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Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, is a country rich in natural beauty and diverse landscapes, with four national parks that preserve its ecological heritage. These parks showcase the country’s varied terrain, from towering sandstone formations and lush forests to serene river valleys and unique wetlands. Each park offers a distinct experience, allowing visitors to explore Czechia’s natural wonders and vibrant biodiversity.
Krkonoše National Park, located in the north along the Polish border, is the oldest national park in Czechia, established in 1963. Covering an area of approximately 363 square kilometers, the park is named after the Krkonoše Mountains, the highest mountain range in the country. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, subalpine forests, and peat bogs. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as chamois, red deer, and the rare Eurasian lynx. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, including routes to the park’s highest peak, Sněžka, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Šumava National Park, situated in the southwest along the border with Germany, covers about 690 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Czechia. The park is characterized by its dense forests, glacial lakes, and peat bogs. It is part of the larger Bohemian Forest, which extends into Germany’s Bavarian Forest. Šumava is a haven for biodiversity, supporting species like lynx, otters, and black storks. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing while exploring the park’s scenic landscapes.
Podyjí National Park, located in the south along the Austrian border, is the smallest of the Czech national parks, covering approximately 63 square kilometers. The park follows the Dyje River as it meanders through a deep, forested valley. Podyjí is renowned for its unique geology and diverse plant and animal life, including rare species like the European green lizard and the kingfisher. Visitors can explore the park’s network of hiking trails, enjoy birdwatching, and visit historic sites such as the medieval Hardegg Castle.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park, situated in the north near the German border, covers around 79 square kilometers and is famous for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and lush forests. The park is part of the larger Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which extend into Germany’s Saxon Switzerland National Park. Bohemian Switzerland is known for its iconic rock arch, Pravčická Brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive network of trails, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for rock climbing and photography.
Czechia’s national parks are vital for preserving the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity. They offer diverse recreational opportunities and invite visitors to experience the stunning landscapes and rich ecological heritage that make Czechia a captivating destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The first national park in Czechia is Krkonoše National Park, established in 1963.
Located in the northern part of the country along the border with Poland, the park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and stunning mountainous landscapes, including the Krkonoše Mountains, which feature the country’s highest peak, Sněžka.
The park plays a crucial role in preserving unique alpine and subalpine flora and fauna and is a significant site for both scientific research and ecotourism.
Šumava National Park is the largest national park in Czechia, covering an area of approximately 267 square miles (690 square kilometers).
Situated along the border with Germany in the southwestern part of the country, the park forms part of the larger Bohemian Forest and is characterized by its dense forests, glacial lakes, and peat bogs.
Šumava is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including lynx, otters, and various bird species, and offers numerous trails for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.
The smallest national park in Czechia is Podyjí National Park, which covers about 24 square miles (63 square kilometers).
Located in the south along the Austrian border, the park is known for its deep forested valleys and meandering Dyje River.
Podyjí is noted for its unique geology and biodiversity, including rare plant species and a variety of birds and insects. The park offers visitors a network of scenic trails and opportunities to explore its diverse natural environments.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park is considered the most popular national park in Czechia. Situated in the north, near the German border, the park is famous for its striking sandstone formations, deep gorges, and lush forests.
The iconic Pravčická Brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, is a major attraction. Visitors are drawn to the park’s picturesque landscapes, extensive hiking trails, and opportunities for rock climbing and photography, making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists seeking scenic beauty.
Approximately 1.5% of Czechia’s land area is protected through its four national parks. These parks cover about 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometers).
Besides Krkonoše, other prominent national parks include Šumava National Park, Bohemian Switzerland National Park, and Podyjí National Park. These parks are key in conserving Czechia’s natural heritage, including its forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife.
Apart from national parks, Czechia is home to numerous nature reserves and protected landscape areas. The Czech Karst region, known for its limestone formations and cave systems, and Moravian Karst, home to the famous Macocha Abyss, are important natural reserves.
Czechia also has biosphere reserves and natural monuments that preserve unique geological formations and habitats, such as Průhonice Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to its national parks, Czechia offers stunning natural attractions like Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, an area of impressive sandstone formations popular for hiking and rock climbing.
The Pálava Hills and Bohemian-Moravian Highlands are famous for their vineyards, scenic landscapes, and nature trails. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Macocha Abyss are also notable for their striking geological features.
While Czechia is part of a larger central European ecosystem, it is home to several species with limited distribution.
The Carpathian blue slug (Bielzia coerulans), though not entirely endemic, is found primarily in this region.
The Bohemian gentian (Gentianella bohemica), a rare flowering plant, is also native to the region.
The main international airport in Czechia is Václav Havel Airport Prague (IATA code: PRG), located in the capital city, Prague. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country, serving as the main gateway for international travelers.
International airlines that fly into Václav Havel Airport Prague include:
The national parks in Czechia are managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (Agentura ochrany přírody a krajiny ČR), which is responsible for the conservation and management of protected areas. The Ministry of the Environment oversees the broader environmental policies.
More information can be found on their website: www.ochranaprirody.cz.
