Guide: 3 amazing Czech national parks for nature lovers
April 11, 2025
Czech Republic, a country famous for its beautiful cities and castles, hides real natural treasures. Among them are three unique national parks that will delight any lover of nature and active recreation. In this guide, we will take you on a journey through Krkonoše, Podyjí and Šumava - three amazing Czech national parks that offer unforgettable experiences for both adults and children. Each of these parks has its own unique characteristics, fascinating flora and fauna, and a wealth of attractions that will make your family trip adventurous and unforgettable. Get ready to explore scenic trails, admire breathtaking views and commune with wildlife in its purest form. Our guide will provide you with all the necessary information, practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you plan the perfect trip to the Czech national parks. So let's embark on this fascinating journey through mountain peaks, wild forests and picturesque river valleys!
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Krkonoše National Park - the mountain pearl of the Czech Republic
Start our adventure with Krkonoše National Park, which is a true paradise for lovers of mountains and active recreation. Established in 1963, this park protects the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic and Poland. Its heart is the majestic Sněžka (1,603 meters above sea level), which attracts tourists from all over Europe.
How to get there: Krkonoše National Park is easily accessible from many places. The nearest major city is Liberec, from where you can take a bus or car to towns such as Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou or Harrachov, which are excellent starting points for exploring the park. From Poland, the most convenient way to get here is via the border crossing in Jakuszyce or Lubawka.
Attractions for families: The park offers a wide range of attractions suitable for different age groups. For families with children, we recommend gentle hiking trails, such as the educational path in the Mumlava valley, where you can admire picturesque waterfalls. Also worth a visit is the educational center of the Krkonoše Museum in Vrchlabí, where interactive exhibitions will introduce the youngest to the fascinating world of Krkonoše nature.
For more advanced hikers, the park offers more ambitious trails, including a climb to Sněžka. Remember, however, that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so always be prepared for different weather conditions.
Infrastructure and amenities: You'll find numerous hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the main tourist destinations, such as Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou. The park is well prepared to receive tourists - the trails are marked, and there are mountain huts offering meals and accommodation along the routes.
Prices and opening hours: Admission to the park is free, but some attractions, such as taking the cable car to Sněžka, are chargeable. Ticket prices for the cable car range from 300 to 400 CZK for an adult (as of 2023). The park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed in winter for safety reasons.
Krkonoše's uniqueness: What sets Krkonoše apart is its extraordinary diversity of ecosystems - from mountain meadows to alpine tundra. The park is famous for its endemic plant and animal species, such as the Krkonoše bluebell and the Krkonoše vole. In winter, the park turns into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, offering perfectly groomed slopes.
When planning a visit, remember to prepare properly. Comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothes (even in summer), a rain jacket and a backpack with provisions are a must. For families with small children, we recommend lighter trails, such as a walk around the Výrovka Refuge or a cable car ascent to Černá hora.
Krkonoše National Park is a place where nature shows its most beautiful face. Whether you are an advanced hiker or a family looking for a quiet contact with nature, this national park has a lot to offer you. Remember to always follow the rules of nature conservation and stay alert on the trails - safety is paramount!
Podyje National Park. - Czech Amazon
Another fascinating place on the map of Czech national parks is the 'Podyje' National Park, often referred to as the 'Czech Amazon'. Located along the Dyje River on the Czech-Austrian border, this picturesque area offers extraordinary landscapes and natural wealth that will delight adults and children alike.
Location and access: 'Podyje' National Park is located in southern Bohemia, near the city of Znojmo. The easiest way to get here is by car or bus from Znojmo, which is the main starting point for exploring the park. From Poland you can get there via Brno, from where there are regular bus and train services to Znojmo.
Family attractions: the 'Podyje' park is an ideal place for family outings. It offers a network of well-marked hiking and biking trails suitable for different levels of experience. For families with children, we recommend a gentle route along the Dyje River, where you can enjoy picturesque meanders and lush vegetation. A must-see is a visit to the Sealsfield Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the river valley.
Unique Features: What sets the 'Podyje' National Park apart is the extraordinary diversity of landscapes in a relatively small area. From deep forest ravines to sunny meadows and rock formations, there is something for everyone. The park is famous for its rich flora and fauna, including rare species of butterflies and birds.
Infrastructure and amenities: In and around the park there are many rest areas, information points and small restaurants serving local specialties. In the village of Čížov, it is worth visiting the park's information center, where you can get maps and valuable tips on the trails.
Prices and availability: admission to the park is free. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when nature presents itself most beautifully. In summer, it is advisable to remember to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
Practical tips:
- Prepare comfortable trekking shoes - some paths can be rocky.
- Take with you a supply of water and snacks, especially for longer routes.
- Cameras are a must - the views here are truly exceptional!
- For families with small children, we recommend shorter routes, such as the nature trail near Čížov.
- For cyclists, we recommend the route from Znojmo to Hardegg - picturesque and relatively easy.
Surrounding attractions: While in the area, visit the town of Znojmo with its beautiful old town and underground passages. History buffs should also check out Vranov nad Dyjí Castle, located on a rocky hill above the river.
The 'Podyje' National Park is a place where nature delights at every turn. The winding Dyje River, steep slopes covered with forests and unique flora create a landscape that will long be remembered. This is an ideal place for families seeking peace, contact with nature and active recreation. Remember to take extra caution on the river banks and on the steeper sections of the trails when visiting.
A visit to the 'Podyje' National Park is not only an opportunity to admire the beauty of nature, but also a lesson in ecology and respect for the environment. This is a place where you can really take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Czech nature. Whether you go for a long trek, a family picnic by the river or a bike ride, 'Podyje' is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences and beautiful memories.
Sumava National Park - the green heart of Europe
To conclude our journey through the Czech national parks, we will visit the Šumava National Park, often referred to as the 'green heart of Europe'. This vast forest area, located on the border of the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany, is a true paradise for lovers of wildlife and active recreation.
Location and access: the Šumava National Park is located in the southwestern part of the Czech Republic. The most convenient way to get here is by car or bus from major cities such as České Budějovice and Pilsen. From Poland, you can get there via Prague and then head to the south of the country. The main gateways to the park are the villages of Kašperské Hory, Kvilda and Modrava.
Attractions for families: Šumava offers plenty of attractions tailored to families with children. One of the most popular is the Path in the Crowns of Trees (Stezka korunami stromů) in Lipno nad Vltavou. This 675-meter trail leads through the treetops, offering incredible views of the surrounding area. At the top is a 40-meter observation tower, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Šumava River and Lipno Lake.
For nature lovers, we recommend a visit to the Boubínsky prales reserve, where you can admire the original beech and spruce forest. For families with children, a trip to the springs of the Vltava (Vltava) will be ideal - an easy route leading by wooden footbridges through peat bogs.
Unique features: The Šumava is famous for its extensive forests, picturesque glacial lakes and peat bogs. It is home to many rare animal species, including the lynx, wolf and capercaillie. The park is also known for its remarkably clean air and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal place for stargazing.
Infrastructure and amenities: There are many mountain huts, guesthouses and campsites in and around the park. Villages such as Kvilda and Modrava offer accommodation and catering facilities. The park has a network of information centers where one can get maps and up-to-date information about the trails.
Prices and accessibility: Admission to the park is free, but some attractions, such as the Path in the Crowns of Trees, have a fee (ticket prices for adults from about 250 CZK, for children from 210 CZK, as of 2023). The park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed in winter for safety reasons.
Practical tips:
- Prepare suitable footwear - the trails can be muddy, especially after rain.
- Take mosquito and tick repellent with you, especially in summer.
- In the higher parts of the mountains, the weather can change quickly - take warm and non-smudgeable warm and non-flammable clothes. 4.For families with small children, we recommend educational trails, such as the Povydří nature trail.
- For bicycle enthusiasts, we recommend a network of well-prepared bicycle trails.
Surrounding attractions: While in Šumava, visit the picturesque town of Český Krumlov, listed by UNESCO, or Kašperk Castle, the highest royal castle in the Czech Republic.
The Šumava National Park is a place where nature has preserved its original character. Extensive forests, clear streams and lakes, and an abundance of flora and fauna create an unforgettable landscape. It is an ideal destination for families seeking peace, clean air and active recreation in nature.
A visit to Šumava is not only an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views, but also a chance for environmental education. The park offers many educational programs and workshops for children that teach respect for nature and the principles of conservation. This is a place where you can really get away from civilization and experience harmony with nature.
Whether you take a long trek through the woods, a family bicycle tour or a leisurely stroll around one of the picturesque lakes, the Šumava is sure to impress you with its beauty and diversity. This is a park that offers something for everyone - from amateurs of leisurely strolls to enthusiasts of demanding mountain expeditions.
Let's remember that when visiting the Šumava National Park, we are guests in the house of nature. Let's respect nature, follow the park's rules and leave this place as we found it - wild and beautiful, so that future generations can enjoy its charm.
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