Malá Pravčická Brána

Kleines Prebischtor

Useful Information

Location:	Bohemian Switzerland at the E3 European long distance path between Mezní Louka and Vysoká Lípa.
Open:	no restrictions. [2013]
Fee:	free. [2013]
Classification:	Natural Bridge
Light:	n/a.
Dimension:	W=3.3 m, H=2.3 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
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History

Description

Malá Pravcická brána (Kleines Prebischtor, Small Prebish Door) is a natural bridge located in Bohemian Switzerland, a landscape of eroded sandstone cliffs located at the border between Germany and the Czech Republic. It is located at the Czech side of the border and so the Czech version of the name is the official one, but actually the German name Kleines Prebischtor is as commonly used. The hole of this bridge is 2.3 m high and 3.3 m wide, and it crosses a wall-like sandstone cliff in the middle of the forest.

Its almost rectangular shape is caused by the layering of the sandstone, which causes slabs of rocks to fall down from the ceiling, once they get unstable. The result is always a horizontal slap forming the ceiling of the opening.

The cliffs of the Bohemian Switzerland were formed by the erosion of the sandstone. Harder parts of the sandstone are more resistant against weathering, so they take longer to erode. Soft layers form cavities and caves, collapse produces tectonic caves and weathering along cracks and bedding planes creates wall-like structures. The result is a pretty strange landscape which is the main attraction of this area. There is a vast system of walking trails offering access to the cliffs, only a few sights are accessible by car.