Train from Děčín to Rumburk is a noteworthy train connection in the northern Bohemia. Both are scenic local trains, but the most interesting is U8 cross-border line.
There are two routes between Děčín and Rumburk. The first one lead through Česká Kamenice within the Czech Republic territory. It is popular among tourists who want to explore Bohemian Switzerland – it’s trails and cycling routes. The length of the route is 69 km.
The second one is uncommon – the train starts in the Czech Republic, passes through Germany (Saxony Switzerland) and return to the Czech Republic. It is called Railway of the National Park or U28 line of Ustecky region. If you want to travel the whole route without get off in Germany, you need only a domestic ticket.
Currently, both lines are operated by České dráhy (in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn on the route through Bad Schandau). Both routes are usually served Siemens Desiro trains and sometimes by Regionova diesel multiple units.
Useful websites:
České dráhy – online shop
Travelling by train with bike
idos.cz – search engine for train and bus connections in the Czech Republic
Train travel in the Czech Republic – a general overview
Most important cities and towns on the route via Česká Kamenice
Děčín – an important town in northern Bohemia, situated on the Elbe near the German border and surrounded by spectacular sandstone landscapes, located at the confluence of the Elbe and Ploučnice rivers, about 15 km from the German border. The town’s most famous landmark is a château built on a rocky promontory above the Elbe. The complex has medieval origins and was later rebuilt as a Baroque and Classical residence. The castle’s famous Rose Garden offers attractive views over the Elbe valley. The Pastýřská stěna (Shepherd’s Wall) is a prominent sandstone cliff opposite the castle and one of Děčín’s characteristic landmarks. The rock face of Shepherd’s Wall has a popular via ferrata, offering climbing routes with views over the town. Děčín Zoo is located on a wooded hill above the town. Děčín is also a good starting point for one-day train trips if you find an accomodation near main train station.
Děčín is a major railway junction on the international route between Prague, Dresden and Germany, with additional lines towards Česká Lípa, Rumburk and Benešov nad Ploučnicí. The main attractions are located a quite far from the main railway station, so you need to use a city public transport.
Benešov nad Ploučnicí – a small town on the Ploučnice River, famous for its remarkable Renaissance château complex. The town’s principal attraction is a complex of two Renaissance châteaux, the Upper and Lower Châteaux. The châteaux are among the finest examples of Saxon Renaissance architecture in the Czech Republic. The Renaissance transformation of the castle complex was largely carried out under the Salhausen family, originally from Saxony. The town has also a picturesque square with traditional houses. Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the historic religious monuments in the centre.
Česká Kamenice – a historic town in northern Bohemia, situated between the České středohoří, Lusatian Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland. Česká Kamenice has a well-preserved medieval and Renaissance town centre with colourful historic houses. The Gothic Church of St. James the Greater is one of the town’s principal landmarks. The Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is an important Baroque monument on a hill above the town. Česká Kamenice is an excellent base for exploring the nearby national park and sandstone landscapes. he town is also close to the protected landscape area of the Lužické hory. The surrounding region contains spectacular volcanic and sandstone formations.
Chřibská – a small town in northern Bohemia, situated in the Lusatian Mountains (Lužické hory) close to the border with Germany. It is an excellent base for exploring the forests, sandstone formations and villages of the Českosaské Švýcarsko region. The town has a small square surrounded by traditional houses, many reflecting the architectural heritage of northern Bohemia. There is also Church of St. George – the Baroque parish church is the principal historic monument in the town centre. The picturesque village of Doubice, known for its traditional timber houses, lies nearby. The surrounding mountains offer hiking and cycling routes through forests and volcanic hills The landscape around Chřibská combines forested mountain slopes with sandstone formations typical of northern Bohemia. The nearby Studenec (Kaltenberg) is one of the characteristic peaks of the Lusatian Mountains and has a historic.
Note: The railway station Chřibská is located about 5 km from the village. There are buses from Rybniště train stop to the village.
Most important cities and towns on the route via Bad Schandau
Schöna – border station in Germany. You can get off from the station, take a ferry next to the station and cruise the river to the Hřensko – famous village, the principal gateway to Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko). The spectacular Pravčická brána, one of Europe’s largest natural sandstone arches, is the region’s most famous landmark.
Bad Schandau – a spa town in Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) on the Elbe River, about 40 km southeast of Dresden and close to the Czech border. It is a gateway to Saxon Switzerland: The town is one of the main tourist centres for exploring the spectacular sandstone landscapes of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, making it a popular base for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. The major attraction of the town is the historic Kirnitzschtal Tramway, opened in 1898, is one of Germany’s oldest electric tramways. It runs through the scenic Kirnitzsch Valley to the Lichtenhain Waterfall, providing access to numerous hiking trails. The passenger elevator built in 1904, the historic Bad Schandau Lift rises about 50 metres to the village of Ostrau and provides panoramic views over the Elbe Valley and Saxon Switzerland. St. John’s Church is a prominent landmark in the town centre, featuring a distinctive Baroque-style tower visible from many parts of the valley. The Saxon Switzerland National Park Centre offers interactive exhibitions about the geology, wildlife, and hiking opportunities of the national park.
Rumburk – a town in the northernmost part of the Czech Republic, near the German border. Like many towns in northern Bohemia, Rumburk became an important textile manufacturing centre during the 19th century. There are two main attractions in the town: the Loreto Chapel of the Holy House, a remarkable Baroque pilgrimage complex and the Baroque St. Bartholomew’s Church parish church. There is also a city museum. Rumburk is an important regional railway junction.
