Šumava

The Šumava Region offers visitors magnificent countryside, where they can recharge the batteries and unwind. But among the lakes, dense forest, mysterious marshland and stunning vistas, those interested in seeing a bit of history will not miss out. Climb up some of the region's viewing towers to choose your next destination, before heading off to a castle, chateau, castle ruin, museum, church or industrial heritage site.

Whatever method you employ to decide between walks in the country and visits to cultural heritage sites, you may want to use the region's extensive network of waterways, hiking trails, cycle paths and cross-country skiing routes. One of the most attractive places in the area is the Boubín Forest on the south-eastern slopes of Mt. Boubín. Another gem is the town of Český Krumlov, whose historical core, castle and chateau are all deemed World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Where to from boredom...?

Vyšší Brod Monastery

This Cistercian monastery was founded in 1259 by Vok I of Rožmberk, and today it is once again home to the monks. The public has access to the 14thcentury monastery Church of the Assumption, the picture gallery and a part of the library boasting 70,000 volumes.

Švihov Castle

Surprisingly enough, one of the most recently built castles in the Czech lands doesn’t lord it over the town, but sits right at its heart. To this day Gothic Švihov is protected by a moat which was fi lled with water from nearby ponds when the need arose.

Kašperské Hory

This typical Šumava mountain community with its well preserved conservation area boasts at least two superlatives: it is the highest Gothic town in the Czech lands and possesses the largest exhibition of old motorcycles in the country.

Rabí Castle

Beneath the ramparts of this gigantic Late Gothic fortress, the most striking feature of which is the 26m-high tower, cowers a village of the same name. In summer the castle hosts a number of interesting events such as falconry demonstrations.

Šumava National Park

Of the Czech Republic’s four national parks, the Šumava is the largest, occupying almost 70.000 hectares. It contains several glacier lakes, large areas of peat bog and the remnants of the virgin forest, including the Boubín Forest. The lynx is one of the original animals to have survived here.