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Ore Mountains: A region of peat bogs, old galleries and divine peace The Western Ore Mountains are no longer the grey industrial region that some people remember from school textbooks. Today, it is one of the cleanest places in the Czech Republic, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its mining history. If you like wild nature, deep forests and don’t want to crowd with crowds of tourists on trips, this region will get you. Here are some of our favorite places in the region that are worth seeing: 🌲 Nature and history that you won’t find anywhere else Božídarské rašeliniště: A beautiful route along wooden attic walkways. It is a short distance from Boží Dar and you will walk through a landscape that looks more like something out of a Scandinavian film. Ideal for strollers and a quiet walk. Vlčí jámy (Horní Blatná): Narrow rock gorges that were created by the collapse of old medieval mines. It is so cold here that snow and ice lie calmly at the bottom of the Ice Pit even in July. Former Rolava tin mine (Sauersack): A must for lovers of mysterious places. In the middle of forests and swamps, there are concrete skeletons of a German factory from World War II, which nature is slowly reclaiming. It has an incredible atmosphere. Blatenský příkop: A UNESCO technical monument. It is a historical water canal, along which there is a kilometer-long, completely straight path through the forest. Great for cycling with children or for a walk if you want to take a break from the hills. 🚲 Where to go for sports and views? Ore Mountains Highway: If you are riding a bike, the highway crosses entire ridges. You can pedal for tens of kilometers from forest to forest and along the way you will come across many mountain kiosks with beer and soup. Trail Park Plešivec and Klínovec: If you are more interested in adrenaline and downhill skiing, there are top-notch bike parks on both of these hills with tracks ranging from very easy (for families) to the most difficult for professionals. Lookout towers: The Ore Mountains are famous for them. Be sure to climb Blatenský vrch, Plešivec, or the highest peak Klínovec. 💦 Where to cool off in summer? When the summer heat hits, we recommend replacing classic swimming pools with natural swimming: Černé jezero in Lužec: Hidden in the forest in the middle of nature, clean water and complete peace. Lesík u Nejdku water reservoir: A great place for swimming, where there is usually nice grass for lying down and peace. Nová Role natural swimming pool: A great clean area with a beach, where they have also made a great track for bikes and scooters (pump track) for children. 🗺️ Our e-book with maps for you We have walked the Ore Mountains from end to end. To save you the trouble of searching maps, we have written a complete e-book for our guests. In it you will find our personal tips for trips, secret places where you will not meet a single person, and recommendations for nice local pubs and cafes. We will be happy to give it to you during your stay at the Čepice guesthouse, so that you can enjoy the region like a local. Come and clear your head with us this summer! Aneta and Vojta, Penzion Čepice

In the Železná Ruda region, it’s worth visiting the Black and Devil’s Lakes, two of the most beautiful spots in Šumava. For great views, take the cable car to Špičák or hike up Pancíř. Nature lovers will enjoy the trails around Lake Laka or a trip to Poledník with its lookout tower. Families can enjoy the rope park, bike park and many cycling routes. In winter, the region is perfect for skiing and cross‑country skiing.

The region offers the beautiful nature of Šumava National Park, nearby castles and chateaux, cycling routes and hiking trails. Perfect for active holidays and relaxation.

Šumava is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Czech Republic, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. Boubín Primeval Forest – a unique forest reserve with an educational trail and a lookout tower on Mount Boubín (1,362 m). Černé and Čertovo Lakes – glacial lakes surrounded by mountains, perfect for hiking trips. Modrava and Kvilda – picturesque mountain villages and great starting points for hiking, cycling, or cross-country skiing. Vltava River spring – the symbolic beginning of the Czech Republic’s longest river, accessible from Kvilda. Plešné Lake and Plechý Mountain – a rewarding hike to a glacial lake and the highest peak of the Czech Šumava (1,378 m). Treetop Walkway Lipno – a wooden trail above the forest with panoramic views of the Lipno Dam and the Alps. Kašperk Castle – a Gothic castle founded by Emperor Charles IV, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Schwarzenberg Canal – a historic waterway connecting the Vltava and Danube, with interpretive walking trails. Jezerní Slat (Lake Moorland) – accessible peat bogs with a viewing tower and rich local flora and fauna. Šumava is ideal for lovers of nature, peace, and active holidays all year round.