Get Ready for 2025 Cruises

The charming Gorges along the Kamenice River close to Hřensko are set to welcome visitors for another exciting season. The boat rides from the Wild Gorge to Hřensko will officially start on Friday, April 4, 2025. However, please note that Edmund’s Gorge will remain closed until further notice.

The ferries will be operational every day from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, with each boat accommodating up to 25 people. The ticket price is 200 CZK for adults, while children under 15 years old will be charged 100 CZK. Children with disabilities can ride for 50 CZK and those who are disabled can ride for free. Please be aware that bicycles are not permitted on the ferries, but strollers are allowed. The cruise service will operate daily from April 4 until October 31, 2025.

Unfortunately, Edmund’s Gorge is currently inaccessible, including the trails leading from Hřensko and Mezni Most. Although the area was not directly impacted by the fire, there are concerns about falling burnt trees, which poses a safety risk. There is a possibility that Edmund’s Gorge might open with limited access in May or June 2025. If open, visitors will be required to purchase tickets online in advance.

First Cruises and Gorges Opening

Along with Maria’s Lookout, the Tisza Walls, and the Kyjov Valley, the Kamenice Gorges are recognized as some of the most romantic and significant portions of the National Park, noted for their preservation. Boating activities are accompanied by informative voyages and will operate in both upstream and downstream directions. There are numerous rocks with fascinating formations that rise above the gorges. The Wild Gorge is celebrated as the most precious and well-preserved area of the NP Bohemian Switzerland.

The first recorded journey through the gorges took place in 1877, when several adventurers successfully navigated rafts from Dolský mlýn to Hřensko. The comfort of the visitors was ensured by Prince Clary-Aldringen, who constructed pathways, bridges, and walkways in the gorges; where rocks obstructed the path, he had tunnels and passages created. May 1890 saw the inauguration of the Quiet or Edmund’s Gorge, named in honor of the prince, while Wild Gorge opened for visits in 1898.

The Historical Perspective and Modern Excursions

If we could travel back to those olden days, we would witness a captivating scene: initially, transportation was operated by just a few boats, with the ferrymen dressed in sailor attire while the boats themselves were moved and navigated using poles; unfortunately, this old practice has since been lost. According to records from the 1920s, there were 14 boats operating in the Edmund/Silent Gorge, and seven boats in the Wild Gorge from dawn until dusk. Even during this era, there were strict rules – for instance, selling goods was prohibited in the gorges, as were begging, commercial photography, and the distribution of political leaflets.

How does boating operate nowadays? The easiest route starts from Hřensko, although this route is currently closed for this year. Hikers typically went along the Kamenice River toward the first gorge, where they caught a ferry that took them about twenty minutes to reach the upper end of Edmund’s Gorge. After that, they would walk approximately 1.5 km along the bank of the Kamenice, where getting lost is unlikely, as steep rocks and beautiful rock formations line the valley. Unfortunately, with Edmund’s Gorge currently closed, hikers can now only enjoy a shorter journey through the Wild Gorge, which lasts roughly fifteen minutes. They can reach this area via the green trail from the village of Růžová or take the blue path from Vysoké Lípa to the Soorgrund Gorge, continuing along the yellow trail until they arrive at the dock.

Essential Information About Czech Switzerland

• • Gabrielle’s trail leading from Pravčická Gate toward Jetřichovice is temporarily closed.

• • The Soorgrund Gorge is not accessible (this affects the access route to the Wild Gorge from Vysoké Lípa and Mezní Louka),

• • Additionally, access to the tourist trails from Panenská fir to Snake Spring and from the Wild Gorge to the Black Gate, including climbing trails, is restricted.

• • Entry to Pravčický mine is also forbidden.

• • Restrictions apply to the cycle route The Deep Dole (route No. 3030 from “Dubák” crossroads to the Czech Road is temporarily canceled; pedestrians can enter at their own risk).

Wild Gorge 2025 Sailing Season Overview

Season & Schedule

• Opening Date: April 4, 2025

• Closing Date: October 31, 2025

• Historical Note: Wild Gorge has been welcoming visitors since 1898, with enhanced accessibility through pathways and tunnels.

Boat Details & Capacity

• Passenger Capacity: 25 passengers per boat

Ticket Pricing

• Adults: 200 CZK

• Children (up to 15 years): 100 CZK

• Seniors: 50 CZK

• Disabled: Free of charge

Onboard & Safety Information

• Allowed Items:

  • Strollers are allowed on the boats.

• Restricted Items:

  • Bicycles are not permitted on the boat rides.

• Safety Note:

  • Edmund’s Gorge is currently closed due to safety issues with falling burnt trees. It may reopen with some limitations in May or June 2025.

Attractions & Natural Wonders

• Enjoy stunning rock formations and the natural beauty of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park during the boat journey.