Šumava National Park

Národní park Šumava

A pristine wilderness of ancient forests, glacial lakes, and mountain peaks straddling the German border, offering some of Central Europe's best hiking and nature experiences. The park protects diverse ecosystems and provides scenic trails for all fitness levels.

Things to do

• Hike to Černé jezero — Trek to the park's largest and deepest glacial lake, surrounded by pristine spruce forest and accessible via well-marked trails from Lake Plešné.
• Explore Modravská Podbor old-growth forest — Walk among some of Central Europe's oldest and largest trees, including centuries-old spruces, on protected forest trails near the village of Modrava.
• Cycle the Šumava Cycle Trail — Follow the 360 km international cycling route that loops through the park and connects to Bavaria, suitable for multi-day touring.
• Visit Lipno Lake viewpoint — Enjoy panoramic views of the largest lake in the region from accessible observation points, with swimming and water sports available in summer.
• Climb Boubín peak — Ascend the iconic 1,362-meter summit for 360-degree views across the Šumava mountains and into Bavaria.
• Kayak on glacial lakes — Paddle the pristine waters of Čertovo jezero and Plešné jezero, surrounded by untouched wilderness and accessible through local outfitters.
• Visit Antique House Museum in Horská Kvilda — Explore traditional Šumava mountain life and folk crafts in this preserved 19th-century cottage museum.

Food to try

• Šumavský guláš — A hearty venison or wild boar goulash slow-cooked with mushrooms and juniper berries, reflecting the region's hunting tradition.
• Trout from local streams — Fresh freshwater trout caught in Šumava's cold streams and prepared simply with butter and herbs in village restaurants.
• Chlebíčky — Traditional open-faced Czech sandwiches topped with various spreads, smoked meats, and vegetables, perfect for picnic lunches on hiking trails.
• Borůvkový koláč — A local blueberry tart made with berries foraged from the forest, served warm with whipped cream in family-run cafes.
• Žitný chlebek — Dense, dark rye bread baked traditionally and sold in village bakeries, ideal for pairing with local cheeses and cured meats.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect seasonal trail closures — Parts of the park are closed April-May and November to protect wildlife during sensitive periods; always check current regulations before hiking.
• Learn basic Czech trail markers — Red, blue, and green painted marks indicate different difficulty levels; familiarize yourself with these color codes before setting out on unmarked paths.
• Support local mountain villages — Stay in family-run guesthouses in villages like Modrava and Horská Kvilda rather than larger towns to directly benefit communities within the park.
• Bring cash for remote areas — Many small mountain villages and traditional restaurants operate on cash-only basis, as card payment infrastructure is limited in remote parts of the park.

Nearby

• Prachatice — 29 km
• Rožmberk Castle — 44 km
• Český Krumlov (Prague and Central Bohemia) — 52 km
• České Budějovice — 69 km