Pravcicka Natural Bridge

 Pravcicka Natural Bridge in Czech Republic

Pravcicka Gate, or Pravcicka Brana is the largest natural bridge in Europe

You can watch a video about my hike to this natural bridge at this link:

Pravcicka Gate

In Bohemian Switzerland, Czech Republic stands a magnificent arch that you may have seen before without even realizing it.  The film "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" features a scene at just past one hour into the film where for only a moment, Peter, Susan, Lucy, and the beavers cross a large natural bridge.  That bridge actually exists, and is not very difficult to get to if you happen to be visiting the Czech Republic.  The actors did not actually stand on the bridge - no one is allowed to go on top of the bridge because of erosion in recent years.  Additionally, it would have been very dangerous for them to climb on top of the bridge in the winter.  They were digitally added to the top of the bridge.

Although you can't climb on top of this bridge, which is 87 feet tall, you can stand underneath it if you complete a 2.2 mile hike, which is mostly uphill.

Our route from the starting point near Hrensko

My route tracker measured the distance of the hike at 2.22 miles

Park at the waterfall parking lot in Hrensko and head up the road until you see signs for the trailhead.

The trail is busy with plenty of other people hiking.

The trail is developed and easy to walk, although uphill

 

And finally, the natural bridge comes into view...

To actually stand under the bridge, you have to pay an entrance fee of 4 euro at the gate to the left of the bridge.  Once inside, you can explore around the bridge and even purchase a bite to eat.

Under the bridge

Me, my son Micah and daughter-in-law Jancy, and grandsons Krew and Kyden under the bridge

The view from the bridge is amazing!  It is not the same view from the Narnia movie -- that was digitally created or taken somewhere else.  Here is the actual view from the bridge:

See the hiking trail down below?

Under the bridge

Take the trail that begins behind the restaurant to get an even better view of the bridge from above.  It is a little bit scary for heights, but I made it and I'm terrified of heights!  It is worth it!

Notice the small arch on the skyline just to the right of the Pravcicka.  I have not been able to find out what that arch is called!

After exploring and relaxing under the arch and in the beautiful area up there, then it's time to begin the 2.2 mile descent back to the parking lot.  This is quite a bit easier than the hike up!