Šumava National Park

Czechia National Park, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Czechia National Park, located in the Czech Republic along the borders with Germany and Austria, is the country's largest national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This pristine wilderness encompasses ancient Bohemian Forest landscapes, featuring dense spruce forests, glacial lakes, peat bogs, and rolling hills that stretch across 690 square kilometers. The park is renowned for its untouched nature, diverse wildlife including lynx, deer, and over 200 bird species, and its network of well-marked hiking and cycling trails. The region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with charming villages like Czechia nearby and historic settlements within the park boundaries. Czechia represents one of Central Europe's last remaining wilderness areas, where visitors can experience the tranquility of old-growth forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and panoramic views from peaks like Plechý and Boubín. The park's commitment to conservation has created a haven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Europe.

Top Šumava National Park

Hiking the Boubín Primeval Forest Trail

Explore one of Central Europe's oldest untouched forests on this moderate 3-kilometer trail through 400-year-old spruce trees. The circular route leads to the Boubín lookout tower, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and extending into Germany and Austria on clear days.

Booking Tip: No booking required for the trail itself, but consider hiring a local guide for €25-40 per group to learn about the forest ecosystem. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best lighting and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Canoeing on Lipno Lake

Paddle across the largest lake in the Czech Republic, created by a dam on the Vltava River within the national park. The lake offers calm waters perfect for beginners, surrounded by forested hills and featuring several islands to explore during your journey.

Booking Tip: Canoe rentals cost €15-25 per day from operators in Lipno nad Vltavou. Book in advance during summer months and choose operators that provide safety equipment and basic instruction for beginners.

Wildlife Watching in Železná Ruda Area

Join guided wildlife observation tours in one of the park's most biodiverse regions, where you might spot red deer, wild boar, and if extremely lucky, the elusive Eurasian lynx. The area also features excellent birdwatching opportunities with species like capercaillie and various raptors.

Booking Tip: Book wildlife tours through local operators for €30-50 per person, including equipment rental. Early morning tours (starting at 6 AM) offer the best chances of animal sightings, especially during spring and autumn.

Cross-Country Skiing the Šumava Trails

Experience winter magic on over 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing trails that wind through snow-covered forests and across frozen meadows. The trail network connects various villages and offers routes for all skill levels, from gentle family paths to challenging mountain circuits.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs €12-18 per day in villages like Kvilda or Modrava. Purchase trail passes for €5-8 daily from local tourist offices, and check grooming conditions online before heading out.

Exploring Černé and Čertovo Lakes

Hike to these pristine glacial lakes, among the most beautiful natural features in the park, surrounded by ancient forests and steep rocky shores. The moderate 6-kilometer trail from Špičák offers impressive views and opportunities to observe the unique lake ecosystems up close.

Booking Tip: Free access to the lakes, but parking costs €3-5 per day at trailheads. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring waterproof hiking boots as trails can be muddy, especially in spring and after rain.

Getting There

Czechia National Park is accessible by car via the D3 highway from Prague (approximately 2.5 hours) or through regional roads from České Budějovice. Public transportation includes buses from major Czech cities to gateway towns like Kašperské Hory, Vimperk, and Železná Ruda, though services can be limited. The nearest airports are in Prague and Austria, Austria, both requiring additional ground transportation. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the park's various entry points and remote areas.

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is essential for accessing most areas of Czechia National Park, as public transportation within the park is limited to seasonal shuttle services on popular routes. The park features well-maintained roads connecting major villages and trailheads, though some forest roads may be restricted to protect wildlife. Cycling is an excellent way to explore designated bike paths, with rental shops available in gateway towns. Many visitors combine driving to trailheads with hiking or cycling to reach the most pristine areas of the park.

Where to Stay

Železná Ruda

Kašperské Hory

Vimperk

Kvilda

Lipno nad Vltavou

Modrava

Food & Dining

Dining in Czechia focuses on traditional Bohemian cuisine featuring hearty dishes like goulash, roasted pork, and freshwater fish from local lakes and streams. Mountain huts and chalets throughout the park serve simple but satisfying meals, often featuring locally sourced ingredients like wild mushrooms, game meat, and regional cheeses. Gateway towns offer a range of restaurants from rustic taverns to modern establishments, with many specializing in traditional Czech beer and regional specialties. Pack provisions for longer hikes, as dining options within the park's remote areas are limited to seasonal mountain huts.

When to Visit

Late spring through early autumn (May to October) offers the best weather for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation, with wildflowers blooming in meadows and full access to high-altitude areas. Summer provides warm weather and long daylight hours, though it's also the busiest season with higher accommodation prices. Winter transforms Czechia into a cross-country skiing great destination, with reliable snow cover from December through March, though some high-altitude trails may be inaccessible. Autumn is particularly beautiful with colorful foliage and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography and peaceful nature experiences.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Czechia National Park card for discounts on accommodations, restaurants, and activities throughout the region

Download offline maps before entering remote areas as mobile phone coverage can be spotty in the wilderness

Respect wildlife viewing guidelines and maintain at least 100 meters distance from large animals, especially during breeding seasons in spring and early summer