Šumava — known in German as the Böhmerwald or Bohemian Forest — is one of Europe's oldest mountain ranges, stretching along the borders of the Czech Republic, Austria and Bavaria. It is a land of ancient spruce forests, raised peat bogs, glassy lakes and trails that lead you deep into a wilderness that feels almost forgotten by time.

Unlike the sharp ridges of the Alps or the Tatras, Šumava unfolds gently across rounded summits and wide forested plateaus. The Czech side slopes gradually, while the southern face drops more steeply toward Austria and Bavaria. The main European watershed — dividing rivers that flow to the North Sea from those bound for the Black Sea — runs right through the heart of the range. Šumava National Park protects some of the most pristine ecosystems in Central Europe, including ancient peat bogs and old-growth forest reserves.

Highlights:

• Großer Arber (1456 m) — the highest peak in the entire range, on the Bavarian side, with sweeping panoramic views.
• Plechý (1378 m) — the highest Czech summit, overlooking the beautiful Plešné jezero crater lake.
• Lipno Reservoir — a vast lake popular for water sports, cycling and family holidays.
• Šumava National Park peat bogs — rare raised bogs and primeval forest, unique in Central Europe.

Practical info:

• Best season: May–October — summer for hiking, autumn for spectacular forest colours.
• Base towns: Kašperské Hory, Vimperk, Český Krumlov.
• Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate — no technical climbing, but trails can be long and remote.
• Getting there: By car from Prague approx. 2.5 hours; buses from České Budějovice; train to Zwiesel on the German side.

The name Šumava comes from the old Slavic word šuma, meaning a dense, echoing forest — a name the landscape has earned over many centuries.