Southern Bohemia – CzechWalks.com

Šumava

CZECHWALKS — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 17:03:49 +0000

Šumava or The Bohemian Forest is a low mountain range creating natural borders among the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Šumava is one of the oldest European mountain ranges, its origin dating back to the Paleozolic Era. The average annual temperatures range between three to six Celsius degrees. There is also Šumava National Park located in the mountain range. The park was founded in 1991, it is the Czech Republic’s largest national park and its purpose is to protect extensive peat bogs, mountain meadows, unique glacial lakes or various endangered species of plants and animals. Šumava is often referred to as the green roof of Europe. The area and its surroundings has a lot to offer, not only the beautiful nature, but also various museums, splendid churches, wonderful castles and monumental chateaux, popular mountains, several hiking trails, bicycle paths and other trails.

The highest mountain is Großer Arber (1456 m) on the German side, as for the Czech side, the highest mountain is called Plechý (1378 m). In the elevation of about 1 000 metres, there are several glacial lakes, among the most well-known there are Devil’s Lake, Black Lake or Laka lake.

Jezerní slať

CZECHWALKS — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 17:00:48 +0000

Jezerní slať is an extensive peat bog and natural landmark situated in the Prachatice district in Šumava and is part of Šumava National Park. Located between settlements Kvilda and Horská Kvilda, the average depth of the peat is around 2,5 meters. The reservation extends in the elevation from 1057 to 1075 meters. Being the fourth biggest bog in Šumava, the expanse of the area is about 208 hectares. There is a nature trail leading to the entrance of the area and also a 7-meters high lookout that offers spectacular views at the whole peat bog. The trail is intended only for walking, the entrance for cyclists is forbidden.

The area is characteristic for its climate. Large rainfall and a low temperature throughout the year, that is what makes it one of the coldest places in the Czech Republic. There are also lots of cryophilus species of plants, insects and animals, for example Vipera berus or Viviparous lizard. There are also many endangered species of plants, for example Eriophorum or Pinus Mugo, and animals such as Eurasian lynx or Northern birch mouse.

Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle

CZECHWALKS — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 16:59:23 +0000

Hluboká Castle is considered one of the most attractive sights in the Czech Republic. It is situated in the south of Bohemia in Hluboká nad Vltavou. The monumental chateau is a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic and it offers ample history including several reconstructions and rebuildings. At first, it was a Gothic castle in the second half of the 13^th century. Thereafter it was expanded in the Renaissance Period and rebuilt in the beginning of the 18^th century into a Baroque castle. It gained its current appearance in the 19^th century. The romantic English royal Windsor castle became the pattern for the last rebuilding. The castle has also been surrounded by extensive superb parks since then.

Castle Hluboká

The chateau premises include 140 rooms and 11 towers. It has a lot to offer, luxurious halls, splendid coffered ceilings, crystal chandeliers, elegant furniture, Gothic South Bohemian exposition or chateau kitchen with preserved facility. It has also become a popular wedding venue. The castle is open to the public throughout the whole year and offers several variations of visitation.

Český Krumlov

CZECHWALKS — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 16:55:07 +0000

Český Krumlov is a small city located in the South Bohemian Region in the Czech Republic. The population there is about 14 thousand. Its historic center is registered in the list of monuments protected as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Český Krumlov is considered as the capital of Šumava (The Bohemian Forest). Flowing through the city, the Vltava river is not the only attraction. The monumental castle and splendid chateau with beautiful towers all together dominate the city and are the most visited attractions for tourists. Included in the spacious area of the castle, there are for example extensive rococo gardens, Church of Saint Vitus, Castle Theatre or the unique Revolving Theatre, a very important open air scene of Europe. The castle is also known for the bears that are bred there.

The city with a rich history is the most significant destination of foreign tourists in the Czech Republic. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic, Europe and even worldwide these days. Český Krumlov is a very important cultural center. The city is easily accessible with a train, car or bus.