Chalupská slať, Sumava National Park Travel Guide

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Discover Chalupská Slať: Explore the Czech Republic's largest peat bog lake in Šumava National Park via scenic boardwalk trails.

Chalupská Slať, nestled in Šumava National Park near Borová Lada, is the largest peat bog lake in the Czech Republic. A wooden boardwalk trail leads through this unique wetland, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding bog, home to rare plant species and diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Chalupská slať

Borová Lada-Vimperk, 385 01, CZ
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chalupská slať.

Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see wildlife and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the area is home to many rare species.
Wear sturdy shoes, as some trails can be muddy, especially after rain.
Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a comfortable experience.
Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Chalupská Slať via public transport, take a bus from Vimperk to Borová Lada. Bus number 306 runs directly to Borová Lada from Vimperk and takes approximately 30 minutes. From the Borová Lada bus stop, follow the signs to Chalupská Slať, a scenic 20-minute walk (1.5 km) northwest. Bus tickets typically cost around 30-40 CZK.
Car

If driving, start from Vimperk and head north on the E49 towards Borová Lada. Continue for 12 km until you reach Borová Lada. Look for signs directing you to Chalupská Slať. There is a designated parking area (Svinná Lada) near the entrance, about 1 km from Borová Lada towards Kvilda. Parking may incur a small fee, typically around 20-50 CZK depending on the season.
Walking

From Borová Lada, whether you arrive by bus or car, follow the green-marked trail. If arriving by bus, walk northwest, following signs for Chalupská Slať. The walk from Borová Lada is approximately 3 km and relatively flat. From the Svinná Lada parking area, it is a short 600m walk to the start of the boardwalk. The route transitions to a wooden boardwalk that is 1.2 meters wide and has side rails.

Discover more about Chalupská slať

Chalupská Slať (German: Großer Königsfilz) is a remarkable peat bog located in the Šumava National Park, near the village of Borová Lada. This natural monument features a transitional type of peat bog, situated between a valley and a mountain plateau, at an elevation of 900–950 meters. Covering an area of 137 hectares, Chalupská Slať is one of the most significant peat bogs in the Šumava region.The bog's formation began after the Ice Age, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 years ago, in a shallow basin lake. Over time, the lake filled with vegetation like reeds and sedges, followed by sphagnum moss, which now dominates the landscape. The average peat depth is 1.9 meters, but it reaches up to 7 meters near the lake.A 260-meter educational trail on a wooden boardwalk allows visitors to explore the bog safely. The trail leads to the largest peat bog lake in the Czech Republic, covering 1.3 hectares, where floating islands create a unique and picturesque scene. These islands host rare plant species, including carnivorous sundews, mud sedge, and poor sedge. The surrounding area features cottongrass, cranberry, gray sedge, and black sedge.Historically, peat was extracted from Chalupská Slať, particularly after a paper mill was built in Františkov in 1895. Peat extraction intensified until the economic crisis of the 1930s and ceased entirely with the establishment of the Šumava Protected Landscape Area in 1963. Interestingly, Chalupská Slať was also part of the route used by smuggler Kilián "Franz" Nowotný, known as "Channel 54," who operated between Czechoslovakia and Germany.Today, Chalupská Slať is a protected area within the Šumava National Park, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the unique beauty and biodiversity of this upland peat bog.