Are you planning to spend your vacation in the Czech Republic but still unsure which places are particularly interesting? In addition to our popular cities, we recommend the Bohemian Forest. Discover the beautiful nature of the Czech Republic and follow countless hiking trails. An adventure that’s truly worth it!
The largest national park in the Czech Republic spans over 690 square kilometers and is located in the south of the country. The Bohemian Forest also borders the German Bavarian Forest National Park. In addition to countless hiking trails totaling 500 km, you can explore nature in a completely different way. Grab your mountain bike and enjoy a refreshing break in the national park. You can also take a canoe and discover the Bohemian Forest from the water. Use the Vltava or the Otava rivers, which offer 60 kilometers of water-based fun. For something more relaxing: Rent a stand-up paddleboard and leisurely drift on the water. This way, you can experience the landscape from a whole new perspective!
The so-called quiet zones in the Bohemian Forest are part of a measure to ensure that visitors to the national park are mindful of nature and its uniqueness. These areas are designated to protect rare animal species and are found where the park's interesting fauna is most prevalent. Particularly at breeding and nesting sites, as well as wintering grounds, quiet zones exist to prevent disturbing the animals.
Quiet zones point to marked paths or hiking trails that visitors are allowed to use. In total, these zones cover 22% of Šumava National Park. So please make sure to stay on the paths when hiking and respect the nature and its inhabitants. A special highlight of the national park is the peat bog, home to many interesting species like the capercaillie and the black grouse. These animals depend on the preservation of the peat bog. Again, it is important not to stray from the trails. But don't let the quiet zones and their paths discourage you. These trails have been specially created to allow visitors to explore the park’s unique areas.
The Bohemian Forest is home to many endangered animal species that depend on the diverse habitats of the national park. You may also encounter lynx, falcons, otters, or even wolves. Besides the unique wildlife, the hiking paths along the Křemelná River between the village of Prášily and the abandoned settlement of Stodůlky are not to be missed. Here you’ll find the Žďárské slatě swamp, the Častá natural forest, and Polecký vrch (Spitzberg). These natural highlights have only become accessible to the public thanks to the quiet zones.
Apart from the fascinating animal life, the Bohemian Forest is also home to rare plant species found from the valley meadows to the mountain spruce forests. The park features not only rare plants like the Bohemian gentian and the English sundew, but also rare fungi such as the brown-spotted polypore and the fragrant fire sponge.
The Bohemian Forest is not only known as a hiking destination but also for its adventurous ski slopes in winter. Don’t miss out on the winter magic and enjoy fantastic ski runs in the well-known Lipno ski resort, along with breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape. The Bohemian Forest is also particularly interesting for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Especially Zadov is a well-known spot for cross-country skiing in the Czech Republic. You can enjoy an impressive 313 kilometers of cross-country trails throughout the region – a selection that’s sure to impress.
The best time to visit the Bohemian Forest National Park depends on the purpose of your trip. If you want to explore the park on foot along its numerous hiking trails, the months from May to September are ideal. If you’d prefer to get to know nature from the water and maybe even take a refreshing swim, then summer months are best. However, the park is also welcoming in the cold winter months, especially if you’re interested in long-distance skiing. For winter adventures, the months from January to April are ideal.
We wish you a wonderful trip to the Czech Republic and lots of fun exploring the Bohemian Forest National Park. Don’t forget to check the toll regulations in the country. You can find information on the toll in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to better plan your trip and view available toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
