Where to go on a trip Plzeňský kraj

With an area of 69,030 hectares, Národní park Šumava is our largest national park. It can be found in South and West Bohemia. From Železná Ruda, it follows the state border with Germany, later with Austria, and from the eastern side, it is bordered by the Lipenská přehrada. It extends across the territory of two regions, namely the Plzeňský kraj and the Jihočeský kraj, and three districts: Český Krumlov, Prachatice, and Klatovy. Together with the German Národní park Bavorský les, it forms the largest continuously forested area in Central Europe. Thanks to this, it is also referred to as the "green heart of Europe." It was declared a national park on 20 March 1991; a year earlier, the territory was inscribed on the UNESCO list as the Šumava biosphere reserve.

Šumavský národní park is part of the Chráněná krajinná oblast Šumava. Within the territory of the national park, there are several dozen nature reserves and smaller protected areas. The main reason for declaring the national park was, in particular, the protection of biological communities – spruce forests, primeval forest stands, peat bogs, or corrie lakes. One may also find several endangered animal species here, such as the Eurasian lynx, the western capercaillie, or the Eurasian elk. There are also some insect species that cannot be seen anywhere else but in the local peat bogs.

Národní park Šumava itself can be divided into several separate areas: Šumavské pláně, Železnorudská hornatina, Boubínská hornatina, Želnavská hornatina, and Trojmezenská hornatina with the Vltavská brázda. In terms of altitude, it extends from 600 to 1,378 metres above sea level. The highest point is the mountain Plechý.

According to the method of protection, the park is divided into 3 zones: strict nature, managed nature, and peripheral. Included in the strict nature zone are the most valuable primeval forests and wetlands, which are protected from human influence. In the managed nature zone, one finds the largest part of the forest ecosystems, and in the peripheral zone, there are already places that people may use for tourism, recreation, or, for example, agriculture. Even in the peripheral zone, however, there are certain rules that protect nature from the devastating influence of certain activities.

Nevertheless, Národní park Šumava still has many "enemies." The greatest natural enemy has long been the bark beetle, which is causing significant calamities not only in the Šumava region but throughout our entire republic. Humans also have a negative impact on the local nature. This primarily involves timber harvesting that is not always justified, the construction of tourist centres, or the activities of canoeists on the upper reaches of the Vltava. For this reason, nature conservationists and ecologists are very active here, and one can regularly see them in television reports. The activities within the national park are also overseen by the Správa Národního parku Šumava.

From a hydrological perspective, Šumavský národní park is a significant location. One can find natural watercourses, glacial lakes, and man-made structures here. The territory belongs mainly to the North Sea watershed, with a smaller part belonging to the Black Sea. The Vydra river as well as the longest Czech river, the Vltava, begin their journey here. It rises below Černá hora as the Černý potok and gradually expands with other streams. Near Volary, it is already the true Vltava.

There are three glacial lakes here, namely Plešné jezero, Prášilské jezero, and jezero Laka. On the eastern edge of Národní park Šumava lies the Lipenská přehrada, which was built between 1950 and 1960 as the first stage of the Vltava cascade near Lipno nad Vltavou. Today, it is a frequent destination for holidaymakers, especially during the summer period.

Národní park Šumava itself is also a very popular location for tourists. Every year, it is visited by some two million visitors. In the winter period, they are mainly attracted by ski resorts such as Skiareál Špičák, which is the largest in the Plzeňský kraj, or the family-favourite Skiareál Lipno. Here, one may also try out an 11-kilometre-long ice skating track. During the summer, places such as the source of the Vltava or the village of Modrava attract visitors. The latter is well-known and popular thanks to a crime series set in this environment, as are the climbs to the mountains Plechý, Pancíř, or Špičák.

So, has this article captured your interest? We invite you to set out and discover the places we have mentioned as well. Find suitable accommodation in Národní park Šumava and begin filling the pages of your travel diaries. Quality accommodation in Šumava can be found in villages such as Kvilda, Nové Hutě, Kubova Huť, or Stachy. However, there is much, much more. Our free search agent will facilitate your search and save you time. So do not hesitate and set off for Šumava!

Memory of liberation hidden in the heart of the city

In the very heart of Plzeň, a place is located where 20th-century history materialises into powerful human stories. Patton Memorial Pilsen represents an exceptional museum dedicated to the dramatic events of May 1945, when the American army liberated the West Bohemian metropolis. It is the only museum of its kind in the entire Czech Republic that comprehensively maps the advance of the allied forces from the historic landing in Normandy to the very end of the war in western Bohemia. It opens its doors to the public annually from May to October and continuously develops its permanent exhibition, which has been built since 2005. It is a space where the past steps into the present through the eyes and soul. Authentic artefacts, the silence of history, and an atmosphere full of respect leave a deep mark on every visitor and remind them of everything that had to happen for peace to take a breath once again.

An expedition through the museum as a true journey through time

The exhibition itself is a true journey into the past, featuring more than a thousand authentic artefacts and personal items belonging to direct participants and veterans. Among the greatest treasures are the original cap of General George S. Patton and rare relics directly from European battlefields. The exhibition details the journey of the troops from D-Day through the bloody Battle of the Bulge to the famous arrival of American units in western Bohemia.

When walking through the halls, visitors will encounter fascinating details such as a bayonet for the M1 Garand rifle, historical ammunition, a complete field kitchen, original American equipment, or time-worn anti-tank obstacles popularly known as "Czech hedgehogs". Moreover, the museum also considers deeper education and offers the possibility of guided tours for school groups or organised expeditions, which can even be arranged outside regular opening hours upon prior agreement.

A place that appeals to every generation

The museum in Plzeň has much to offer to various types of visitors. Enthusiastic history lovers will find unique testimony here regarding the key moments at the end of the Second World War, while school groups and students will appreciate a living history lesson that helps better understand the reality of that era through real artefacts. For family visitors, the exhibition is a sensitively mixed experience capable of engaging all generations, and photographers or admirers of details will find satisfaction in examining precisely preserved uniforms, equipment, and weapons.

Practical information for your visit

Patton Memorial Pilsen lies directly in the historic centre of Plzeň, from where it is easily accessible on foot, by public transport, and by car, with necessary parking facilities available nearby. Basic services, including restrooms and a cloakroom, await visitors directly on the premises, while a wide range of refreshments is available in the immediate vicinity of the museum. Whether visitors travel to Plzeň for monuments, beer, or history, a visit to this museum will become an unforgettable part of their trip.

Guardian of the Český les with the Kurzova věž

Čerchov, at an altitude of 1,042 metres above sea level, is the highest peak of the Český les mountain range and a significant symbol of the landscape around Domažlice. Its summit is well known for the stone Kurzova věž, which serves as a lookout tower and was built between 1904 and 1905 by the Klub českých turistů. Between 1950 and 1990, the summit was inaccessible to the public as it was occupied by the military, which established a military base here and built an unsightly concrete radar tower. Following the revolution, the Kurzova věž was returned to the KČT in 1999 and reopened to the public in 2000 after reconstruction. From the viewing platform of the tower, which is 19.2 metres high, a panoramic view is offered of the Šumava, Brdy, Plzeň, and, under exceptionally good visibility, even as far as the Alps and the Krušné hory.

How to get there

Several marked hiking trails lead to the summit of Čerchov. The most frequently used ascent starts from the village of Capartice (near Klenčí pod Čerchovem), from where an approximately 4.5 km long red hiking trail leads with an elevation gain of over 330 metres. This path is partially paved and also suitable for cyclists. Other starting points include Pec pod Čerchovem (following the blue trail, approx. 4.5 km with a greater elevation gain) or Česká Kubice, from where the historical Hanova stezka leads (red and subsequently blue trail), approximately 7.5 km long. A car park is available for motorists in Capartice. During the tourist season, bus transport to the summit is also usually available.

What you can discover in the surrounding area

The surroundings of Čerchov are crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead to the points of interest of the Chodsko region and the Český les. Directly below the summit is the Emerichova studna, once a modified spring. Near Čerchov, visitors can visit the picturesque market town of Klenčí pod Čerchovem, the centre of the Chodsko region. In a southerly direction lies Česká Kubice and the border crossing into Germany, from where one can continue into the Bavarian borderland. In the wider surroundings is the historical town of Domažlice, which is known for its Chodsko culture, a typical square with a dominant tower, and the Chodský hrad. For hikers, the route to Sádkova skála or towards the Haltrava summit is of interest.

Ski Slopes with a View of the Oldest Stone Castle

Lyžařský areál Přimda is a smaller yet cozy resort located on the eastern slope of Mount Přimda in the Český les mountain range. The resort is popular for its family atmosphere and is ideal for beginners and slightly advanced skiers, as well as for families with children. The resort lies at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level and offers the opportunity for skiing with a magnificent view of the dominant ruins of Přimda Castle.

The resort offers two main ski slopes with a total length of 820 meters, which are regularly groomed and artificially snowed. A 330-meter-long blue ski slope is available for beginners and children, while advanced skiers can make use of the more demanding 490-meter-long red ski slope. The shorter slope is illuminated, which enables evening skiing. For lovers of other winter pleasures, a snowtubing track and a practice meadow for the youngest visitors are also available.

How to Get There

The ski resort is located near the town of the same name, Přimda, in the Tachov Region. The best accessibility is by car. The resort lies near the D5 motorway (Prague – Plzeň – Rozvadov), from which one easily turns off towards the town of Přimda. Parking is provided for visitors directly by the ski resort. For travel by public transport, bus connections to the town of Přimda can be utilized, from which the resort is accessible on foot or via local transport.

What You Can Explore in the Surroundings

The Český les area around Přimda offers rich opportunities for hiking and discovering history. The most prominent landmark is the ruins of Přimda Castle, the oldest stone castle in Bohemia, to which the Naučná stezka Přimda trail leads. Nature lovers should not miss the Naučná stezka rašeliništěm Podkovák trail in the Český les Protected Landscape Area. Another point of interest in the wider surroundings is the Muzeum Českého lesa in nearby Tachov and the Rozhledna Milíře near Rozvadov, from which a great view of the surroundings is offered.

The most extensive ruin in Bohemia is hrad Rabí in the Klatovy district in the Plzeňský kraj region. This castle complex was built sometime in the late Middle Ages as a combination of residential and representative spaces with an unfinished defensive system. The dominant feature of hrad Rabí was and still is the residential tower called the donjon, which also serves as a viewpoint overlooking the foothills of the Šumava.

The history of hrad Rabí appears somewhat mysterious, as almost nothing is known with certainty about its beginnings. Documented mentions date only from the 14th century regarding the lords of Rýzmberk. They stood on the side against the Hussites, and therefore in the years 1420 and 1421 Jan Žižka besieged and conquered the castle. During the second conquest, however, he himself lost his second eye. Although the castle was considerably damaged, the owners received funds for its restoration for their loyalty to King Zikmund. The most prominent personality among the castle owners was Půta Švihovský, but after his death in 1504, disputes arose over the property and the inheritance was gradually sold off. The final blow to the glory of this extensive castle was dealt by the Thirty Years' War, after which the castle was never successfully fully restored.

In the 18th century, the castle was less comfortable for the owners than the residence in nearby Žichovice, which is why Rabí was left abandoned, later burned down, and its walls were used by local residents as a source of building material. An attempt to save the castle involved minor repairs in the mid-19th century when a viewing platform was created on the donjon, but major changes did not come until the 20th century. Now, hrad Rabí has been under state administration since 1954 and has been on the list of national cultural monuments since 1978.

When visiting the ruin of hrad Rabí, visitors can choose from two basic circuits. The first circuit is simply named Věž. It passes through the large courtyard, the small courtyard with the well, the economic facilities, climbs to the top of the residential tower, and concludes the circuit in the castle cellar, where natural dripstone decoration can be seen. The Palác circuit will introduce visitors to the history of the castle and its architectural development. It will guide visitors through rooms where models of the castle in various historical periods, stove tiles, and archaeological finds are exhibited. After descending from the viewing tower to the cellar, an audiovisual projection about the conquest of the castle by the Hussites is prepared for visitors, and the dungeon is viewed last. These two basic tour circuits standardly take place with a guide in Czech, but it is also possible to book a guide in English or German in advance, or to borrow a text translation in Dutch, Russian, and French. In addition to guided tours, visitors can walk unlimitedly and free of charge through the castle courtyard with artillery fortifications, look into the former castle stable, and view the exhibition in the underground part of the church.

Since this is a medieval castle, barrier-free access is not available here, but with assistance, wheelchair users can at least reach the large courtyard. Parking is provided off-season on the square of the town of Rabí, and in the summer months, parking areas are designated on the edge of the town, from where visitors can walk to the castle in approximately 15 minutes. Good news for dog lovers is that a dog can accompany visitors on a leash or in a carrier to all parts of the castle. Photography is also permitted in all parts of the castle, provided that the privacy of other visitors and staff is not interfered with. Souvenirs can be purchased at house no. 50 on the way to the square, where toilets are also located. On the square and in the suburb, visitors can also refresh themselves in a pub or utilise two fast-food establishments.

From hrad Rabí, visitors can set out along the Krajem Půty Švihovského trail. A pleasant, undemanding walk from the square to Žichovice awaits, from there to Horažďovice, above which towers the freely accessible ruin of hrad Prácheň. The zámek Horažďovice château, which houses a museum, is also worth a visit. And once monument exploration becomes tiring, visitors can relax in the local aquapark.

After all that strenuous journeying through the Pošumaví region, good accommodation near hrad Rabí will certainly come in handy. In addition to the village of Rabí itself, visitors can also lay their heads in nearby Kašperské Hory or in Sušice. Guesthouses in Nezdice na Šumavě will also provide their services. And should accommodation be needed alongside a larger group of friends, cabins and cottages in Strašín will welcome visitors.

Refreshment in the heart of Pootaví that will not disappoint

As all roads supposedly lead to Rome, for all pilgrims and travellers exhausted by the summer heat, they should rather lead to Horažďovice. It is precisely in this unassuming yet picturesque small town between Strakonice and Klatovy that the fully equipped Aquapark Horažďovice awaits visitors, reliably refreshing every lover of water fun. The dawn of the new millennium brought various expectations to people, but for Horažďovice, the year 2000 was memorable primarily because the local aquapark opened its doors then. To enable the complex to keep pace with the times, it underwent a thorough renovation twelve years later, bringing not only new water attractions but also a modern wellness centre.

Water Fun and Relaxation All Year Round

A great advantage of the Horažďovice aquapark is the fact that it is completely indoor, meaning it can be fully enjoyed 365 days a year regardless of the whims of the weather. The heart of the entire facility is a spacious swimming pool surrounded by large windows that let in pleasant daylight. Anyone seeking a proper dose of adrenaline will be reliably lured by the 62-metre-long water slide. Even the youngest visitors will find something to their liking. Two slides, a water toadstool, and even special children's massage jets await them in the children's pool, allowing even little ones to try out what adults do. The offer of water fun is complemented by a whirlpool bath, a wild river, a globular water fountain, a counter-current, air grates, water spouts, a water mushroom, and air beds with massage jets.

More Than Just Swimming: Wellness, Fitness and Swimming Courses

The range of services by far does not end there, however. Thanks to the wellness zone, after frolicking in the water, visitors are treated to a classic Finnish sauna procedure, a steam bath, an infra-sauna, a solarium, selected massages, or a well-deserved rest in the relaxation zone. For those for whom water activities are not enough, a fully equipped fitness centre with dumbbells, machines, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, and a functional zone with tatami mats, suspension systems, expanders, or medicine balls is prepared. Effective water exercise can also be utilised. In addition, a swimming school for all age and weight categories operates here, where basics are learned or technique is perfected, and the popular baby swimming with the assistance of parents and kind instructors is also not missing.

Discover the Magic of Horažďovice and Šumava

Is a holiday being planned and a place to rest one's head being considered? Horažďovice can be chosen as a base for trips. In the town itself, a choice of hotels, guesthouses, or apartments can be made, or cottages and chalets in the surroundings will be encountered. Should the capacity be full, great facilities can also be found in nearby Strakonice, Kašperské Hory, Sušice, Srní, or Kvilda. Furthermore, the local stay can be easily combined with discovering natural beauties. Národní park Šumava is less than an hour's drive away from here. There is no need to travel far across borders, because an interesting and relaxing holiday full of water and fun can be fully enjoyed even in western Bohemia.

Are teenagers staring at their mobile phones from morning till evening? Do visitors feel somewhat tired of all online activities? Then Offpark, entertainment in Šumava for the whole family, is intended precisely for them. It is a complex full of offline activities for the whole family, which can be found distributed in Sušice, Prášily, and Modrava. And what exactly awaits visitors? Let us take a look together.

Offpark is actually an outdoor center that offers sports and adrenaline experiences for both children and adults. On the bank of the Otava, in beautiful nature, the lanový park Sušice has been created with a total of 35 obstacles at a height of 4 to 8 meters. Thanks to professional climbing equipment and expert supervision, visitors do not need to worry about anything, and after conquering the rope route, three zip lines await visitors at the end. Visitors can choose from several difficulty options, and the time required is between one and two hours. The condition is a climber's height of at least 140 cm and a weight of less than 120 kg. Children from approximately six years of age who can reach a height of 145 cm with their hand will then enjoy fun in the dětský lanový park Sušice. Similar and equally entertaining is also the lanový park Prášily, which is on the bank of the Prášilský potok, across which the final zip line leads. The obstacles here are at a height of up to 15 meters, and a total of 18 await visitors. Here too, children from five years of age are catered for in the dětský lanový park Prášily. To make matters worse, visitors can also try a third rope park in Modrava. It is the most demanding park with 21 obstacles, three of which are super difficult. When visitors manage them, they will enjoy a descent down a 30-meter zip line. The dětský lanový park v Modravě is again an essential part.

However, Offpark Šumava is not only rope parks, but also other adrenaline experiences. If visitors have not tried it yet, riding all-terrain scooters is recommended. A minibus will transport visitors to Svatobor to an altitude of 845 meters above sea level, and visitors will descend from there on scooters with two disc brakes down a five-kilometer forest path to Sušice. Visitors will overcome an elevation gain of 370 meters and have an experience of a lifetime. Visitors will also actively relax through in-line skating, for which a new asphalt surface along the Otava River is suitable. Visitors do not need to carry equipment with them; it can be rented in the complex where the route begins.

Are visitors a larger group and want to have fun together? Then they can play paintball in the Šumava forests in a former military area. Visitors will enjoy an adventure and test not only their own physical abilities, but also the level of teamwork. One paint-ball battle takes place for 2 to 3 hours, and a minimum of 10 people must participate. Offpark is a great place for school trips as well as corporate events in the sense of team building. The program will be gladly and willingly tailored directly to visitors' requirements, group parameters, and individual fitness.

Accommodation near Offpark is not difficult to find at all. It depends on where visitors want to head first. Sušice will accommodate visitors primarily in apartments. In the surroundings of Modrava, mountain cottages and chalets are attractive accommodations that visitors will use primarily together with a larger group of friends or colleagues. If visitors have individual transport, then they will not have any problem with accommodation in Kašperské Hory or in Petrovice u Sušice, where they can rent a chalet.

Are visitors already pleasantly tired from the idea of time spent in Offpark? Would they need some relaxation? Strained muscles can be stretched at the swimming pool in Sušice or in Kolinec. If visitors' minds would rather switch off somewhere in the silence of nature, the přírodní park Kochánov or Buděticko will serve them wonderfully. But those who are interested in history will also find something for themselves, because the Jihočeský kraj is full of castles and ruins that tell the local history. It is believed that visitors will find the right accommodation and enjoy fun not only in Offpark.

Adventure in the heights of the Šumava trees

In the heart of the wild and enchanting Šumava, right on the banks of the murmuring Prášilský potok near the picturesque municipality of Prášily, an extraordinary adrenaline experience awaits visitors. Offpark Prášily is nestled in the deep forest environment of the protected landscape area and offers an adventure full of challenges. For those who are not afraid of heights, fourteen diverse obstacles are spread at a height of five to ten metres above the ground, with the entire adventure culminating in a thrilling and long zipline ride directly over the watercourse.

A challenge for daredevils under the supervision of professionals

The rope park opens its gates during the summer season, typically from May to October. Throughout May, June, September, and October, visitors may enjoy climbing on weekends from ten o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon, whereas in July and August the park is open daily for an hour longer, until five in the afternoon. Access to the treetops is designed for all daredevils with a minimum height of 140 centimetres and a weight limit of up to 120 kilograms. Visitors need not worry if they have no prior climbing experience – before each expedition, complete climbing equipment and a thorough introductory briefing are provided by experienced instructors, with whom visitors may set off on the route practically at any time during opening hours.

Who Offpark is created for

This Šumava resort naturally attracts a broad spectrum of visitors. Families with children who meet the height limit will experience a day full of excitement and fun here, while teenagers, groups of friends, and athletes will appreciate the technical diversity of the obstacles and the speed of the ziplines. Moreover, Offpark is a popular destination for school trips, outdoor clubs, or corporate groups looking for an ideal space for team bonding and teambuilding programmes. Although a pleasant and flat path leads to the park itself, the obstacles at heights naturally require good mobility. For hygienic and safety reasons, entry with dogs into the resort is prohibited.

How to get there and what facilities await visitors

The journey to the Šumava adventure is straightforward. If visitors choose to travel by car, they may park in the nearby car park, from where a short and undemanding walk along a flat path leads to the resort. In the case of using public transport, it is possible to reach the municipality of Prášily by bus or on foot from surrounding starting points. Benches for relaxation, an introductory zone, and basic sanitary facilities await visitors directly at the resort. During the season, a buffet or a kiosk offering refreshing non-alcoholic beverages and small snacks to replenish energy is also available.

Offpark Prášily combines the joy of movement, the beauty of the Šumava nature, and safe adrenaline. Whether planning a family trip, a school event, or simply wishing to surpass oneself in the treetops, visitors will thoroughly enjoy their summer days here.