Boubínský prales Travel Guide

Boubínský Prales, a national natural reserve, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1858, it stands as one of the oldest reserves in the Czech Republic and the largest indigenous forest in Central Europe. The forest is located on the slopes of Boubín Mountain, which rises to 1,362 meters above sea level.The forest is composed mainly of beech, spruce and fir trees, with some specimens reaching 300-400 years old. The area offers a glimpse into how forests in Central Europe looked thousands of years ago. A huge storm in January 1724 caused extensive damage, which led to the creation of the Boubín Forest. Mining in the inaccessible mountainous areas was so difficult and expensive that the forest giants were left to their fates.The core of the forest is a strictly protected area where intervention is not allowed, allowing visitors to observe the natural behavior of forest ecosystems. While the innermost part is fenced off, a circular nature trail runs around the perimeter, starting at Boubín Lake. This lake was built in 1836 as a reservoir to float timber to glassworks in Lenora.Visitors can explore well-marked trails, encounter diverse wildlife, and learn about the forest's ecology through informational signs. The forest transforms with each season, offering vibrant autumn foliage and serene winter scenes.