CHKO Šumava is one of the most precious protected landscape areas in Central Europe — a vast, unspoiled region in the south-western corner of the Czech Republic where ancient forests, peat bogs, and glacial lakes create a world that feels refreshingly apart from modern life. If you are drawn to wild, quiet nature, this place will leave a lasting impression.

Covering over 995 km² and ranging in elevation from 466 to 1,362 metres above sea level, the area offers an incredible variety of landscapes. The highest point, Boubín, is surrounded by one of the oldest forest reserves in Europe — the Boubín Primeval Forest, protected since 1858. The seasons bring completely different moods: spring floods the meadows with wildflowers, summer cools hikers under dense forest canopies, autumn turns the hillsides into a blaze of amber and crimson, and winter wraps everything in deep silence under a blanket of snow. The Black Lake and Devil's Lake are two striking glacial lakes that are highlights of any visit.

• Vimperk — the administrative centre of CHKO Šumava, a convenient starting point for exploring the western part of the protected area, reachable by car or bus.
• Boubín area — trails through the Boubín Primeval Forest, suitable for hikers of varying experience levels.
• Black Lake and Devil's Lake area — popular routes within the buffer zone of Šumava National Park, moderate difficulty.

• CHKO Šumava serves as the buffer zone for Šumava National Park — some trails may have seasonal restrictions.
• The area is part of the Natura 2000 European network — please stay on marked trails in strictly protected zones.
• The Multerberg peat bog is one of the spots where the European moose regularly appears.

The Boubín Primeval Forest has been under formal protection since 1858, making it one of the oldest nature reserves in the Czech Republic and a true living monument to European wilderness.