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Modravské Slatě: A Window into Šumava's Ancient Peat Bogs

Discover the ancient peat bogs of Šumava National Park, a protected wilderness with unique flora, fauna, and stunning natural beauty.

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Explore Modravské Slatě, the largest complex of peat bogs in the Šumava National Park, Czech Republic. While much of the area is protected, accessible trails offer glimpses into this unique and ecologically significant landscape, shaped since the last Ice Age.

A brief summary to Modravské slatě

  • Modrava-Kašperské Hory, 341 92, CZ
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, as trails can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
  • Visit in late summer or early fall for the best weather conditions and vibrant colors.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique scenery and diverse plant and animal life.
  • Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile bog ecosystem.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Modrava, follow the marked walking paths towards Modravské Slatě. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes. No entrance fees are required.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Železná Ruda to Modrava. Check the bus schedule in advance. From the Modrava bus stop, it is a short 10-minute walk to Modravské Slatě following the marked signs. Bus fare from Železná Ruda to Modrava is approximately 40-60 CZK.

  • Car

    From Kašperské Hory, drive southeast on road 145 towards Modrava. Follow the signs for Modrava for approximately 20 minutes (about 15 km). Once in Modrava, continue on the same road until you see signs for Modravské Slatě. Parking is available near the entrance. Parking fees are approximately 50 CZK per day.

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Discover more about Modravské slatě

Modravské Slatě, located within the Šumava National Park, represents a unique and well-preserved complex of upland peat bogs. These peat bogs have been developing in the headwater areas and shallow basins since the last Ice Age, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The total area spans over 2,000 hectares, forming the largest peat bog complex in Šumava. While most of Modravské Slatě is inaccessible to the public to protect its delicate ecosystems, visitors can still experience the beauty and ecological significance of the area. The landscape features structured raised bogs, numerous small lakes, and diverse non-forest areas. Extensive complexes of peat spruce forests and waterlogged spruce forests surround the raised bogs, connecting them into larger peatland units. These peatlands are mostly slope-type formations. The area is home to endangered species like the capercaillie, lynx, and European snow vole, as well as rare plants. The bogs play a vital role in water management, retaining water in the landscape, creating local microclimates, and slowing flood runoff. Historically, ill-considered drainage attempts negatively impacted the peatland complex. The Iron Curtain also had a negative impact, with wire fences and electric voltage running across the peat bogs. Visitors can explore the educational trail leading to Tříjezerní Slať, a smaller peat bog on the edge of Modravské Slatě. This trail, operating since 1979, features boardwalks and provides insights into the different zones, vegetation, and lakes of a peat bog.

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