Czech Republic: Šumava National Park. Czech Republic. Šumava National Park. Lake Lipno. What to see Šumava National Park how to get there from Prague

National ParkŠumava ( Národní park Šumava) is the largest of national parks Czech Republic with a territory of more than 68 thousand hectares. It is located on the southwestern border with Germany and partly with Austria, occupying part of the Pilsen and South Bohemian regions, and together with the Bavarian Forest forms a single biosphere reserve, protected by UNESCO.

Šumava - the oldest mountain range in Central Europe, with the main peak Grosser Arber in Germany, 1456 m high, and Plechý in the Czech Republic, 1378 m high. It is one of largest massifs mainly coniferous forest in Central Europe, which lies on the watershed between the North and Black Seas. Under the communist regime, part of these lands were not used for about forty years and served as “protection from capitalists.” Partly because of this, and because of its sparse population, this territory has been preserved in the best possible way. The National Park is adjacent to a nature protection zone (on Czech maps designated as SNKO) with an area of ​​more than 90 thousand hectares, in which there are cities from where it is convenient to get to various areas of the National Park, as well as castles, fortresses, monasteries, and the Museum of the Šumava National Park.

It is no coincidence that Šumava is called the “green lungs” of Europe. Forests occupy 80% of the park's territory, and these are often virgin forests. Here you can find deer, elk and even lynx. Hunting is permitted on a limited scale. Šumava Park has many streams and swamps, as well as eight glacial lakes. Otter, trout, and waterfowl are doing well. Several rivers originate there: Warm Vltava, Cold Vltava, Otava, Uglava, Blanice, Volynki. One small reservoir is used for collecting drinking water for the town of Klatovy, another - the famous Lake Lipno - is an excellent recreational area.

Museums of the Šumava National Park.

In the middle of the first millennium BC. The Celts came to Šumava, who left a memory of themselves not only in toponymy, calling Šumava Gabreta, but also built fortifications. The site of the Giant Castle (Obří hrad) is located five kilometers southeast of Kašperské Hory at an altitude of 940 to 980 m. It is the highest prehistoric structure in Czech Republic. In the Middle Ages, people could not explain the presence of such huge buildings and attributed their construction to giants.

It will be interesting to see such local attractions as the Schwarzenberg Canal, the Hauswald Chapel or the Stozhetsky Chapel.

The park has a well-developed and marked network of bicycle trails. They are designed for day trips for short distances, as well as for multi-day trips with luggage, including mountain biking. Some hotels and campsites offer bicycle rentals. Maps with diagrams of the nearest bicycle and pedestrian routes can be obtained from any information center. tourist center on the spot. Getting ready for difficult route, it’s worth stocking up on more detailed maps in specialized bookstores in advance.

Tips for walking can be found at the information centers near your hotel. These can be either simple routes lasting 1-3 hours for families with children, or complex routes for well-prepared tourists. List of main walking routes. Hiking trails in the area Prášily, Modrava, Kvilda. Map of hiking trails.

In the Šumava National Park and in the protected landscape area next to the park there are beautiful natural conditions for skiing. Moreover, travel, accommodation, ski rental, and use of ski lifts are much cheaper than in neighboring Germany and Austria. The location in the immediate vicinity is noteworthy large quantity cultural sites: castles, palaces, unique museums, famous monasteries, wonderful small towns. And if you combine these advantages with the virtually non-existent language barrier and rich Czech cuisine, then the advantages winter holidays in the Czech Republic will be obvious. You can stock up on maps of ski routes at information centers.More information about ski slopes.

In tourist information centers located on the territory of the Šumava National Park and in the neighboring nature protection zone, you can get the information tourists need about hiking and cycling routes, hotels, guesthouses, campsites and tent camps, O natural beauty parka.

Practical information for tourists: http://www.sumavanet.cz/prakticke.asp

Website: http://www.npsumava.cz/

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +420 388 450 111

How to get there:

Since the Šumava National Park covers an area of ​​more than 68 thousand hectares, and there are a sufficient number of interesting places on its territory, the number of routes connecting large and small cities with the park will be indicated here.

From Pilsen you can reach:

1. To Zhelezna Ruda and Alzhbetin (center winter tourism) - by passenger train 2.28 min. and ambulance 2.13 min. (the ambulance leaves Prague).

2. To Prashily - by the same trains to Zheleznaya Ruda and Alzhbetin, then by bus 25 minutes.

3. To Kvilda - by fast train to Strakonice 1.01 min., then by bus 1.20 min. IN winter time The bus runs only on Saturday and Sunday.

4. In Srni - by bus to Susice 2 hours, from there by bus 1 hour to Srni. By fast train to Strakonice 1 hour, then by bus 1.35 minutes.

5. To Modrava - by fast train to Strakonice 1 hour, then by bus 1.50 minutes. (in winter - only on Saturday and Sunday).

From České Budejovice you can reach:

1. To Stozec, as well as to Nova Pec, Ovesna, Pekna, Cerna Kriz and Nové Udoli (located on the same railway line) - by passenger train, which goes to Stozec for 2.33 min.

2. To Kvilda - by passenger (direct) or fast train (then it goes from Havlickuv Brod, Brno or Jihlava to Pilsen) to Strakonice 1.04 min. and then by bus 1.20 min. By two buses: to Vimperk 2.05 min. and further from Vimperk 50 min.

From Cesky Krumlov you can reach:

1. To Stožec, as well as Nová Pec, Ovesna, Pekna, Cerna Kříž and Nové Udoli na passenger train. They are on the same railway line.

Schedule .

During the summer, green buses operating on the territory of the National Park carry passengers and bicycles. Check the schedule and...

You can arrive to the Šumava National Park by private car. Highway 39 runs along the border of the park from České Budejovice and Český Krumlov, highway 4 runs from Prague through Mnišek, Dobříš, Strakonice and Vimperk, crossing the park and the border with Germany, roads 167, 168, 169 go through the park in the Kvildy area. You can take the E53 motorway (27) to Železná Ore (the border of the park) and cross the border with Germany. They also pass through Prashily, Srni, Modrava, Borowa Lada car roads without numbers ( . Mapy.cz maps are the best and most informative. Enlarge it to the desired size. In the upper left corner, use the Změnit mapu icon - TOURIST MAP - BEYOND PRAISE). The national park has developed a "Park and Go" system of large parking lots to make parking closer to nature easier. Complete list of parking lots with maps.

In the National Park you can only ride on designated cycling routes. Several dozen bicycle trails pass through the park. It is advisable to stock up on a good map at the tourist center. The appendix to the article contains a list of routes. However, you can get there not only by bicycle, but also by special bus with your bicycle from České Budejovice. In this diagram http://www.mapy.cz/#!x=13.760598&y=48.962543&z=10&d=muni_3468_1 It can be enlarged and switched to " tourist map" and find everything you need.


The Šumava National Park is located in and is part of the large Bohemian Forest forest area. The reserve attracts with its impenetrable thickets, abundance of swamps and swamps, which have remained since the Ice Age.

Geography and climate

The Bohemian Forest is located on the territory of three countries: Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. The Šumava nature reserve is located along the German-Austrian-Czech border. The most high point reserve on the territory of the Czech Republic is Mount Plechy, its height is 1378 m. The mountain range stretches from the city of Hoden to Vyssy Brod, its total length is about 140 km.

The average annual temperature in the Šumava region is +3 °С…+6 °С. Snow lies for 5-6 months a year, the height of the cover can reach 1 m.


Description

Šumava became a protected area in 1963. In 1990 it was included in the UNESCO list of biosphere zones. A year later, the Czech Republic declared a nature reserve. Surprisingly, there are still places in the park where no human has set foot.

If you look at the map of Sumava, you can see swamps and many rivers that go from them. Local marshes are an important water reservoir in the Czech Republic.


What is interesting about Sumava Park?

The national park is visited annually by thousands of tourists, mainly from the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. First of all, it arouses interest. Many tourists do not know where the highest Sumava mountains are. They are located in the north. Their slopes are densely covered with forests, and their peaks are covered with snow. One of the most high mountains of the Czech forest is Shell, its height is 1214 m. They say that in good weather Even the Alps are visible from the top. Mount Špicak is only a few meters smaller, but this has not stopped it from becoming a center for winter sports.

Lakes that remain from the Ice Age are of great interest to tourists. The most famous among them:

  1. Damn lake. The most large lake in the Czech Republic. Known for its legend about the devil, who supposedly drowned here with a stone on his tail (hence the name).
  2. . The dense forests that surround the pond create a reflection in it in dark colors, so it seems that the water in it is black.

By the way, not only the lakes, but also all bodies of water in Šumava are surprising with their color. Due to the strong mineralization, the water in them has an emerald color that seems unearthly.

TO interesting places also worth mentioning:

  1. The source of the Vltava. It is located in the northwest of the park.
  2. Virgin forest Bubin. It is located on the territory of Šumava and was one of the first natural areas in the world to be protected.

Who lives in Šumava?

Dense forests have always been home to many species of animals, and inaccessible green corners have been able to provide them with a quiet life. However, poachers who actively operate in the park have been able to destroy all large animals, such as moose and lynx, over the past hundred years. The reserve's workers are trying their best to preserve the fauna, but so far its existence is still under threat. The park is home to many species of birds. Today you can see here:

  • hazel grouse;
  • wood grouse;
  • black grouse;
  • woodpeckers;
  • owls.

Rare fish live in the reservoirs, one of them is the pearl fish.

Where to stay in Sumava?

There are several mini-hotels on the territory of the reserve where you can stay overnight, eat and get some information about the routes. The most popular among them are located along road No. 167, which passes through northern part parka:

  • Ubytování U Pily;
  • Penzion U Malíků;
  • Penzion Panský dům.

Tourism in Sumava

Šumava National Park is perfect for hiking and cycling. The reserve has many trails and paths along which it is safe to enter the thicket. They are laid so as not to disturb the local landscapes, but, on the contrary, to become part of them. Most of the routes are also suitable for traveling with children. Difficulties may arise only if you want to visit some lakes, for example, Chertovo, or climb the mountains.


Interesting Facts

  1. Czech forest.Šumava is official name, which all tourists know, but among Germans the reserve is better known as the Czech Forest. This is exactly what it was called in documents dating back to the 12th century. Perhaps that is why the Germans still call it that way today.
  2. Village in the thicket. In the most remote area of ​​the reserve there is a small village. Experienced tourists can visit it if they wish, but for beginners this path can be insurmountable.

Where and what is the best way to enter Sumava?

It is better to get to the reserve from. The road from it leads to the northern part of the park. This is the most convenient option for tourists who want to visit the park on their own. Roads No. 22 and 27 lead to the city, and from there to Šumava - highway E53.

You can also come to the reserve by bus - Šumava, which departs from the main bus station of the capital. The journey will take about 4 hours.


The Šumava National Park, or as it is also called the Bohemian Forest, consists of two parallel ridges on the border of the Czech Republic with Germany and Austria. The length of the massif is 140 km, maximum height- 1456 meters.

This area first became protected in 1963. Status national park Sumava was acquired in 1991. For a relatively small Czech Republic, Šumava is by far the largest protected area in the Czech Republic.

Moreover, Šumava or the Bohemian Forest, together with the Bavarian Forest adjacent to it in the southwest, constitute the largest forest area in Central Europe.


Kašper Mountains.

As noted above, on the territory of the Šumava (Bohemian) forest there are two mountain ranges: Šumava and Kašperskie (not to be confused with Kasperskie) mountains. In a small mountain range Boubin, where the Boubin virgin forest is located (the only area of ​​the park that has not been damaged by human hands), originates from the very famous Vltava river in the Czech Republic.



The Kašper Mountains are rich in numerous mountain streams and meadows, small lakes and peat bogs. In addition to the above, the Kašper slopes are very popular among biologists and geologists.

Their interest is connected with the well-preserved traces of glacier melting in the very center of the protected forest. Therefore, there is nothing strange in the fact that on the territory of the reserve there are eight glacial lakes located at a kilometer altitude above sea level.



The highest point of the massif is located in Germany in the Bavarian Forest - Mount Great Javor (Großer Arber) with an altitude of 1456 meters above sea level. By the way, for general development: the Bavarian Forest, which is in Nemetchina, is also a national park, but since 1971.

As for the Czech side, the highest point here is Mount Plechy, 1378 meters. And according to especially sharp-eyed Czechs, in clear weather with a good cognac, you can easily see the Alps from its top.

True, the greatest popularity, among adults and not so many people, has been gained by Mount Špičak, which is very famous in the Czech Republic and abroad as a ski resort.



In addition, the route along the Povydř Canyon is very popular. There is a so-called educational trail with a length of 6.8 km, leading from the village of Antigl to the village of Cenkova Pyla.

The designated route runs along the deep canyon of the Otter River, which is replete with huge boulders, rapids and waterfalls. Sumava's attractions also include local swamps. They are interesting as a reminder of the glacial past of these places.

They can be reached via the Three-Lake Marsh nature trail, which will take you to your destination if you find yourself in the village of Modrava. The trail passes along specially constructed wooden walkways past dark waters, floating islands and dwarf trees, giving the peat bogs a tundra atmosphere.



Also interesting are the glacial lakes and the surrounding plains. There are well-maintained beaches on the shores of the lakes, but there is no heated water. For this reason, the number of vacationers swimming here is approximately equal: both in summer and winter.

The water in the lakes is very clear, but the altitude above sea level does not give them the opportunity to warm up in the summer. By the way, on the territory of the Shumava forest there are also stone seas, which, like lakes, were formed by a glacier.



The mountains and forests of the national park have for a long time contributed to the development of flora and fauna in this area. The birdlife here is especially diverse. Without straining, you can meet eagles, falcons, eagle owls, wood grouse, etc. here. If we remember about the smaller and less proud representatives of the bird world, they are represented even richer.

As for the animal world, centuries of uncontrolled hunting have affected its representatives. And as often happens in such cases, many species of rare game and other mammals that once inhabited the local forests in abundance were exterminated.

Nevertheless, even today in Sumava you can find lynx, mouflon, and badger. Sometimes moose come here. Otters live in the ponds, and deer and chamois live in the forests.



In the meantime, restless scientists are writing all kinds of dissertations, the reserve, represented by servants and administration, is working tirelessly to find something to keep tourists occupied. And as a result of this ongoing work, today tourists arriving in these places have a wide choice of routes around the park.

Cycling routes are in great demand, from very short – introductory routes, to overnight trips. Of course there are also hiking trails.



As for the bicycle paths, they are constantly cleaned here, so traveling on a two-wheeled vehicle will not be overshadowed by the view of fragrant landfills and, accordingly, will bring extremely positive emotions. However, this was the calculation of the entrepreneurial organizers.

By the way, as in all other Western democracies, it is not at all necessary to bring your own bicycle here. These rental points are available in almost all villages located along the borders of the reserve. The largest of them are located in Boletice, Kajova, Gornji Plan.



There are many popular cycling and hiking routes around the largest Czech lake, Lipno. On walking routes Recently, Nordic walking (such as with ski poles) has become very popular. Active movement plus knowledge of the surrounding world is truly a thermonuclear cocktail for the health of the moving person.

At the top of Mount Kramolin there is a wooden path at a height of up to 24 meters above the ground (tree crown level). And at the end of this route, everyone walking up the mountain is waiting observation tower with an amazing view of the Lipno reservoir and the Šumava surroundings.



In the 20th century, a dam was built in the upper reaches of the Vltava. As a result, the spilled waters filled a reservoir 44 km long and 4 km wide. This is how the largest Czech lake Lipno was born.



Life in the Shumava forest is in full swing even in winter. With the first snow they begin their work ski resorts, each of which has a standard range of services from hotel accommodation and rentals to the presence of a large number of family cafes and restaurants. Life is also in full swing on the summer walking and cycling routes. Only now skis and ski poles are held in high esteem here.


Where to stay.

If anyone reading these lines wants to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere nature reserve, then it would be best to choose one of the small towns surrounding the park for an overnight stay. In our case, these will be Zelezna Ruda, Susice and Modrava. Selections of popular hotels in these populated areas is given below.

Hotels in Zelezna Ruda.

Convenient location for traveling by car. The boarding house is pet friendly; There is a convenient walking area in the yard. There is a tennis court. The boarding house also has table tennis and billiards.

The hotel is located on a mountain and is known for its views. Its spa center, hearty breakfasts and clean rooms are also deservedly popular. There is also a gym, restaurant, bar, parking, business center, reception 24/7. But the main attraction of the hotel is the nature surrounding it. Skiing is popular here in winter, and walking and cycling are popular in summer.

Hotel Karl is located near the ski lifts in Špicaköy, 4 kilometers from the center of Železná Ruda. It features a restaurant with a fireplace and a spacious terrace. Each room has a TV with satellite channels and a bathroom.

Hotel Ostry is located in Železna Ruda, 500 meters from the Železna Ruda Ski Area. It features a sauna and an indoor swimming pool measuring 9x4.5 meters. Guests can enjoy traditional Czech cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. The price includes breakfast.

Guest House U Kaplicky is located in quiet place 200 meters from railway station Zelezna Rudy, 5 minutes walk from the Samota ski resort. It offers free parking, free internet in the room.

Apartmány Rudík is a self-catering accommodation located in the center of Železna Ruda, 500 meters from the ski lifts. Free WiFi is available. The apartment features a TV and seating area.

Offering an à la carte restaurant, Hotel Bohemia is located in Železná Ruda, in the center of the ski area and 100 meters from the Špičak funicular. It offers free wifi. A bicycle park is located directly in front of the hotel.

Penzion Dominik is located on the outskirts of Železna Ruda, 500 meters from ski area Gazebo. It features a sauna, Gym, garden, barbecue facilities and free WiFi in all areas.

Hotels in Susice.

Hotel “Apartmán Susice” is located in Susice. This hotel is located in the city center. The hotel provides Internet access on site. Car parking is at your disposal. Smoking is not allowed on the hotel premises. There is a wonderful brewery with very good cuisine 10 minutes from the apartments.

The Šumava Nature Reserve is mountain range, covered for the most part forest, stretching for 150 kilometers along the border of the Czech Republic and Germany. Since 1991, it has been a National Park adjacent to the Bavarian Forest National Park.

Forests occupy 80% of the park's territory, among them the Boubin virgin forest on Mount Boubin, where the Vltava River originates, stands out.

The park has eight lakes of glacial origin with crystal clear water. These lakes lie at an altitude of 1000 - 1100 meters above sea level. The park has grassy mountain meadows, striking with their spring blooms, and valleys covered with heather, and peat bogs.

For several decades, animal hunting and deforestation took place in the park, so only the most remote and remote corners of it remained untouched. Many species of animals were exterminated irrevocably.

The park includes, in addition to Šumava Mountains, also Kašper mountain range. Its slopes are attractive not only for biologists studying the nature of the park, but also for geologists: areas where glaciers disappeared have been preserved here. The peaks of the mountains here have a special shape - they are not pointed, but rather smoothed out.

The park administration actively conducts recreational activities. Bicycle routes through protected areas, which are laid along well-maintained bicycle paths, are well known and extremely popular. In winter, tens of kilometers of ski tracks are laid here, mountain peaks Ski resorts begin to operate. Quite recently, a horse excursion route was laid through the park.

In connection with the lifting of the border regime between the Czech Republic and Germany, the possibility of tourist travel to the most remote corners forests where no human has set foot for several decades.

In lakes of glacial origin, the water does not warm up, but you can sunbathe on the beach here: the beach is well equipped, the sand is snow-white, and the water is crystal clear. Not far from the reserve there are interesting towns - Kaplice, Czech Budejovice, Zelezna Ruda, which have many historical attractions.

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- a surprisingly harmonious region of the Czech Republic, which can be seen in few places. total area the park is 685.2 km2. It received the status of a protected area in 1961, but this area was named a national park only in 1991.

The park got its name in honor of the same name Sumava mountain range. The length of this mountain range is 140 km, it stretches along the border of the Czech Republic and Germany. Near Sumava National Park Bavaria National Park is located.

Šumava National Park and its relief, glacial lakes and general information

The dense forests growing on the Czech-Bavarian border are so extensive that together they form the largest single forested area on the entire continent. A combination of mysterious peat bogs, clear glacial lakes and centuries-old virgin forests creates a unique poetic place for have a great holiday at any time of the year. The forests are dominated by spruce, fir and beech.

For many years Šumava national park functioned as an enclosed space, so local nature retained its virgin purity and beauty. Given this exclusivity, the park is protected as UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The most beautiful area Sumava National Park are his glacial lakes. Everyone who takes the route to the top Plekhi Mountains, will see with my own eyes the magnificent Bald Lake and the nature surrounding it. Among the most popular walks is a hike to the deepest and largest lakes - Black And Damn.

The main river in the protected area is Vltava river, as well as its tributaries, which merge to form another river - Otava. Total in Šumava park there are eight glacial lakes located at an altitude of 1000-1100 meters above sea level. Together these lakes cover an area of ​​forty-two hectares. These include: Chertovo, Chernoe, Pleshnoe, Prashilskoe, Laka.

Šumava National Park and its flora and fauna

IN Šumava national park Numerous animals live that are in danger of complete extinction, and rare plants also grow. A valuable place in the park is Boubinsky virgin forest. Within its framework, nature has been developing spontaneously for many centuries, without human intervention. The result was an untamed and wild forested area.

The richest and most diverse is the avifauna of the Sumava National Park. It is represented by wood grouse, eagles, falcons, woodpeckers and kingfishers. In the last century, massive hunting of local animals took place in the protected area. For this reason, the species composition of animals in the park is quite poor. Today in the national park you can find deer, lynx, black grouse, otter, eagle owl and great owl.

Rounded Šumava hills ideal for admiring the most picturesque views to the surrounding landscapes. One of the most stunning landscapes of the national park opens from the observation deck called Polednik. From there you can see the entire mountain range in full view. In good weather with observation platforms on the mountain tops Yavornik and Boubina you can enjoy the distant panorama of the Alps.