Rising Visitor Numbers in Czech National Parks: More Visitors, More Responsibility

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.

“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.