Šumava National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Šumava National Park in Czechia offers ancient forests, peat bogs, glacial lakes, wildlife, hiking and quiet mountain villages beside the Bavarian border.

A Mountain Landscape on the Czech Frontier

Šumava National Park occupies the highest and most remote part of the Šumava mountain range in south-western Czechia, extending along the German and Austrian borders. Its landscape is defined by extensive spruce and mixed forests, high plateaux, glacial lakes, peat bogs, meandering streams and broad valleys shaped by centuries of natural processes and careful land management. The park forms the Czech section of a larger cross-border protected landscape that continues into Germany as the Bavarian Forest National Park and into Austria through adjoining protected areas.

Forests, Water and Wildlife

The best-known natural features include Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero near Železná Ruda, the Vltava headwaters around Kvilda, the peatlands of Modrava and the highland landscapes near Borová Lada and Stožec. Capercaillie, black grouse, lynx, deer and otters are associated with the wider Šumava ecosystem, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and sensitive habitats may have restricted access. Wooden boardwalks, marked paths and viewpoints allow visitors to explore the terrain without disturbing its wetland and forest environments.

Villages and Outdoor Exploration

Settlements such as Kvilda, Modrava, Srní, Borová Lada, Stožec and Železná Ruda serve as gateways to different parts of the park. Some are small mountain villages with limited facilities, while Železná Ruda has the broadest range of transport and visitor services. Walking, cycling on permitted routes, cross-country skiing and nature interpretation are central to the visitor experience. The atmosphere is quieter and more spacious than in many Czech mountain resorts, with local food, timber architecture and borderland history adding cultural depth to the forests.

When is the best time to visit Šumava National Park?

Best: June–August · 20–21°C

0° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -7.2°C, High: 0.2°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 28.9 mm, High: 47.2 mm J

1° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -6.8°C, High: 0.5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 24.7 mm, High: 42.1 mm F

5° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -4.7°C, High: 5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 24.8 mm, High: 42.2 mm M

9° Temperature Range for AprilLow: -1°C, High: 9.2°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 39.6 mm, High: 58 mm A

16° Temperature Range for MayLow: 2.2°C, High: 15.7°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 69.8 mm, High: 89.2 mm M

Best 20° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 5.3°C, High: 19.6°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 88 mm, High: 107.4 mm J

Best 21° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 7.2°C, High: 21°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 95.2 mm, High: 114.6 mm J

Best 20° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 6.9°C, High: 20.2°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 87.3 mm, High: 106.7 mm A

15° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 4.4°C, High: 15.1°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 60.5 mm, High: 79.9 mm S

11° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 0.9°C, High: 10.7°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 43.2 mm, High: 62.6 mm O

6° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -3.1°C, High: 6°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 33.1 mm, High: 52.5 mm N

3° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -6°C, High: 2.9°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 28.4 mm, High: 47.8 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	0	39
February	1	33
March	5	34
April	9	49
May	16	80
June (best)	20	98
July (best)	21	105
August (best)	20	97
September	15	70
October	11	53
November	6	43
December	3	38

Getting to and around Šumava National Park

How to get there

Šumava National Park has no single principal entrance, so the best approach depends on the area being visited. Železná Ruda is served by the railway from the direction of Klatovy and is a practical gateway for the western lakes and mountain routes. Other access points, including Kvilda, Modrava, Srní, Borová Lada and Stožec, are generally reached by road or regional bus from larger towns such as Vimperk, Sušice, Prachatice or Klatovy. České Budějovice and Pilsen are useful wider regional transport hubs, while Prague is farther away. Check current public-transport connections before travelling, particularly outside the main summer and winter seasons.

Transportation

The park is geographically extensive and public transport between its villages is limited compared with urban areas, so a car can be useful for linking trailheads, although parking may be regulated or limited. Marked walking routes connect many settlements and viewpoints, while permitted cycling routes provide access to selected valleys, forest roads and borderland landscapes. In winter, some roads and paths may be affected by snow and ice, and cross-country skiing is possible where conditions and designated routes allow. Do not assume that every forest track is open to vehicles or cyclists; follow current park signs and local restrictions.

Best attractions in Šumava National Park

Šumava’s attractions are spread across a broad mountain landscape rather than concentrated in one centre. Near Železná Ruda, Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero are glacial lakes set among forested slopes, reached by marked walking routes. Around Modrava and Kvilda, paths lead through open highland terrain, peat bogs and the headwaters of the Vltava, while the Tříjezerní slať and nearby raised bog landscapes demonstrate the importance of waterlogged habitats. The Vchynice–Tetov canal near Srní recalls the historic movement of timber through the mountains, and the former settlement of Velký Bor reflects the human changes that affected the borderland. Stožec combines woodland scenery with the Stožec chapel and access to southern Šumava trails, while Borová Lada provides a gateway to wetland and forest landscapes. The park’s visitor and interpretation facilities, including those around Kvilda and Srní, help explain forest ecology, wildlife management and the region’s changing relationship with timber and settlement.

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Best landmarks in Šumava National Park

The most recognisable natural landmarks of Šumava are Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero, two glacial lakes near Železná Ruda whose dark, forest-framed waters occupy basins shaped during the last ice age. The high peat bogs, including Tříjezerní slať and the wetland landscapes around Kvilda and Borová Lada, are equally important as habitats and as evidence of the plateau’s waterlogged geology. The Vltava’s upper reaches begin in the Šumava highlands, linking the protected landscape with one of Czechia’s defining rivers. Near Srní, the Vchynice–Tetov canal represents the engineering history of timber transport, while the Stožec chapel stands as a small but distinctive cultural landmark in the southern forest. Former borderland settlements and remnant roads are quieter landmarks, revealing how twentieth-century political change reshaped the region.

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Explore Šumava National Park on the map

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Best restaurants in Šumava National Park

Dining in Šumava National Park is closely tied to its small gateway villages and nearby market towns rather than to a large standalone restaurant scene. Kvilda, Modrava, Srní, Borová Lada, Stožec and Železná Ruda have the greatest concentration of places to eat within or immediately beside the park, while Vimperk, Sušice, Klatovy and Prachatice offer broader choice outside it. Menus commonly reflect Czech mountain cooking, with soups, potato dishes, dumplings, pork, game where legally and seasonally available, freshwater fish and cakes or pastries appearing alongside more familiar Central European meals. Rural pubs, guesthouse dining rooms and cafés are useful during walking and cycling days, but facilities can be separated by long distances and seasonal opening patterns. Local food shops and accommodation providers can be practical sources of provisions for longer excursions into the forest.

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Best bars in Šumava National Park

Šumava is not a nightlife destination, and evening entertainment is mainly found in traditional pubs, hotel bars and restaurant lounges in gateway settlements. Železná Ruda has the broadest evening choice because it is the area’s largest resort and transport hub, while Kvilda, Modrava, Srní, Stožec and Borová Lada generally offer quieter evenings centred on local hospitality and accommodation venues. In smaller villages, options may be limited outside the main visitor seasons, with no expectation of a dedicated club district or late-night entertainment. The most characteristic evening experience is a meal or drink in a rural inn after a day outdoors, followed by the quiet of the forest and mountain villages. Cultural programmes and seasonal events may occur locally, but visitors should check current arrangements rather than assume a performance or festival will be taking place.

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Best nightclubs in Šumava National Park

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Best shops in Šumava National Park

Shopping within Šumava National Park is modest and concentrated in its gateway villages, with larger everyday retail selection in Železná Ruda, Vimperk, Sušice, Klatovy and Prachatice outside the park. Visitors may find regional food products, honey, preserves, baked goods, herbal items, postcards, books and locally themed crafts in village shops, accommodation businesses or visitor facilities, although stock varies by place and season. The area’s heritage is strongly associated with forestry, glassmaking and mountain agriculture, so locally made glass, woodwork and traditional craft products can be more meaningful purchases than generic souvenirs when available. Outdoor equipment and basic provisions are easier to obtain in the larger gateways, but walkers should not rely on remote villages for a full range of supplies. Markets and craft events are generally occasional or seasonal rather than permanent features of the park.

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Šumava National Park essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the Czech koruna, written Kč and coded CZK. Cards and contactless payments are common in larger accommodation businesses, visitor facilities and many restaurants, but smaller rural establishments, seasonal stalls and some local services may prefer cash. Cash machines are more likely in larger gateways such as Železná Ruda, Vimperk, Sušice and Prachatice than in small villages or isolated parts of the park. Carry enough Czech currency for rural travel, refreshments and unexpected transport changes, and choose whether to pay in koruna rather than accepting an unfamiliar exchange rate offered by a card terminal or cash machine.

Safety

Šumava is generally a calm destination, but its forests and high plateaux require normal mountain-country preparation. Weather can change quickly, paths may be muddy, icy or uneven, and distances between villages and services can be considerable. Use a map or reliable navigation, allow extra time and take particular care near waterlogged peatlands, steep ground and winter conditions. Keep away from unstable trees and follow temporary closures, especially where forestry or conservation work is under way. Do not approach wildlife or leave marked routes in sensitive habitats, and remember that mobile-phone coverage may be inconsistent in valleys and dense woodland.

Emergency Situations

The European emergency number 112 can connect visitors with the appropriate service in Czechia; 155 is for medical emergencies, 150 for fire and 158 for the police. Give the operator the nearest village, marked route, trail junction, road number or map reference, and describe the terrain and condition of the person needing help. In remote woodland, rescuers may need time to reach an exact location, so avoid moving an injured person unless remaining there presents a greater danger. For less urgent medical needs, seek advice locally in the gateway settlement or contact your accommodation for the nearest appropriate facility.

Do's and Don'ts

Stay on marked paths where the park requires it, close gates, keep dogs under control and leave plants, rocks and historical traces in place. Observe signs concerning seasonal closures, forestry operations and protected habitats, and take all litter away. Do not feed wildlife, light fires outside authorised places, disturb nesting birds or drive along restricted forest roads. In villages, respect residents and agricultural activity, particularly when walking or cycling near farms. Czechia does not have a universal tipping rule, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service in a restaurant is customary.

Local Tips

Choose an area rather than trying to cover the whole park in a single day: Železná Ruda suits the western lakes, Kvilda and Modrava give access to high plateau and peatland landscapes, while Stožec and Borová Lada open routes in the south and east. Early starts are useful on popular paths and improve the chance of a quieter experience. Visit local information points for current conditions, route changes and conservation notices, and consider combining a forest walk with a village museum or a cross-border perspective from the Bavarian side.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Ahoj	[ahoy]
Goodbye	Nashledanou	[nah-shle-da-no]
Yes	Ano	[ah-no]
No	Ne	[neh]
Please/You're welcome	Prosím	[pro-seem]
Thank you	Děkuji	[dyeh-koo-yi]
Excuse me/Sorry	Promiňte	[pro-meen-te]
How are you?	Jak se máš?	[yak se mash]
Fine. And you?	Dobře. A ty?	[dobr-zhe. ah tee]
Do you speak English?	Mluvíte anglicky?	[mloo-vee-te ang-leet-skee]
I don't understand	Nerozumím	[neh-ro-zoo-meem]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Chtěl bych vidět menu, prosím	[chtel bikh vih-dyett menu, pro-seem]
I don't eat meat	Já nejím maso	[yah ney-eem mah-so]
Cheers!	Na zdraví!	[na zdra-vee]
I would like to pay, please	Chtěl bych zaplatit, prosím	[chtel bikh zap-la-teet, pro-seem]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Pomoc!	[po-mots]
Go away!	Jdi pryč!	[ydee pri-tsch]
Call the Police!	Zavolej policii!	[za-vo-ley po-lit-see]
Call a doctor!	Zavolej doktora!	[za-vo-ley dok-toh-ra]
I'm lost	Ztratil jsem se	[ztra-teel ysem se]
I'm ill	Jsem nemocný	[ysem ne-mots-nee]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Chtěl bych koupit...	[chtel bikh koh-pee-t]
I'm just looking	Jen se dívám	[yen se dee-vam]
How much is it?	Kolik to stojí?	[ko-leek toh stoh-yee]
That's too expensive	To je příliš drahé	[toh yeh pri-lish dra-he]
Can you lower the price?	Můžete snížit cenu?	[moo-zhe-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Kolik je hodin?	[ko-leek yeh ho-din]
It's one o'clock	Je jedna hodina	[yeh yed-na ho-dee-na]
Half past (10)	Půl jedenácté	[pool yed-nyant-seh]
Morning	Ráno	[ra-no]
Afternoon	Odpoledne	[od-pol-ed-neh]
Evening	Večer	[ve-cher]
Yesterday	Včera	[v-che-ra]
Today	Dnes	[dnes]
Tomorrow	Zítra	[zee-tra]
1	Jedna	[yed-na]
2	Dvě	[dve]
3	Tři	[tree]
4	Čtyři	[tchee-ree]
5	Pět	[pyet]
6	Šest	[shest]
7	Sedm	[sedm]
8	Osm	[osm]
9	Devět	[de-vyet]
10	Deset	[de-set]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Kde je...	[kde yeh]
What's the address?	Jaká je adresa?	[ya-ka yeh a-dre-sa]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Můžete mi ukázat (na mapě)?	[moo-zhe-te mee oo-ka-zat (na ma-pe)]
When's the next (bus)?	Kdy jede další (autobus)?	[kdee yeh-de dal-she (au-to-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)	Jedno jízdenka (do ....)	[yed-no yeez-den-ka (do)]

History of Šumava National Park

A Glacial and Forested Upland

Šumava’s physical character developed through long geological processes, with erosion, uplift and later ice-age activity shaping its rounded uplands, valleys and glacial lake basins. Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero near Železná Ruda are among the clearest reminders of the region’s glacial past. Much of the high plateau was later covered by extensive forests and waterlogged peatlands, creating the mosaic of habitats that distinguishes the modern national park.

Medieval Settlement and Borderland Trade

Human settlement expanded gradually around the mountain margins and along routes crossing the historic borderlands of Bohemia. Medieval and early modern communities relied on forestry, grazing, small-scale agriculture and the movement of goods through passes linking Bohemia with Bavaria and Austria. Železná Ruda developed as an important settlement in the western Šumava, while villages and hamlets across the plateau remained closely tied to woodland resources and difficult mountain conditions.

Glassmaking and Forest Industries

The Šumava forests supported glassmaking, charcoal production, timber extraction and related crafts from the early modern period onwards. Local glassworks used abundant wood for fuel and benefited from the presence of quartz and other raw materials. These industries left a lasting mark on settlements, roads and the organisation of the landscape, even though many former workshops and productive sites have disappeared or survive mainly through local museums, names and historical interpretation.

Twentieth-Century Disruption

The twentieth century brought profound change to the border region. After the Second World War, the expulsion of the German-speaking population emptied or weakened many settlements, while the Iron Curtain restricted movement along the frontier during the communist period. Villages, fields and roads in the border zone were abandoned or absorbed by returning woodland. The resulting landscape is therefore not simply untouched wilderness but also a record of demographic upheaval, restricted access and changing land use.

Protection and the National Park

The Šumava Protected Landscape Area was established in 1963, recognising the importance of the mountain forests, peatlands and water systems. Šumava National Park was created in 1991, with the aim of protecting its most valuable ecosystems while allowing carefully managed recreation and research. Its conservation story is closely connected with the Bavarian Forest National Park across the border, and modern management addresses forest change, bark beetle dynamics, habitat protection, tourism pressure and the recovery of more natural ecological processes.

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