Bohemian Switzerland family fined for scratching sandstone

A family has been fined approximately 400 euros after their child scratched the sandstone at the Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone gate in Europe, located in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic.

The incident occurred on one of the viewing platforms where the child used a sharp object, described as a ruler or set square, to etch the rock. The act was captured on video by another visitor, who alerted the authorities.

A spokesperson for the national park administration noted that while the incident appeared to be a child's mistake rather than malicious intent, the fine represents the maximum amount rangers can impose directly. The administration emphasized that sandstone formations should only be shaped by natural forces like wind and water, stating that the rock at viewpoints is ‘not a page in a guestbook’.