a fantastic view of the mountains and the river to eat homemade food typical of German Saxony.
The portions are large, just what you need after this little trek you've been on. Try the homemade soups and fish rolls, or if you are a meat lover opt for the goulash.
The owners reflect the family atmosphere they have created with their kindness and the prices are great considering how much you will eat. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Leave your car here and take the path that will lead you to Pravcicka Gate. It is a light one and it will take you through a forest with a great biodiversity scenario.

You will pass through one of the most popular natural attractions of the Šumava National Park: the Pravcicka Gate, the highest sandstone arch in Europe.
At 21 metres high, it is in fact the largest natural rock gate on the European continent, becoming a national natural monument.
In fact, it is the main symbol of the Bohemian Switzerland, being considered the most beautiful natural formation in the entire Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
After a walk of about an hour, you will arrive at the entrance from which several trails and landscaped stairs lead to individual viewpoints in the area. From each of them, you can observe the arch or enjoy a spectacular view of the surroundings.
You will not be surprised to learn that this imposing place has been used by filmmakers to create fantastic worlds, such as the Narnia one.
The park is open daily from April to October from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and from November to March only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Go back along the same route and drive heading south again.

Do not miss the view from this lookout tower over the entire Bohemian Central Mountains.
Remain here meditating on the horizon and nourishing your gaze with the sight of the Ore Mountains.
The watchtower is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Before going to dinner, check into this guesthouse where you will spend the night and relax in the garden, perhaps freshen up at the bar.
The guesthouse is very well-kept, being an old renovated farmhouse that has retained its original, picturesque architecture.
The location is amazing, surrounded by greenery and very quiet where you can completely relax. The rooms are large, clean, and comfortable and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Check-in is available from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and check-out before 10:00 AM.

Stop by and dine at this pub where wood and stone dominate, just as you might expect from a local pub. You can sit either outside or inside and order the delicious potato pancakes and excellent soups.
The ambience is very pleasant and the service is good and the food is super tasty. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Reservations are not necessary, but you can always phone this number + 420 608 162 474 to be sure and book in advance.

After dinner, tiredness will surely begin to set in, considering the intense day you have just had.
Head back to the guesthouse and have a good rest in preparation for the second day on the road.