The best walks and hikes in the Bohemian Forest

The Bohemian Forest, also known as Šumava or Bayerischer Wald, offers a wide variety of hiking trails. You'll find everything from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging routes for experienced hikers. The landscape is characterized by lush forests, unique peat bogs, picturesque glacial lakes, and majestic mountains, providing diverse terrain for all skill levels.

The best times for hiking in the Bohemian Forest are generally spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the natural colors are particularly vibrant, making for a beautiful hiking experience.

Yes, the Bohemian Forest has 57 easy routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Soumarské Peat Bog Boardwalk – Beaver Tree on the Vydra River loop from Soumarský Most, which is an easy 3.1 km (48-minute) walk, allowing you to explore unique natural features without significant elevation gain.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore unique peat bogs, such as those found on the Tříjezerní Slať Peat Bog – Modrava Brewery loop from SO POÚ Kašperské Hory. Other highlights include picturesque glacial lakes like the Devil's and Black Lakes, and the striking Dreisessel Rock, known for its 'Stone Sea' and panoramic views.

Yes, many trails in the Bohemian Forest are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Plešné jezero – Plöckenstein Summit Cross loop from Láz is a challenging 15.6 km route leading to a summit cross with lake views, while the moderate Lake Laka – Stará Hůrka Ruins and Chapel loop from Nová Hůrka offers a shorter 9.3 km option.

Yes, the Bohemian Forest features convenient mountain inns and huts where you can take a break and refresh. The Dreisesselhaus Mountain Inn near Dreisessel Rock is a popular spot, and the Turnerova Hut is also accessible on routes like the Klostermann Bridge – Turnerova Hut loop from SO POÚ Kašperské Hory.

The trails in the Bohemian Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 4,500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, well-maintained paths, and the stunning natural beauty, including the lush forests and serene glacial lakes.

Absolutely. Many peaks in the Bohemian Forest provide rewarding panoramic views. The Großer Arber is a prominent summit, and the Dreisessel Rock offers expansive vistas over the Bavarian Forest and Passauer Land. Other mountains like Čerchov and Javornik also feature lookout towers for fantastic views.

Yes, the region offers historical points of interest that add a cultural dimension to your hike. You can visit sites like Hurka (Hurkenthal) or the Markfleckl Border Stones and Historic Tripoint, where Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria meet, allowing you to easily step across three country borders.

There are nearly 300 hiking routes available in the Bohemian Forest, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This includes 57 easy routes, 171 moderate routes, and 65 difficult routes, ensuring there's a trail for every hiker.

Yes, the Bohemian Forest is home to several picturesque glacial lakes. The Plešné jezero – Plöckenstein Summit Cross loop from Láz offers views over a glacial lake. Additionally, the Schwarzenberg Canal Trail, a historic timber canal, provides glimpses of old watermills and beautiful landscapes along its 50-kilometer path.