The Czech Republic’s national parks and protected landscape areas are becoming increasingly popular with tourists from home and abroad. A recent analysis by CzechTourism shows not only rising visitor numbers but also the challenges associated with this trend.
The number of visitors to national parks and protected landscape areas in the Czech Republic continues to rise, confirming their popularity among domestic and foreign tourists. In summer 2023, over 900,000 visitors traveled to the Krkonoše Mountains. The Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Národní park České Švýcarsko) recorded the highest number of foreign visitors, with a share of 31%. This is the result of an analysis by the Czech Tourist Board – CzechTourism, which was carried out with the support of the Switzerland-Czech Republic programme.
The study includes data from 2019 to 2023 and is based on the evaluation of GSM data, visitor arrivals at destinations, accommodation information, and interviews with representatives of the individual regions. In addition to the high number of visitors to the Krkonoše Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland, there has also been a significant increase in the Beskydy and Jeseníky Protected Landscape Areas.
“The results are both pleasing and alarming for us. On the one hand, we are seeing a growing interest in the beauty of Czech nature; on the other hand, it is clear that sustainable development and the protection of these areas must be ensured,” explains František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism.
The analysis identifies several key challenges. Many national parks struggle with a lack of forest and game rangers, as well as inadequate infrastructure—such as a lack of parking facilities or poor public transport connections. More targeted marketing and better coordination of tourism could help promote less-visited areas. The increasing popularity of e-bikes also plays a role: on the one hand, they offer new opportunities, but they also often lead to conflicts on tourist hiking routes. In addition, climate change and its impact on natural habitats, as well as the reckless behavior of some visitors, pose major challenges for national parks across the country.
The Ministry of the Environment has also long been concerned with tourism in national parks and the development of local communities.
“National parks are for conservation, but they are also for people—both locals and tourists. Our aim is to enable sustainable tourism in these areas. This means managing visitor flows in a way that avoids overcrowding in the most popular places and negative impacts on nature and local residents. We have been successful in this so far. That is why the Ministry of the Environment has been supporting the development of infrastructure in the villages of the national parks for years,” emphasizes Environment Minister Petr Hladík.
“However, the analysis has also revealed positive developments. For example, the provision of free public transport and the use of electric buses in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in Europe, has brought good results. Bohemian Switzerland is not only a natural jewel but also a role model for sustainable tourism,” adds Petr Janeček, Head of the CzechTourism Institute.
CzechTourism continues to work closely with municipalities and nature conservation authorities and organizes regular meetings. Based on these analyses and discussions, CzechTourism adapts its promotional activities—for example, through projects such as ‘Hidden Gems’ (Skryté skvosty). Together with local partners, it also looks for alternatives to promote lesser-known places with a similar experience value, provided the infrastructure allows for this and is prepared for a larger number of visitors.
