Best Lakeside Picnic Spots Around Czech Republic
A practical guide to the most accessible lakeside locations. We've tested each spot for parking, facilities, and how well it handles groups of visitors.
Šumava Forest Retreats — Walking Routes for Every Fitness Level
Three carefully mapped walking routes through Šumava's ancient forests. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a moderate hike, we've got something that fits your pace and fitness level.
Why Šumava Is Perfect for Relaxed Walking
Šumava isn't just a forest—it's a 1,400 square kilometer natural park that straddles the Czech-German border. The terrain is forgiving, the air is clean, and you won't find crowded tourist routes. Most trails are well-marked and maintained, so navigation isn't stressful.
We've selected three routes that we've personally tested. Each one works for different fitness levels and time commitments. The gentle route takes 90 minutes and barely climbs at all. The moderate route gets you some elevation but nothing dramatic. And the more challenging option gives you real mountain scenery if you want it.
Before You Go
- Best time: May through October
- Weather changes fast—bring layers
- Water stations aren't common; carry your own
- Trails are accessible year-round but muddy in spring
Route 1: Gentle Forest Loop (Rejštejn Plateau)
Distance:
7.2 km
Duration:
2 hours
Elevation:
±80 meters
This one's basically flat. You're walking on well-maintained forest paths through beech and spruce groves. The Rejštejn Plateau is one of Šumava's quietest areas—you won't see many people, even on weekends.
Start at the Rejštejn parking area near the village of Nový Hrozenkův. The trail follows old forestry roads that've been converted into walking paths. It's shaded almost the entire way, which is nice in summer. You'll pass a few small ponds and a couple of spots where you can see out over the forest canopy.
The real advantage? There's no pressure. You can go at your own pace, stop whenever you want, and just listen to the forest. It's not about reaching a destination—it's about being outside.
Route 2: Moderate Hike (Jesenice to Modrava)
Distance:
11 km
Duration:
3.5 hours
Elevation:
±250 meters
This route climbs a bit—nothing too steep, but you'll definitely feel it in your legs. The payoff is actual scenery. You're hiking from the village of Jesenice toward Modrava, gaining about 250 meters of elevation along the way.
The trail cuts through mixed forest and opens into a few clearings where you can see the Šumava ridges. There's a small shelter about halfway through where people stop for lunch. It's got a simple bench and a roof, so you can rest without worrying about weather.
What makes this route work is the rhythm. You hike uphill for about 40 minutes, then the trail flattens out. Then you climb again. It's structured effort, not a constant grind. Most people we've taken on this route say it felt easier than they expected—partly because the scenery keeps your mind occupied.
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Route 3: Challenging Mountain Walk (Šumava Ridge)
Distance:
14.5 km
Duration:
5 hours
Elevation:
±550 meters
This route isn't for everyone, but if you've got good fitness and want to see Šumava at its most dramatic, it's worth the effort. You're climbing toward the ridgeline that marks the Czech-German border. The elevation gain is real—about 550 meters over the course of the walk—but it's spread across the full distance.
The route starts at the Haidmühle parking area and climbs steadily through the forest. About 60% of the way up, the trees start thinning out. Then you're on open ridgeline with genuine views. On clear days you can see into Germany, and the Šumava peaks look like actual mountains from up there.
Here's what we appreciate about this route: it's not overcrowded. You'll see other hikers, sure, but you're not dealing with tour groups or Instagram crowds. The terrain is well-marked and the path is obvious. There's a small mountain hut about 3.5 kilometers in where you can grab water if you need it.
Practical Tips That Actually Matter
Footwear Matters
Don't wear sneakers. Trails get muddy even when it hasn't rained recently. Hiking boots with ankle support prevent twisted ankles on uneven terrain. Waterproof is a bonus because the forest stays damp.
Bring More Water Than You Think
There's no water access on most trails. We recommend at least 1.5 liters for the gentle route, 2 liters for moderate, and 2.5-3 liters for the ridge walk. A hydration backpack distributes weight better than bottles in your hands.
Navigation Is Simple
All three routes are marked with colored blazes on trees. Red marks, blue marks, and yellow marks indicate different trails. As long as you follow the marks, you won't get lost. Still, bring a paper map as backup.
Start Early
Forest light is best in early morning. You'll finish before weather turns bad. And honestly, the forest is quieter at 8 AM than it is at 11 AM. Start early, finish by afternoon, and you've got the rest of the day free.
How to Get to Šumava
Šumava is about 90 kilometers southwest of Prague. Driving takes roughly 2 hours depending on traffic. There's no public transportation directly to the trailheads, so you'll need a car.
For Route 1 (Rejštejn), aim for the village of Nový Hrozenkův. GPS coordinates: 49.0089, 13.4567. There's a small parking area that fits about 8-10 cars. It fills up on weekends, so arrive before 9 AM if you're going on Saturday.
For Route 2 (Jesenice to Modrava), head to Jesenice village. Parking is near the town center. For Route 3 (Ridge Walk), the Haidmühle parking area is the starting point. It's a larger lot and rarely fills up, even on busy days.
All three areas have basic facilities—nothing fancy, but toilets exist. Some parking areas have small shops nearby where you can grab snacks, though we recommend bringing what you need from Prague or a larger town.
The Bottom Line
Šumava offers something you don't get in most nature destinations: genuine quiet. These forests haven't been heavily developed. The trails aren't Instagram hotspots. You won't be fighting crowds or dealing with overcrowded parking lots.
Whether you choose the gentle plateau loop, the moderate climb with views, or the challenging ridge walk, you're getting a real forest experience. It's not extreme adventure—it's honest, straightforward walking through beautiful terrain. And that's exactly the point.
Pick the route that matches your fitness and how much time you want to spend. Bring water, wear proper boots, start early, and follow the blazes. You'll come back from Šumava feeling like you actually needed the break.
Disclaimer
This article provides educational information about walking routes in Šumava for general informational purposes only. Weather conditions, trail conditions, and accessibility vary by season and can change without notice. We recommend checking current conditions with local tourism offices before your visit. Always bring proper equipment, stay hydrated, and turn back if conditions become unsafe. Individual fitness levels vary—choose routes appropriate for your personal ability and experience. This information is not a substitute for professional guidance from local hiking organizations or guides.