The best walks and hikes in Národní Přírodní Rezervace Černé A Čertovo Jezero

The reserve offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 480 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

The primary natural features are the two glacial lakes, Černé jezero (Black Lake) and Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake), the only ones of their kind in the Czech Republic. You can also experience the unique European watershed divide, where water flows to both the North and Black Seas.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. A popular option is the Spring and Stream in Šumava – Picnic Areas in CHKO Šumava loop, an easy 6.7 km trail. Another is the Čertovo Jezero (Devil's Lake) – Špičák Observation Tower loop, which is a moderate 11.7 km route offering varied scenery.

The reserve is beautiful year-round, but late spring through early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather for hiking. During these months, trails are typically clear of snow, and the diverse flora and fauna are most active. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for snowy and icy conditions.

Yes, the path to Černé jezero from Špičácké sedlo is relatively easy and accessible, even for strollers, covering about 3.5 to 3.6 km on a marked asphalt path. This makes it a great choice for families with young children.

While the reserve is a protected area, dogs are generally permitted on marked trails, provided they are kept on a leash. Always ensure you clean up after your pet to help preserve the pristine environment.

Hiking durations vary significantly based on the trail's length and difficulty. An 8-kilometer loop connecting both lakes typically takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Shorter, easy routes like the Spring and Stream in Šumava loop can be completed in under 2 hours, while more challenging routes can take 4-6 hours or more.

A common starting point with parking facilities is Špičácké sedlo. From here, you can access trails leading to both Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero.

Yes, hikers can extend their trip to reach the lookout tower on top of Mt. Špičák (1,202 m), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This can be incorporated into routes like the Čertovo Jezero (Devil's Lake) – Špičák Observation Tower loop.

As a National Nature Reserve, it's crucial to stay on marked trails to protect the pristine wildlife and ancient habitats. The area is home to unique ecosystems and rare species, so respecting the rules helps preserve this natural treasure.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 15,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning glacial lakes, the diverse forest landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that offer a range of difficulty levels.

Beyond the natural beauty, the area also features the oldest pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in the Czech Republic, built between 1929 and 1930, with Černé jezero serving as its upper reservoir.