Elbe sandstone
The protected landscape area of the Elbe Sandstone consists of a number of canyons and gorges, which surround rock towns and massifs. It covers an area of 324 km2 and was established in 1972. The reason for the protection of this area is a unique sandstone landscape with extensive forests and cultural monuments, especially in the form of folk buildings. The Elbe Sandstone Protected Landscape Area also includes the Czech Switzerland National Park and the Tisza Walls.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Elbe sandstone
The Elbe sandstones are located on both banks of the river Elbe and the place is generally very popular not only with tourists but also with climbers who use sandstone rocks for training. Despite the large number of visitors, there is a relatively quiet and beautiful nature. If you are mainly looking for nature reserves and monuments, head to the part of the Elbe Sandstones, located along the right bank of the Elbe.
Extensive forests are home to various species of game, most often deer, foxes, roe deer, but you can also see chamois or lynx here.
The whole area is mostly formed by Cretaceous Mesozoic sediments. Thanks to volcanic activity, a kilometer-long sandstone slab was broken into a system of faults, and the current appearance of the local landscape is also the result of erosive action. Here you will find a number of canyons and gorges, rock towns, towers and other bizarre formations.
The most beautiful places in the Elbe sandstones:
• The canyon in the section between Hřensko and Děčín is absolutely breathtaking.
• The most impressive view of the Elbe canyon can be found from the Belvedere - a viewing platform.
• Another picturesque place are the gorges on the river Kamenice, which is a tributary of the Elbe.
• Pravčická gate, a rock bridge 16 meters high.
• Hiking trail leading through Jetřichovice Rocks to Hřensko.
The highest point of the Elbe sandstones is Vysoký Sněžník, rising to a height of 726 m above sea level. and vice versa, the lowest point is the Elbe valley in Hřensko.
Author: Andrea Štyndlová