Top 18 Lakes in Šumava

The Šumava lakes, primarily glacial in origin, offer diverse natural features. For instance, Plešné jezero is notable for its 220-meter high lake wall and a stone sea of granite boulders. Lake Laka, the highest and smallest, features unique floating islands with rich vegetation due to its peat layer. Černé jezero, the largest and deepest, is surrounded by dense spruce forests and reflects a dark, almost black, color from its surroundings and deep conifer pollen sediment. Prášilské jezero is set in a glacial cirque, bordered by a mound of granite boulders.

Yes, several areas around the Šumava lakes are suitable for families. Černé jezero is accessible via well-maintained paths, with an easier route from Špičácké sedlo, making it family-friendly. Lake Laka also offers an easier route from Nová Hůrka, suitable for families with children, even with prams. Additionally, the Beach on Vltava River is a family-friendly highlight, and the Lipno Reservoir, often called the 'Bohemian Sea,' offers expansive views and recreational opportunities.

The Šumava region offers a wide range of outdoor activities near its lakes. You can explore numerous hiking trails, from moderate to difficult, or enjoy cycling on dedicated paths. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Plešné jezero – Plöckensteiner See loop' or the 'Prášily Village – Poledník Observation Tower loop'. Runners can find trails such as the 'Kremlův mlýn loop' or routes to the 'Source of the Moldau'. Road cyclists also have options, including the 'Haidmühle Border Crossing – Vltava River at Nová Pec loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails in Šumava, Running Trails in Šumava, and Road Cycling Routes in Šumava guides.

The Šumava lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Autumn brings stunning fall foliage, making for picturesque views. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, suitable for winter hiking, though some access might be limited. Prášilské jezero, for example, is accessible year-round by foot.

Generally, swimming is not permitted in many of the natural glacial lakes in Šumava, as they are often part of protected nature reserves. For instance, swimming is not allowed in Prášilské jezero. These lakes are preserved for their ecological importance and pristine beauty. However, the Lipno Reservoir, often referred to as the 'Bohemian Sea,' offers areas like the Beach on Vltava River where recreational activities, including swimming, are possible.

Černé jezero (Black Lake) is the largest and deepest natural glacial lake in the Czech Republic, known for its dark appearance from surrounding forests and deep conifer pollen sediment. It also hosts the oldest pumped-storage power plant in the Czech Republic. Nearby, Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake) is the second largest and is notable for its crystal-clear water and surrounding primeval spruce forest. Interestingly, the main European watershed passes between these two lakes; water from Čertovo jezero flows to the Black Sea, while water from Černé jezero flows to the North Sea.

Yes, visitors will find amenities and resting spots around several lakes. For example, Plešné jezero has a shelter and places to take a break on its east bank. At Plöckensteiner See, the Šumava National Park has set up many tables and benches for visitors to rest. Prášilské Jezero also offers benches for a relaxing break in its idyllic landscape.

Beyond their natural beauty, the Šumava lakes are close to several points of historical and cultural interest. Near Černé jezero, you can find the oldest pumped-storage power plant in the Czech Republic, built in 1930. Plešné jezero is overlooked by a granite monument dedicated to the local poet Adalbert Stifter, and the historical Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal, once used for timber rafting, is nearby. Legends also add to the mystique of lakes like Čertovo jezero, which is said to be named after the devil.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Šumava lakes. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths for hiking and cycling, the picturesque views, and the opportunities for quiet contemplation. The unique features of each lake, such as the floating islands of Laka or the dark, reflective waters of Černé jezero, are often highlighted. The availability of benches and resting spots, especially at lakes like Plešné jezero and Prášilské Jezero, also contributes to a pleasant experience.

Access to the Šumava lakes varies, but many are reachable by well-maintained hiking and cycling trails. For example, Černé jezero is accessible from Špičácké sedlo, and Lake Laka has an easier route from Nová Hůrka. Prášilské jezero can be reached via a red-marked trail from Prášily. While specific parking details for each lake are not always provided, it's generally advisable to check local information for designated parking areas at trailheads or nearby villages, as some areas may require leaving bikes at pavilions and continuing on foot.

Yes, the Šumava region offers more challenging routes for experienced hikers. While many paths are accessible, the terrain around some lakes, especially those at higher altitudes or with steep slopes like Jezerní hora near Černé and Čertovo jezero, can present more demanding conditions. The path to Plešné jezero through wild nature is considered breathtaking and can be part of longer, more strenuous hikes. For specific challenging routes, consult the MTB Trails in Šumava or Running Trails in Šumava guides, which include difficult-grade options.