WITHOUT THE CAR
On foot from the cottage
Set off from Loučany on foot to explore the Šumava foothills. Head towards Strážov for the views, or follow the route to Klenová via the place known as Žába.
THE ŠUMAVA FOOTHILLS AND ŠUMAVA
Something different every day.
Our favourite routes, swimming spots, good food and evenings with music. Choose to suit your mood and the weather.
CASTLES AND ART
A short outing
Klenová is around 7 km by car from the cottage, followed by a short walk to the grounds. Velhartice is about 24 km by car, then approximately 300 m on foot from the visitor car park.
FOR KEEN WALKERS
A full day in Šumava
For Černé jezero, allow for a drive of around 34 km to Špičácké sedlo and a walk of 3.6 km each way. Set off for Poledník from Prášily; this is a longer mountain walk. Choose your route to suit the weather and your fitness.
AROUND THE COTTAGE
Our tried-and-tested days out.
Go for a walk, seek out a view or explore Šumava's rivers. Choose to suit your interests and the time you have.
EXPLORE FROM THE COTTAGE
Týnec Château
The newly restored Týnec Château is 2 km from Loučany:
https://www.zamektynec.cz/cz/zamek-tynec-narodni-kulturni-pamatka/
Photo: Tomáš Trýska (Trinom) · CC BY-SA 3.0
EXPLORE FROM THE COTTAGE
From Loučany to Strážov
A lovely outing with a refreshment stop in Strážov. Along the way, enjoy views of the Šumava peaks (Čachrov, Ostrý, Hoher Bogen, etc.).
EXPLORE FROM THE COTTAGE
A trip to Klenová Castle
Castle ruins, a gallery and open-air sculptures. An easy-going outing for art and views of the Šumava foothills.
Route via the Žába energy spot
Approx. 7 km by car to the starting point
A short walk from the parking area to the grounds.
Find visiting hours and current exhibitions on the gallery's website.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
EXPLORE FROM THE COTTAGE
A trip to Pohádka
A trip to Pohádka
The half-ruined Pohádka (Christlhof) farmstead stands alone amid beautiful meadows with wonderful views near Čachrov, where the Šumava foothills give way to the mountains. The more picturesque its surroundings, the more sinister the building seems. It is said to radiate dark, negative energy...
Ivan Roubal (*1951, +2015), a murderer sentenced to life imprisonment, lived here from 1991 - 1994 until his arrest, and apparently committed murders here too.
Find out more about this place at:
https://www.sumavanet.cz/spicak/fr.asp?tab=snet&id=12965&burl=&pt=RE
Do not enter the building; respect private land.
Photo: Aleš Makovec · CC BY-SA 3.0
ANOTHER DAY IN ŠUMAVA
Castles nearby
Kašperk Castle, Rabí Castle and the nature trail to Werich's cottage. Allow more driving time for destinations further afield.
Kašperk Castle · map ↗Rabí Castle · map ↗Nature trail to Werich's cottage · map ↗
Photo: Michal Pilař · CC BY-SA 3.0
EXPLORE FROM THE COTTAGE
Velhartice Castle
An unmistakable stone bridge, a castle courtyard and a Renaissance château. Round off your visit with a walk around the castle.
Stone enthusiasts will enjoy Velhartice too. There is a mineral museum in the centre.
Approx. 24 km by car to the starting point
About 300 m on foot from the visitor car park.
Follow the signs to the visitor car park when navigating; cars are not allowed into the castle grounds.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
A LONGER DAY OUT
Povydří nature trail: Antýgl - Čeňkova pila
https://www.sumavanet.cz/rejstejn/fr.asp?tab=snet&id=2800&burl=&pt=SP
Povydří nature trail
A trip into central Šumava. Allow for a longer drive and enough time to complete the route.
Photo: Dingoa · CC BY-SA 3.0
A LONGER DAY OUT
Vchynicko-tetovský Canal
Antýgl is a possible starting point. Allow for a longer drive.
A LONGER DAY OUT
A trip to Poledník
Walk from Prášily to Poledník. A mountain outing with a lookout tower; plan the walking section and access according to current conditions.
This is a longer mountain walk, rather than a short stroll from the road.
EXPLORE FROM THE COTTAGE
The Železná Ruda area
Stroll through the mountain town, see the church with its distinctive onion-shaped roof, and visit the visitor centre's exhibitions on Šumava's natural world.
Find more ideas for days out in the Železná Ruda area at:
https://www.zelezna-ruda.cz/zeleznaruda/okoli.asp
Železná Ruda - Loučany, 45 min by car
The driving time is approximate and depends on the route and traffic.
Approx. 39 km by car to the starting point
A town stroll to suit your mood and the weather.
Directions take you to the centre; choose a signposted public car park.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
A LONGER DAY OUT
See the wolves at Srní
https://www.npsumava.cz/navstivte-sumavu/navstevnicka-centra/nc-srni/
Loučany - Srní, 55 min by car
Check access to the visitor centre before setting off; this destination is further afield.
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
More ideas for Šumava.
Approximate driving distances from Loučany to the starting point. The walking section is listed separately. Check the current route and conditions before setting off. The following starting points are within 50 km by car; for mountain destinations, continue on foot from the car park.
Photo: David Paloch (Caroig) · CC BY-SA 2.5
INTO THE ŠUMAVA FORESTS
Černé jezero
Dark waters beneath a steep rock face and the deep forests of Královský hvozd. A surfaced path leads to the lake from Špičácké sedlo.
Approx. 34 km by car to the starting point
About 3.6 km on foot each way along the yellow waymarks.
The map marks the lake; driving directions end at Špičácké sedlo. Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
Photo: Chorar · CC BY-SA 4.0
LAKES AND STILLNESS
Čertovo jezero
A forest path to the second of Šumava's two well-known lakes. More experienced walkers can continue via Rozvodí to Černé jezero.
Approx. 34 km by car to the starting point
About 2 km each way; a circular walk taking in both lakes is approximately 8.5 km.
The circular route includes a steep climb and is not suitable for bicycles. Keep to marked paths.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
Photo: ZdeněkK · CC BY-SA 3.0
A LONGER WANDER
Bílá strž waterfall
The path past Černé jezero continues to a viewpoint above a Šumava waterfall. A walk for those who want to spend much of the day in the forest.
Approx. 34 km by car to the starting point
About 7 km each way from Špičácké sedlo.
Do not descend to the waterfall; view it from the viewing platform.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
Photo: Honza Groh · CC BY 3.0
SEEK OUT A VIEW
Pancíř and its lookout tower
A mountain lodge, a lookout tower and panoramic Šumava views. Follow the red waymarks uphill from the pass, or take the chairlift from Špičák.
Approx. 34 km by car to the starting point
About 2.5 km each way from Špičácké sedlo.
To use the chairlift, head to the lower station at Špičák and check that it is running before you travel.
Show interactive map
Map provided by OpenStreetMap. The marker shows your destination; the directions link takes you to the stated starting point.
Before your outing, check opening hours, chairlift operation and route accessibility with the operator or the Šumava National Park Authority. Keep to marked paths in the countryside.
AROUND THE COTTAGE
Places to swim.
Outdoors in summer, or in an indoor pool when it rains. Check opening times and conditions before you go.
SUMMER SWIMMING
Lázně in Klatovy
An outdoor swimming complex with pools for swimmers and children. Open seasonally.
Photo: Ondřej Koníček · CC BY-SA 3.0
WHEN IT IS TOO COOL TO SWIM OUTDOORS
Klatovy indoor swimming pool
An indoor complex for swimming and relaxing. A good option for a rainy day too; check current opening times with the operator.
BY THE WATER · CURRENT NOTE
Pískovna Beňovy
Pískovna natural swimming lake, 10 km from Loučany
The Šumava žije tourism portal states that swimming is prohibited. Choose an operating swimming pool instead and follow the current signs on site.
SUMMER SWIMMING
Nýrsko swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pools with sports facilities. Open seasonally.
Nýrsko swimming pool; the complex also includes tennis courts
SUMMER SWIMMING
Kolinec swimming pool
Swimming and sports facilities for a summer's day. Check opening times before you travel.
Kolinec swimming pool
Find more swimming suggestions here:
https://www.klatovy.cz/klatovy/fr.asp?tab=icklatovy&id=57&burl=&pt=TUTPVO
AROUND THE COTTAGE
Where to enjoy good food.
A few places for lunch or dinner. Check with each restaurant for its latest menu and opening hours.
VRHAVEČ
U Hošků Restaurant
Vrhaveč 44
Our suggestion for a meal in Vrhaveč. Check the daily menu and current opening hours directly with the restaurant.
KLATOVY · NEAR THE MAIN SQUARE
Žíznivej kozel
Pražská 123, Klatovy
Stop for a meal or a beer while exploring the centre of Klatovy. You will find this pub in Pražská Street.
KLATOVY · INDIAN AND NEPALESE CUISINE
Everest Indian and Nepalese restaurant
Vídeňská 32, Klatovy
For when you fancy Indian or Nepalese food. Find the menu and daily specials on the restaurant's website.
BEŇOVY · RESTAURANT
Country Saloon Beňovy
Beňovy 8, near Klatovy
Country Saloon in Beňovy offers food in a Wild West setting. Find the current menu and opening hours on its website.
NÝRSKO · RESTAURANT
Autokemp Nýrsko
U Koupaliště 778, Nýrsko
You can also eat at the ATC restaurant in Autokemp Nýrsko. Check current kitchen opening hours and the daily menu before you go.
AROUND THE COTTAGE
An evening with music.
Sometimes you just want to sit and relax; other times, live music calls. Check the current programme.
COUNTRY MUSIC
Country Saloon Beňovy
Beňovy 8, near Klatovy
A Wild West atmosphere, a place to sit and live country music. Check the evening programme in advance and whether you need to book a table.
MUSIC AT THE CAMPSITE
Autokemp Nýrsko
U Koupaliště 778, Nýrsko
Our suggestion for an evening with music at the campsite. Events follow the current programme; check dates with the operator.
ATC restaurant and latest information ↗