Recharge your energy in the heart of Šumava 

The name Šumava comes from the Proto-Slavic word šuma, which means forest, dense forest. However, the first historically documented name for this mountain range is the Celtic name Gabreta (Capricorn Mountains), already mentioned on the map by Klaudius Ptolemy. In Czech, the mountains were called Les (Kosmas) or Bavarian Forest (Dalimil's Chronicle). The name Šumava was probably first used by Antonio Bonfini in 1565 in his work Rerum Hungaricum. The name Šumava comes from the Proto-Slavic word šuma, which means forest, dense forest. The German (not Austrian) side is sometimes also called the Bavarian Forest (Bayerischer Wald), or Rear Bavarian Forest (Hinterer Bayerischer Wald). The front Bavarian Forest (Vorderer Bayerischer Wald), which includes the quartz wall Pfahl, lies a little further south in the German hinterland, separated from the Šumava by the valley of the river Regensburg. Its highest point is the peak Einödriegel (1121 m). However, the Bavarian Forest National Park (Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald) and the Upper Bavarian Forest Nature Park (Naturpark Oberer Bayerischer Wald) reach the border. According to the geomorphological division of the Czech Republic, the Šumava Mountains belong to the geomorphological province of the Czech Highlands, to the Šumava subprovince and to the geomorphological area of ​​the Šumava Hornatina. The Šumava Hornatina area is divided into 4 geomorphological units: Šumava, Šumava foothills, Novohradské mountains and Novohradské foothills.



Brčálník (German Frischwinklel, Höllwinker, Hollgut) is part of the local part of Hojsova Stráž in Železná Ruda. It is located at the end of the Úhlav Valley at an altitude of 870 m. Brčálník lies 2 kilometers from Špičácký sedlo and is therefore an ideal advantage for hiking and biking. Nearby are Black Lake, Devil's Lake, Nyrsko Reservoir and other attractions. There are also several memorable trees, such as Jasany na Brčálníku or Brčálnický buk. In the Úhlava valley, under the railway line southwest of the settlement, there is the Brčálnice wetland nature reserve. 

Brčálník is located about three kilometers southwest of the center of the village Hojsova Stráž in the Pilsen region in the Klatovy district. At Brčálník there is a train stop Hojsova Stráž-Brčálník of railway line 183 from Klatovy to Železná Ruda.


An area of untouched nature

A walk along the shore of the wild Otter, falling from the mountains into the valley between massive boulders, the rocky sea at the top of Luzný, the magical and contemplative world of the most famous Šumava lakes - Černý and Čertov, the old forest at Boubín or the vast body of Lipno dam. Staying in the Šumava countryside is the best balm for body and soul.

Home of rare species of animals

Šumava is a natural home for many animals and is significantly affected by the size and fragmentation of the area, the degree of protection zones, diversity of habitats and human activity. An important part of Šumava is the fauna of mountain spruce forests and Republic.

Unique protected area

Brčálnik wetlands is a nature reserve ev. No. 2294 adjacent to Šumava Sides. The protected area is located in the valley of the upper course of the river Úhlava in the southwestern neighborhood of the settlement Brčálník. The area is managed by the Šumava National Park and Protected Landscape Area Administration.


Over 350 kilometers of hiking, biking and skiing trails

The fact that Šumava is a cycling, cross-country skiing, cross-country skiing or tourist paradise is true. Who likes a bike should try it. Easier and more demanding routes and trips for bicycles are offered by Šumava and Pošumaví wherever you look. Untouched nature of river meadows or crystal clear lakes.