When director Andrew Adamson was searching for the perfect location to represent a magical realm cursed by an eternal winter in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), he did not find it in Hollywood studios. He found it in the very heart of Central Europe—in the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks.
The deep pine forests and bizarre sandstone towers of this region served as the ultimate backdrop for the world under the rule of the White Witch, Jadis. If you want to experience this mystical atmosphere firsthand, here are the exact locations you must visit.
Pravčická Gate: The Iconic Stone Bridge
One of the most awe-inspiring shots in the entire film is the scene where the Pevensie children, guided by the beavers, cross a gigantic snow-covered stone arch. This arch was not created by digital effects—it is Pravčická Gate, the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe.
Although the snow-capped mountains in the film's background were added digitally, the arch itself and the trail leading to it are completely real. Standing beneath this 16-meter-high natural wonder is a spine-tingling experience, even in the heat of summer.
Tisa Rocks (Tiské stěny): The Labyrinth Where Magic Began
While Pravčická Gate provided the epic wide shots, the more intimate scenes in the snowy woods were filmed at Tisa Rocks (Tiské stěny). This vast maze of sandstone towers, narrow passages, and hidden squares perfectly captured the mysterious essence of Narnia.
It was here that scenes of young Lucy first exploring the snowy forest around the iconic lamppost were shot. During the winter months, when the rocks are dusted with snow, the illusion of Narnia at Tisa Rocks is absolutely flawless and indistinguishable from the movie.
Saxon Switzerland: The Atmosphere Across the Border
While the primary scenes were filmed on the Czech side, the film crew also utilized the nearby Saxon Switzerland in Germany. The wild canyons and majestic views from the Bastei Bridge perfectly align with the film's visual style, forming one continuous, magical world with the Czech side.
How to Visit the "Real Narnia" Stress-Free
Attempting to find the exact filming locations on your own can be frustrating. Tisa Rocks is a massive labyrinth where it is easy to get lost and miss the most spectacular spots. Furthermore, driving between Pravčická Gate and Tisa requires complex logistics and navigating two different, often crowded, parking zones.
Explore the Filming Locations With Us:
Let us seamlessly guide you back to your childhood. Our summer all-inclusive tour from Prague (or from Dresden) perfectly combines both main filming locations—Pravčická Gate and Tisa Rocks—into a single day. In winter, when the Narnia atmosphere is at its peak, join our specialized Winter Tour, designed for maximum safety on icy trails.