This riverside city on the Elbe has an 18th-century baroque castle perched on a sandstone cliff. Its historic square includes Gothic churches and a military museum.
Děčín lies where the Elbe and Ploučnice rivers meet in northwestern Czechia. A 13th-century castle rises above the city on a sandstone cliff, with peacocks roaming its baroque gardens. Walk through the streets lined with pastel townhouses, then venture into Bohemian Switzerland National Park to climb rock formations, take boat rides through Kamenice Gorge, or hike along Europe's deepest sandstone canyon.
Transport Connections in Děčín
Trains run from Děčín to Dresden (40 minutes), Prague (2 hours), and several stops in Bohemian Switzerland National Park. City buses go to the zoo and castle, while in summer you can cross the Elbe by ferry at four points along the river. From the central train station, you'll find marked hiking trails leading into the surrounding mountains.
Děčín Castle and Gardens
The castle sits atop a 165-foot sandstone cliff overlooking the Elbe River valley. Its baroque Rose Garden stretches across five terraces, with a sala terrena and a 19th-century gloriette from the time when thousands of roses bloomed here. Walk through rooms displaying artifacts from the castle's military past and the region's sandstone mining history. The Long Drive, a kilometer-long access road between stone walls, leads up to the castle entrance.
River Valley and Rock Formations
The Elbe River carved through sandstone to create the steep valley walls around Děčín. Climb Pastýřská stěna (Shepherd's Wall), a 150-meter cliff opposite the castle, for views of the city along both riverbanks. During dry periods, walk to the historic hunger stone near the left bank - this rare hydrological monument has carved dates marking drought periods since the 1600s.
Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland
Walk directly from Děčín into Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The trail to Pravčická brána leads to this 27-meter-high sandstone arch, while boats take you through the narrow passages of Kamenice Gorge. Choose between riverside paths and steep climbs to viewpoints. Rock climbers can tackle more than 70 via ferrata routes, with difficulty levels from A (easiest) to E (most challenging).
Things to Do with Children
The city's zoo occupies a wooded hillside where you can see over 150 animal species, including endangered breeds and a petting area with farm animals. At the aquapark, swim in indoor and outdoor pools, try the water slides, or relax in the spa area. Rent bikes to ride the Elbe Cycle Path through the city, which connects to 1,300 kilometers of regional cycling routes.
