Quick Picks for Your Šumava Day Trip

Short on time? Use these quick picks to choose your adventure. These spots are the most popular for a reason. They offer the best balance of beauty and accessibility. You can find more day trips from Plzeň if you have extra time.

• Best Overall: Černé jezero (Black Lake)
• Best for Families: Povydří River Trail
• Best for Views: Poledník Lookout Tower
• Best for Wildlife: Srní Wolf Enclosure
• Best Free Activity: Modrava Valley Walk

9 Best Hiking Trails in Šumava from Plzeň

These trails are selected for their variety and beauty. They are all reachable within a day from Plzeň. Ensure you wear sturdy shoes and check the weather before leaving. Most trails are well-marked with the standard Czech hiking system.

1. Name: Černé jezero (Black Lake) Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and deepest glacial lake in the country. Best for: Iconic scenery and photography. Where: Near Železná Ruda. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Drive or take a train to Špičák station. Tip: The trail is paved, making it great for strollers.
2. Name: Povydří Trail Type: nature Why go: A stunning walk along the Vydra River with massive granite boulders. Best for: Families and casual walkers. Where: Between Čeňkova Pila and Antýgl. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Best reached by car via Sušice. Tip: Stop at Turnerova chata to see the local river otters.
3. Name: Srní Wolf Enclosure Type: experience Why go: Observe a wolf pack from a raised wooden bridge. Best for: Wildlife lovers and kids. Where: Srní village. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free entry; small parking fee. Getting there: Drive toward Sušice and then Srní. Tip: Go early in the morning for the best chance to see wolves.
4. Name: Poledník Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: Offers a 360-degree view of the entire mountain range. Best for: Fit hikers seeking a challenge. Where: Near Prášily. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Park in Prášily and follow the red trail. Tip: The climb is steep but the views of the Alps are possible on clear days.
5. Name: Modrava to Březník Type: nature Why go: A gentle walk through a beautiful valley to a historic lodge. Best for: Peaceful nature and easy terrain. Where: Modrava. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Car is best; follow signs for Modrava. Tip: Březník offers one of the best views of Luzný mountain.
6. Name: Boubín Primeval Forest Type: nature Why go: Walk through a protected forest that has never been logged. Best for: Nature purists. Where: Near Kubova Huť. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the scenic train to Kubova Huť. Tip: Climb the Boubín lookout tower for views of the forest canopy.
7. Name: Laka Lake Type: nature Why go: The smallest and highest glacial lake in Šumava. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Near Prášily or Nová Hůrka. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Park at Nová Hůrka. Tip: Look for the floating islands on the lake surface.
8. Name: Třístoličník (Dreisesselberg) Type: viewpoint Why go: A ridge walk where you can stand in three countries. Best for: Unique rock formations. Where: Nové Údolí. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the train to Nové Údolí. Tip: The rock towers provide amazing photo opportunities.
9. Name: Prášilské jezero Type: nature Why go: A high-altitude lake surrounded by steep granite walls. Best for: Classic mountain scenery. Where: Prášily. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Park in the village of Prášily. Tip: Combine this with a trip to the nearby Poledník tower.

Planning Your Šumava National Park Day Trip

Planning is key for a successful trip. The weather in Šumava changes very fast. Always bring a waterproof jacket and extra layers. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal trail closures. In winter, many hiking trails become cross-country ski tracks. If you visit in the colder months, consider winter day trips to Šumava for skiing instead. Mobile signal can be weak in deep valleys. Download offline maps before you leave Plzeň.

How to Get to Šumava from Plzeň

Getting to the mountains is straightforward. Most people prefer driving to Šumava National Park from Plzeň. The drive usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. You can take Highway 27 toward Klatovy and Železná Ruda. Public transport is also an option. Direct trains run from Plzeň main station to Železná Ruda-Alžbětín. From there, local "Green Buses" operate during the summer months. These buses connect the most popular trailheads and villages.