Kašperské Hory Czechia is a place where time stands still and nature reigns supreme. Nestled in the heart of Šumava, one of the largest national parks in the Czech Republic, this enchanting area offers an unforgettable escape from the everyday hustle.
Kašperské Hory – A Paradise Without the Crowds
Kašperské Hory (often shortened to “Kašperky” by locals) offers a unique combination of sprawling forests, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, and sweeping panoramic views. Nature truly pulses with life here, and every season brings its own special charm. Best of all? You’ll barely see another tourist 😊
Kašperské Hory is also brimming with historical treasures. The town is steeped in stories of medieval mining, King Charles IV, and Kašperk Castle, which gave the entire town its name. The area is also home to some of the best-preserved historical buildings in the Czech Republic, adding yet another layer to its unique appeal.
For those seeking active adventures, Kašperské Hory delivers in spades. Whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, skiing, or simply strolling along picturesque trails, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re more of a culture buff, you’ll find plenty to enjoy too — from museums and galleries to displays of traditional crafts.
💡 We’ve put together a four-day itinerary that takes you through some of the best spots Kašperské Hory has to offer, so you can make the most of everything this wonderful region has in store.
Day 1: A Step Back in Time and a Date with Nature
Morning: The Town of Kašperské Hory
Your first day in Kašperské Hory begins with a wander through the charming little town itself. This medieval settlement is full of character and history. On the main square, you can admire Renaissance and Baroque buildings at every turn. Just off the square you’ll find the Gothic Church of St. Margaret.
With its dominant tower and stunning stained-glass windows, this sacred building is one of the highlights of Gothic architecture in the region. And if you’re a real fan of Gothic style, take a stroll to the western edge of town, where you’ll find the cemetery Church of St. Nicholas — the oldest ecclesiastical monument in the town. Construction began in 1315 and was completed in 1330.
Afternoon: Šumava Museum and Underground Tunnels
After lunch, pay a visit to the Šumava Museum (admission: around 5 € for adults, 3 € for children), located right in the centre of Kašperské Hory. The museum introduces you to the rich history and natural treasures of the region. You can explore exhibitions dedicated to the local flora and fauna, the history of mining, and learn more about the traditions and customs of the people who once lived here. And if you’re a motoring enthusiast, we recommend popping into the Historic Motorcycle Museum as well.
If you’re visiting Kašperské Hory during the sweltering summer months, you can quite literally take refuge underground. The Town Hall basement tunnels are open to the public from May to September as part of a guided tour called the Bat Trail, which kicks off with an exploration of the underground passages.
💡 If you fancy a more active afternoon, you could head out on one of the many hiking trails that lead into the heart of the Šumava forest. For example, the trail to the Bílá Strž waterfall is very popular. It’s suitable for families with small children and pushchairs too.
Evening: A Hearty Dinner and a Good Night’s Rest
After a packed day, check into one of the local guesthouses such as Penzion U Jelena, or browse Booking.com for a wider range of accommodation in Kašperské Hory. For dinner, treat yourself to some local Šumava cuisine.
Here are some of the best restaurants in the area:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Rating |
| Restaurace U Medvěda | Czech, International | 4.5/5 |
| U Stepana | Steak House | 4.5/5 |
| Pizzerie pod Hradem | Italian, Pizza | 4.3/5 |
| Bistro pod Nebem – OUR TOP PICK | Vegan, Healthy | 4.7/5 |
| Rosta Café | Café, European | 4.2/5 |
Day 2: Forest Trails and Adrenaline on Two Wheels
Morning: Kašperk Castle
After breakfast, set off on an excursion to Kašperk Castle, situated just a few kilometres from town. Admission starts from around 5 €.
The castle that gave Kašperské Hory its name is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Czech Republic. It was built by master builder Vít Hedvábný and named Karlsberg (Kašperk) in honour of Charles IV, who commissioned it as a watchtower castle. Its purpose was to guard not only the town but, more importantly, its mines, gold-panning sites, and ore mills — as well as the famous Golden Trail (Zlatá stezka) trade route between Kašperské Hory and Bavaria.
From the castle, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views over the surrounding forests and hills of Šumava — absolutely worth the climb. The castle currently offers several guided tour circuits, which we’ll outline below. If you have younger children, we’d recommend the third option — they’ll love it!
- Tour: Life at the Castle: This 60-minute tour lets you explore the castle interior and learn about its history and what daily life was like within its walls. The tour includes the burgrave’s quarters, the ruins of the castle palace, and the eastern tower. At the end, you can watch a unique video projection about life in a medieval castle. Admission is around 6.50 € for adults and 5 € for students and seniors. Family tickets cost approximately 19 €.
- Tour: Transformations of the Castle: This 55-minute tour focuses on how the castle has changed throughout its existence. You’ll see the ground floor of the burgrave’s quarters, the castle bailey, the ground floor of the eastern tower, and the ruined palace. Admission is the same — around 6.50 € for adults and 5 € for students and seniors. Family tickets are approximately 19 €.
- Children’s Tour: This 70-minute interactive tour is designed for children aged 6–11. Kids complete tasks during the tour that help them “free” an enchanted character, picking up loads of fascinating facts along the way. Tours run every Wednesday and Thursday at 11:00 and 14:00 during the summer season. Admission is around 5 €, and advance booking is required at info@kasperk.cz.
Afternoon: Černé Jezero (Black Lake)
After visiting the castle, get ready for the next leg of your journey, which takes you to Černé Jezero (Black Lake). The lake is one of the greatest natural attractions near Kašperské Hory and is the largest and deepest glacial lake in the Czech Republic. It reaches depths of up to 40 metres and covers an area of nearly 18 hectares. Thanks to its size and appearance, the lake looks like a deep, almost infinite dark mirror, beautifully contrasting with the surrounding forests.
The hiking trail to Černé Jezero begins at the hamlet of Javorná, where you can park your car. The trail is well-marked and accessible to all ages, including families with children. The path to the lake runs mostly through forest and is approximately 4 km long.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, including lush Šumava forests, mountain meadows, and numerous streams. Don’t forget to bring your camera — the scenery around Černé Jezero is some of the most photogenic in all of Kašperské Hory.
Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular spots in the area. You can have a picnic on the shore, take a walk around the lake, or simply sit down and soak up the peace and quiet of this stunning place. You can also observe the local flora and fauna, including many species of waterfowl.
Černé Jezero is surrounded by a web of mysterious and fascinating stories that draw curious visitors. It’s said, for instance, that perfectly preserved bodies of drowned people lie at the bottom, kept intact by the lake’s frigid waters. While many of these tales are rooted in myths and legends, some may hold a grain of truth. After all, the lake sits in the heart of deep forests that are themselves full of secrets.
💡 One of the most famous stories dates back to 1964. In August of that year, the Czechoslovak State Security allegedly retrieved crates from the lake bed that supposedly contained a “Nazi archive” and lists of previously unpublished names of Nazi informants. The entire operation was filmed by Czechoslovak Television, which turned it into a successful documentary. However, because the planned shipment of documents from the KGB archives was delayed, the crates planted on the lake bed actually contained nothing but worthless paper. Despite this, journalists didn’t see through the disinformation campaign — codenamed Operation Neptune — for a remarkably long time.
Day 3: A Day Immersed in Nature
Morning: Lake Laka
After breakfast, head out to Lake Laka. Sitting at an altitude of 1,096 metres, Lake Laka is not only the smallest of the Šumava lakes but also has the largest catchment area. Despite its modest size — just 2.78 hectares with a maximum depth of only 3.9 metres — it hides a unique phenomenon: a layer of peat at the bottom, something you won’t find in any other Šumava lake. Another captivating feature is the floating islands, whose positions shift over time and which are often covered with sphagnum moss, sedge, and bilberry bushes.
💡 You can’t reach the lake by car — you’ll need to leave your vehicle at Nová Hůrka and walk the five kilometres on foot.
The history of the lake area is also intriguing. After World War II, the lake fell within the border zone, and a guard station was built here for the border patrol. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the building lost its purpose and eventually had to be demolished due to repeated vandalism.
Afternoon: Sušice Municipal Swimming Pool
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or simply want to spend a relaxing afternoon, we highly recommend a visit to the Sušice Municipal Swimming Pool. This popular spot, located just 15 kilometres from Kašperské Hory, is perfect for both fun and relaxation — whether you’re a keen swimmer or prefer lounging on dry land.
The Sušice pool complex features several pools — a main swimming pool for adults, a smaller pool for children, and a paddling area for the littlest ones. All pools are regularly inspected and well-maintained, so you can look forward to clean, safe water. For the thrill-seekers, there’s also a water slide that provides plenty of fun for visitors of all ages.
If you’d rather stay dry, there’s a lovely green lawn where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic, relax under the trees with a book, or simply soak up the sunshine.
Day 4: Into the Wild and Winding Down
Morning: Boubín Primeval Forest
On the final day of your trip to Kašperské Hory, step into the Boubín Primeval Forest — one of the oldest nature reserves in the Czech Republic, established back in 1858. Known as the “King of Šumava’s Primeval Forests”, Boubín is home to trees that are up to 400 years old and tower over 50 metres high.
The trail around Boubín Primeval Forest and Boubín Lake is a truly unique experience in the heart of Czech Šumava. The route is 4 km long but ranks among the more challenging ones, so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness — and it’s definitely not suitable for families with pushchairs.
The hike begins at the car park near Idina Pila, 2 km from the village of Zátoň. Park up here and set off. The first section follows along Kaplický Stream and passes beneath a railway viaduct until you reach the Idina Pila Information Centre. Here you can read up on the Boubín Primeval Forest and surrounding area to prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
From here, the path continues to Boubín Lake, the first stop on the educational trail. The lake sits at an altitude of 920 metres and is surrounded by primeval forest.
If you decide to press on further, be prepared for a tougher stretch. The trail winds through the primeval forest and isn’t heavily maintained for tourists.
Here are the highlights along the route:
- Boubín Primeval Forest: This is the second-oldest preserved primeval forest in Bohemia. It was declared a reserve as early as 1858 and offers a unique glimpse into the natural wealth of this region.
- Boubín Lake: This small lake was created in 1836 for floating timber
to the glassworks in Lenora. Its maximum depth is just 4 metres and it covers an area of 0.37 hectares.
- Lookout Tower on Boubín Summit: The summit of Boubín is a symbol of Šumava. Since 2005, a 21-metre-high lookout tower has stood here, offering breathtaking views
over the surrounding landscape.
- Idina Pila Information Centre: This renovated information centre features a modern exhibition dedicated to the Boubín Primeval Forest and the wider Boubín area.
Afternoon: Boubín Viewpoint
After your morning exploring the Boubín Primeval Forest and visiting Boubín Lake, the afternoon brings yet another brilliant local experience. Following a tasty lunch featuring local specialities, set off for the next part of your adventure — the Boubín Viewpoint.
The Boubín Viewpoint is one of the highest and most beautiful lookout points in all of Šumava. It rises to 1,362 metres above sea level, and since 2005 it has been topped with a renovated wooden lookout tower. This 21-metre-tall structure gives visitors the chance to take in the full beauty and majesty of Šumava. The ascent is made via wooden walkways and stairs that lead you through dense forest all the way to the summit.
Once you reach the top, a jaw-dropping panorama awaits. The views over the surrounding Šumava landscape — thick forests, green meadows, and shimmering blue lakes — are truly awe-inspiring. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Bavarian Forest, part of the nature park across the border in Germany.
If you’re after a slightly more mysterious vantage point, legend has it that the finest views belong to Šibeniční vrch (Gallows Hill) just outside town, where a pillory dating from 1630 was relocated in the 19th century — having previously stood right on the main square as a place of public shame.
Linger a while at the summit and savour the beauty that nature has laid out before you. You can have a picnic, snap some incredible photos, or simply admire the views and unwind after a full day. The Boubín Viewpoint is absolutely worth the visit and makes a perfect finale to your day’s adventure — and indeed to this entire four-day holiday in Kašperské Hory!
We hope our itinerary has helped you or at least inspired you to plan your own trip to this wonderful corner of Czechia.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
