The Bohemian Forest (Czech: Šumava)
Would you like to spend your holiday in Czechia but are still unsure which places in the country are particularly worth visiting? We would especially recommend the Bohemian Forest. Discover Czechia’s beautiful natural landscapes and follow the countless hiking trails. It is an adventure well worth experiencing.
Main Information
The largest national park in Czechia covers an area of 690 square kilometres and is located in the south of the country. The Bohemian Forest also borders the German Bavarian Forest National Park. In addition to the many hiking trails, which together cover around 500 km, you can explore nature in other ways as well. For example, rent a mountain bike and enjoy a relaxing break in the national park. Alternatively, you can rent a canoe and discover the Bohemian Forest from the water. The Vltava River or the Otava River are particularly suitable for this and offer around 60 kilometres of water-based fun. If you prefer a calmer experience, you can rent a stand-up paddle board and drift peacefully across the water. This allows you to enjoy the landscape from a completely new perspective.
Quiet zones
The so-called quiet zones in the Bohemian Forest are part of a measure designed to ensure that visitors respect nature and its uniqueness. These protected areas serve to safeguard rare animal species and are located especially in regions where the national park’s fauna is particularly present. Quiet zones have been established primarily around breeding and nesting sites as well as overwintering areas in order to prevent animals from being disturbed.
The quiet zones direct visitors to marked paths and hiking trails that may be used. Overall, the quiet zones cover around 22% of the Šumava National Park area. Therefore, when hiking, please make sure to remain on the designated trails in these areas and respect nature and its inhabitants. One of the park’s highlights is the peat bog, which is home to many fascinating species such as the capercaillie and the black grouse. These animals depend on the peat bog and its preservation. The same applies here: please stay on the marked paths. However, do not feel discouraged by the quiet zones. The trails were deliberately designed to allow visitors to experience the park’s most special places while still protecting its wildlife.
Flora and fauna
The Bohemian Forest is home to numerous endangered animal species that depend on the national park’s diverse habitats. In addition, you may also spot lynx, falcons, otters, or even wolves. Besides its unique wildlife, you should not miss the hiking trails along the Křemelná River between the village of Prášily and the abandoned village of Stodůlky. There, you can discover the Žďárské slatě marsh, the Častá natural forest, and Polecký vrch (Spitzberg). These highlights also became accessible to the public thanks to the quiet zone concept.
Beyond its wildlife, the Bohemian Forest is also home to rare plant species, which can be found from the floodplain meadows up to the mountain spruce forests. In addition to rare plants such as the Bohemian fringed gentian and the English sundew, the national park also features rare fungi such as the brown-spotted polypore and the fragrant fire sponge.
The national park in winter
The Bohemian Forest is not only known as a hiking destination but also for its varied ski slopes in winter. Therefore, do not miss the national park during the colder season and enjoy wonderful downhill runs in the well-known Lipno ski area, along with breathtaking views of the snow-covered winter landscape. The Bohemian Forest is also particularly appealing to cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Zadov, in particular, is considered one of the best-known cross-country skiing areas in Czechia. In total, you can enjoy around 313 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in the Bohemian Forest.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit the Bohemian Forest National Park depends on the purpose of your trip. If you would like to explore the national park on foot via its many hiking trails, the months from May to September are particularly suitable. If you would also like to experience nature from the water and perhaps take a refreshing swim, you should preferably travel during the summer months. However, the national park is also inviting during the cold winter months, especially if you are interested in cross-country skiing. For winter adventures, the months from January to April are especially suitable.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a pleasant trip to Czechia and hope you enjoy exploring the Bohemian Forest National Park. Please do not forget to inform yourself in advance about the country’s toll regulations. You are also welcome to use our email.
