There are so many places to discover, so many places to admire. Once again, I have missed out on discovering a part of the world that inspires more peace in me than the Bohemian Forest National Park.

Šumava National Park is located in the Czech Republic, essentially on the German border. It is the largest national park in the Czech Republic, covering 68,064 hectares, the majority of which (80%) is forested. Besides being a wonderland for naturalists, the entire region is steeped in history, boasting impressive castles, incredible anecdotes, ancient trade routes now used as hiking trails, and much more.

I’m tempted to say that the number of reasons why all hiking enthusiasts should visit Šumava National Park is countless, but I have to control my enthusiasm. Instead, it would be better to pick out a few of the most important reasons, wouldn’t it?

hiking trails

Although there are a wealth of hiking trails throughout the Bohemian Forest, two of them are the most exciting.

The Bear Trail (Medvedi Stezka) 

Don’t worry! There are absolutely no bears to be concerned about! 1856 was the year the last bear was recorded being killed in the Bohemian Forest. That’s where the name comes from. The Bear Trail is almost 14 km long and is the oldest educational trail in the Bohemian Forest. The trail itself is remarkably well-marked, as it is frequently used for cross-country skiing. Some of the most fascinating sights you will encounter during your hike are:

• Bärenstein – Memorial to the last bear in the Bohemian Forest.
• Schwarzenbersky plavební kanál – A canal used to transport timber to the Danube.

The golden path

The Golden Way consists of three remaining hiking trails. Throughout history, these trails were used to transport grain from Germany to Bohemia. Up until the 10th century, merchants using these routes spent considerable sums in the villages along the way, bringing prosperity to these small communities. Hence the name Golden Way. The last three remaining trails are the Lower Prachatice Trail, the Middle Vimperk Trail, and the Upper Kašperské Hory Trail. Aside from their historical significance, these trails traverse some of the most beautiful Bohemian Forests and pass by some breathtaking castles.

Lakes

If you ask me, the most beautiful natural glacial lakes are located in the heart of the Bohemian Forest. Admittedly, reaching them requires some effort, as they lie hidden deep in the dense forest, over a thousand meters above sea level. However, it’s worth it.

Two of the most popular and largest lakes are Devil’s Lake (Čertovo jezero) and Black Lake (Černé jezero). Black Lake is the largest glacial lake in Bohemia. It is 40 meters deep and covers an area of ​​18.4 hectares. What is its altitude? It lies 1008 meters above sea level. Should we mention that the oldest pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant is located here?

The Devil’s Lake is somewhat smaller (10 hectares) and shallower (37 meters), but no less beautiful. A stream (Jezerní potok) flows out of it. Both lakes are part of the Black and Devil’s Lakes Nature Reserve, whose aim is to protect the glacial jewels of the Bohemian Forest.

cities and villages

When I embark on a hiking trip, I welcome encounters with historically significant architecture with open arms. Fortunately for me, the Bohemian Forest has given me more in this regard than I could ever have hoped for. Klatovy, Prachatice, Tachov, Český Krumlov, and many other small towns are essentially the gatekeepers of Bohemian history. Let me tell you what just one of these towns (Klatovy) conceals within its borders:

• Bílá Strž is an amazing waterfall located in a valley whose walls are covered with the remains of the primeval forest.
• Prášily is a well-preserved archaeological village that gives you an insight into the life of the original inhabitants of Bohemia, the Celts.
• The Black Lake is part of the municipality of Klatovy.
• Velhartice Castle is truly an unforgettable sight. Built in the 13th century, surrounded by and overlooking the Bohemian Forest, Velhartice Castle will awaken a sense of romance in you that you never knew existed!

Should I stay or go?

Instead of being confined to city limits, we need to do ourselves a favor every now and then by breaking out of them. For me personally, there is no better place to escape than the Bohemian fairytale, better known as Šumava.

Therefore, I implore you to grab your passport, put your backpack on your back, and go straight to Bohemia!