Top 4 Lakes in Böhmerwald

The Böhmerwald region, also known as Šumava, features several highly regarded lakes. Among the most popular are Lake Lipno, known for its vast reservoir and recreational activities, and Schwalbensee, a smaller lake ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The glacial lakes like Černé jezero (Black Lake) and Plešné jezero (Plešné Lake) are also significant attractions, offering dramatic natural beauty and historical insights.

Yes, Schwalbensee is particularly suitable for families. It's a small lake located directly on a hiking trail with information boards, offering opportunities for swimming and sunbathing in a forest setting. For a more relaxed experience, parts of the trail to Plešné jezero from Jelení village are comfortable for families and even strollers.

The Böhmerwald lakes boast several unique natural features. Jezero Laka, the smallest and highest-situated lake, is known for its distinctive floating islands with abundant vegetation. Plešné jezero features a dramatic 220-meter-high lake wall, a stone sea of granite boulders, and is the only endemic locality in the Czech Republic for Spring Quillwort. Černé jezero is notable for its dark, oligotrophic waters reflecting dense spruce forests, nestled under a 300-meter-high cliff.

Several lakes have historical significance. Černé jezero is home to the oldest pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in the Czech Republic, built in 1929-1930. Plešné jezero was historically used for timber rafting, connected to the Schwarzenberg floating channel, and features a granite monument to local poet Adalbert Stifter high above its waters. Jezero Laka's water was used in the 19th century to power glass-cutting shops in the nearby village of Hůrka.

The Böhmerwald region offers a wide range of outdoor activities around its lakes. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Plöckensteinsee Loop No. 801, which offers a ride through a magnificent natural landscape. For more hiking options, explore waterfall hikes or dog-friendly routes in the region. Cycling and gravel biking are also popular, with routes like the Lipno Reservoir loop available for gravel biking.

The Böhmerwald lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, cycling, and water sports, especially around Lake Lipno. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the vibrant foliage. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with a serene, snow-covered landscape.

Yes, some lakes require more challenging hikes. Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake) is known for being harder to reach, as it's inaccessible by car, making the hike to its clear waters and dark forests a rewarding experience. It can be visited as part of an eight-kilometer loop from the Špičácké sedlo car park that also includes Černé jezero.

Černé jezero is the largest and deepest natural lake in the Czech Republic. Its name, 'Black Lake,' comes from the dark appearance of its waters, a reflection of the dense surrounding spruce forests. It's a glacial lake nestled under a dramatic 300-meter-high cliff of Jezerní hora. Interestingly, the main European water divide runs just above the lake, meaning its waters flow towards the North Sea, unlike nearby Čertovo jezero, which drains to the Black Sea.

Yes, the Böhmerwald region offers several stunning viewpoints. The View of Lake Lipno provides expansive vistas of the Vltava reservoir. Additionally, from the top of the rock face above Plešné jezero, there are fine views of the lake and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Visitors consistently praise the mystical peace and stunning natural beauty of the Böhmerwald lakes. The diverse landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of Černé jezero to the unique floating islands of Jezero Laka, offer a variety of experiences. Many appreciate the opportunities for active holidays, whether it's hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water, especially around Lake Lipno.

Accessibility varies by lake. While some lakes like Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero are not reachable directly by car and require hiking from nearby parking areas like Špičácké sedlo, others might be more accessible. For example, the easiest route to Černé jezero is a 3.5 km path from Špičácké sedlo. It's advisable to check specific access points and public transport options for each lake you plan to visit.