Natural parks of the Czech Republic. Parks and reserves in the Czech Republic. Sumava National Park
The Czech Republic has incredibly picturesque nature and a huge number of national parks... In a small country, you can even see volcanoes! There are 9 nature reserves in the Czech Republic, 4 of which are national.
White Carpathians. This mountain reserve is a kind of border separating the Czech Republic from Slovakia. In 1996, these surroundings were recognized as a nature reserve, since about 300 species of rare plants were found here. The best time to come here is in the spring, when most of the plants are in bloom. In the area of this protected area the cities are located: Hodoni, Uherske Gladiste, Uherske Brod, Zlin. Here you will be given a warm welcome in high-comfort hotels.
Jizera Mountains. These mountains separate the Czech Republic from Poland. This reserve is quite old, it was founded in 1968. Here, the central object, which is guarded, is the unique architecture. You will see in this area Jizer - a primeval beech forest. Come here for a ski holiday.
Krshivokpatsko. This nature reserve is located in the valley of the Berounka River. Deciduous and mixed forests grow here. It's very easy to come here. The train journey takes only 20 minutes. The reserve is home to an incredibly large number of birds - black herons, eagles, black grouses, wood grouses. Picturesque forest landscapes are replaced by lake views. Deer are often encountered on the way.
Palava. Since 1988 it has been a UNESCO protected site. Here you can taste wine grown in local vineyards. In addition, there is a museum dedicated to the creation of this drink. This is a real paradise for everyone who likes underground travel, because it is in this reserve that a whole network is located underground caves... The good news is that a bike excursion is possible here.
Třebosko. This is another place that is under the protection of UNESCO. Since 1977, this area has been a nature reserve. Here you can see firsthand the royal carp, which are bred in the local lakes. And there are a great many lakes here. You will also have a great opportunity to taste local berries straight from the bushes - cranberries, lingonberries and blueberries. In addition, you will be amazed by the wide variety of butterflies and unusual insect species. And also you can see the Renaissance castle and a large lake.
Šumava. Since 1961, the territory has been under protection. The Šumava mountain range stretches for 140 kilometers. It is here that you can find traces of the Ice Age - eight lakes and seas, the bottom of which is covered with stone. The forests here are practically untouched by humans. If you are lucky, you will spot such animals as otter, lynx, deer or eagle owl in the forest. The flora and fauna are surprisingly rich here.
Czech Switzerland. On this border there is special places- Pravchitsky Gate and Falcon's Nest Castle.
It is surprising that the Falcon's Nest castle was built on the site of a beer hall. And Pravchitsky gate is a gate created by nature itself. They consist of solid rock.
In addition, in the reserve you will see the ruins of a mill (built in the Middle Ages), Falkenstein Castle (built on a rock) and other attractions.
1. National park Bohemian Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places in Europe
Bohemian Switzerland is the youngest national park in the Czech Republic. It was officially opened on January 1, 2000. The area of the park is 79 km2. It is located in the stí Region and is adjacent to the state border where another national park begins - Saxon Switzerland. The main attraction of the park is a unique rock town. Here tourists visit the observation deck near Etrshihovice, admire the Kamenice gorge and walk along the natural rock bridge Pravcicke brana, which is considered a symbol Czech Switzerland... Numerous monuments of folk architecture can also be seen along the perimeter of the park.
Website: www.ceskesvycarsko.cz
Address: Pražská 52, 407 46 Krásná Lípa
GPS: 50.914085 14.509806
Bohemian Switzerland, kudyznudy.cz
2. Nature Park Meander Plouchnitsa
This national park, located along the banks of the Ploucnica River between the towns of Mimon and Ceska Lipa, covers an area of 270 hectares. The greatest interest in this park is represented by endless meadow forests and fields with different types of plants and animals. The nature in this area is untouched, there are not even paths near the river: therefore, boat tourism is popular in the reserve.
Address: Meandry Ploučnice, 471 23 Zákupy
GPS: 50.633161 14.670934
Meander Plouchnitsa
3. Bohemian Grand Canyon - Greater America
The famous Western Lemonade Joe was filmed at this location. Once upon a time, unwanted political prisoners were also brought here. All of these are Vapentsov canyons, which are called Great and Little America. It's incredible a nice place located near the Karlštejn fortress in the Czech Karst, but not all tourists who visit the castle get to it.
Website: www.karlstejnsko.cz
Address: Karlštejn 334, 267 18 Karlštejn
GPS: 49.957515 14.194851
Velka America Canyon, kudyznudy.cz
4. Rock city Adrshpach
The largest rock town in the Czech Republic. It is located in the Adrspach-Teplice Rocks - the largest natural complex in Central Europe, which has been inspiring tourists and travelers since the 18th century. You will not see such a number of picturesque corners as in the Adrshpach-Teplice Rocks practically anywhere else. Many bizarre rocky formations lead hiking trails some can only be reached by stairs. Those who overcome all the steps will be able to admire the mountain lake and the Adrspash waterfall. There is another lake right at the entrance to the complex, which can be used for boat trips in summer (50 CZK per person).
Entrance to the park: 70 CZK
Website: www.adrspach.cz
Address: Dolní Adršpach čp. 26, 549 57 Adršpach
GPS: 50.614957 16.122890
Adrspach, kudyznudy.cz
5. Chalupska send - a lake in the largest peat bog in the Czech Republic
Lake Chalupska Slit is located at the mouth of the Vydrzha stream at an altitude of 910 meters. Oaks, spruces and numerous other plants grow around the largest peat lake in the Czech Republic. A small educational trail leads through the swamp to the lake, on which floating islands appear. You can get to the lake by asphalt and a wooden path along which there are many information boards.
Website: www.npsumava.cz
Address: Borová Lada-Svinná Lada 21, 385 01 Borová Lada
GPS: 48.998611 13.659167
Lake Chalupska send, kudyznudy.cz
6. Mshenske nicknames - giant rocky mushrooms in the Giant Mountains
The sandstone pillars near Mshen look like huge mushrooms. They appeared naturally as a result of weathering due to the fact that the upper part of the rocks with a higher iron content resisted erosion better than the lower. You can see this beauty in the Kokorzynski Dol Nature Reserve, one of the largest national parks in the Czech Republic.
Address: Mšeno
GPS: 50.438015 14.631287
Mshenske nicknames, kudyznudy.cz
7. Devil's pulpit in the Rychleb mountains - one of the most beautiful viewing platforms in the Czech Republic
The most beautiful natural observation deck of the Devil's Chair (Čertovy kazatelny) is located on the way to ancient fortress Loosebirds (3 km) in the Rykhlebskie mountains. The site is a formation of gneiss rocks with a high and steep southern wall, which resembles a pulpit in shape. From here, a beautiful view of the Rachi valley canyon and relict forests opens up. You can get to this place by car; parking is provided for tourists.
Address: Račí údolí, 790 70 Javorník
GPS: 50.368773 16.992611
Damn chair, kudyznudy.cz
8. Teplice rock town - a mystery of wild nature
Teplice Rocks are massive rocky walls that rise to the sky (in some places over 70 m) and the largest mountain labyrinth in Central Europe, narrow valleys and mysterious caves. Walking along the Teplice Rocks is a delight and adrenaline rush at the same time. The area is perfectly prepared for tourism, but in comparison with the Adrspash rocks, walking here is more difficult.
Website: www.teplickeskaly.com
Address: Horní 13, 549 57 Teplice nad Metují
GPS: 50.594966 16.169974
Teplice rock walls, kudyznudy.cz
9. Czech Sahara - sand dune near Vlkova
Vlkovski Barkhan, or Czech Sahara, is one of the most famous and most visited places of its kind in the Czech Republic. Here on a pleasant yellow sand pines and other plants grow, and the wind creates bizarre sandy figures (though only a few centimeters high). As in any desert, the Czech Sahara is always warmer than the surrounding area, because the sand perfectly reflects the sunlight. You can get to the mini-desert from the parking lot at Horusický rybník.
Address: Veselí nad Lužnicí
GPS: 49.159418 14.713224
Czech Sahara, kudyznudy.cz
10. Beseditsky Rocks - a romantic natural labyrinth
In the Besedice Rocks, you will find a secret prayer house of Czech brothers and wonderful views. A walk through the rocky labyrinths of Kalich and Hlevishte in the Bohemian Paradise region will be an unforgettable romantic adventure. If you are into geology, you will love the nature trail with information signs. You can also walk around this complex with children, who will definitely like the narrow corridors between the rocks.
Address: Besedice, 468 22 Koberovy
GPS: 50.628287 15.208218
Observation deck on the Besedice Rocks, kudyznudy.cz
11. Peklo - a valley at the confluence of the Metuy and Oleshenka rivers
Despite the frightening name, Peklo (translated from the Czech language - the underworld, hell) is a rather popular and very beautiful national park in the Czech Republic in a romantic valley at the confluence of the Metuje and Oleshenka rivers. The park received this name in honor of the old Pekelec mill, which was rebuilt according to the project of the architect Dusan Yurkovich into a tourist restaurant with elements of folk architecture. The restaurant is decorated with different features, and on the menu you can find several dishes on the "damn" theme.
Website: www.peklo-nemecek.cz
Address: Peklo u Nového Města nad Metují, 547 01 Nové Město nad Metují
GPS: 50.378614 16.186745
Peklo National Park, kudyznudy.cz
12. Khromnitskoe Red Lake - European unique
The water of the Red Lake is a weak solution of sulfuric acid. She is sterile and has no life in her. Iron compounds give the lake its red color. This is a unique natural landmark in Europe, which you can see for free.
Website: www.hromnice.cz
Address: Hromnice č.p. 60, 330 11 Třemošná
GPS: 49.850941 13.447312
Red Lake at Chromnice, kudyznudy.cz
13. Hruboskalsky rock town
Between the Wallenstein Fortress and the Hruba Skala Castle near Turnov, in the Bohemian Paradise, there is an unusual area called the Hruboskal Rock City. There are more than 400 natural towers here, the tallest of which reach 50 meters.
Address: Hrubá Skála
GPS: 50,544630 15,200404
Rough rocks, kudyznudy.cz
14. Broume Walls
Surrounded by virgin nature, the amazing rock formations are hidden in a 410 km2 Protected Nature Reserve. This area delights with its beauty, incredible views and mysterious rocks of bizarre shapes.
Website: www.broumovskesteny.cz
Address: Ledhujská 59, 549 54 Police nad Metují
GPS: 50.538096 16.236269
Broumovsko, kudyznudy.cz
15. Panchavski waterfall in the Giant Mountains - the highest in the Czech Republic
Panchavski waterfall is the highest in the Czech Republic. Its height is 148 meters. The waterfall cascades down the rocky steps to the Labska Valley. Near the waterfall, there is the Ambrozhova observation deck, from which beautiful view to the valley and mountains.
Website: www.krnap.cz
Address: Harrachov 442, 512 46 Harrachov
GPS: 50.754486 15.555267
Panchavski waterfall, Giant Mountains, kudyznudy.cz
Since ancient times, people have mastered the forests, valleys and hilly areas located on the territory of the Czech Republic. However, to this day, many virgin, untouched by civilization corners with unique picturesque landscapes and landscapes have survived in this country. Rare species of trees and plants grow here, animals and birds are found, which in other European countries you can only meet in zoos. Stalactite caves with rivers and lakes blue with minerals beckon to take a journey through their mysterious labyrinths, high cliffs overgrown with centuries-old spruce rise from the ground, forest tracts stretch for many kilometers, wide meadows intoxicate with the aromas of flowers ...
Even the borders of the Czech Republic with neighboring states are a product of nature itself. The Šumava Mountains, the so-called Bohemian Forest and the Ore Mountains, separate the Czech Republic from neighboring Germany. The border with Poland is formed by the Krkonoše Mountains, the highest in the Czech Republic. Right next to the Austrian border, in the northeastern part of Bohemia, there is another natural wonder - the Třebosko nature reserve: a beautiful valley with many the cleanest ponds and lakes. The banks of the largest rivers in the Czech Republic - the Elbe (in Czech Laba) and the Vltava, as well as the huge Lipno reservoir are also picturesque.
One of the most amazing natural treasures of the Czech Republic - the Rocky Cities - the result of tectonic shifts, climate change and erosion, a kind of combination of living and inanimate elements of nature. Rocky cities are in the territory nature reserves Bohemian Paradise and Bohemian Switzerland, as well as in the Adrspach-Teplice Mountains, are favorite vacation spots for climbers, as well as for ordinary travelers and cyclists.
Different parts of the Czech Republic wonderfully harmonize with each other, as if complementing each other. The hilly landscapes of Bohemia contrast with the wide valleys of North Moravia through which the Morava River flows. In the northern part of the Moravian Valley, the even lines of the horizon give way to the wooded hills of the White Carpathians, and even further to the north rise the majestic ridges of the "real" mountains - the Moraskoselezskie Beskud and Jesenik, forming a natural border with Slovakia and Poland.
The natural resources of the Czech Republic are so unique and rich that as many as six parts of it have been honored to be included in the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves. These are the areas of Palava with huge grape valleys, Krivoklatsko - the largest complex of deciduous and mixed forests in the country, where rare species of animals and plants are found, the Sumava National Park with virgin forests growing on mountain slopes, lakes of glacial origin and delightfully beautiful heather valleys. This list also includes the Třebo region, the Giant Mountains region with their unique diversity. flora and the White Carpathians, famous for their rare beauty meadows of orchids.
Czechs are characterized by a careful attitude to nature, which is why there are so many National Parks and protected areas in the relatively small territory of this country, which, undoubtedly, are one of the most important adornments of the huge treasury of this country.
The unity and harmony of the natural and anthropogenic landscape of the Czech Republic is perhaps one of the main features and at the same time the advantage of this country. Acquaintance with the cultural and historical heritage its ancient cities can always be combined with relaxation in the bosom of nature. Moreover, the latter contains a lot of options. Kayaking among the steep cliffs of the rapid Berounka River, climbing routes of varying difficulty in the Rocky Cities of the Bohemian Paradise or hang gliding in the same place, ski resorts the Giant Mountains - for those who are committed to an active lifestyle. Lie down with a book on the beach of Makhovy Lake, ride horses along forest paths or take a mountain walk, visit unique karst caves Moravian beauty is offered to those who prefer a calm and peaceful admiring the beauty of nature over powerful adrenaline rush. V recent times Cycling in different picturesque parts of the Czech Republic is becoming more and more popular. Mountain, wine, "historical" trails - this most environmentally friendly and romantic form of transport allows you to do many interesting routes... The choice is always yours!
This is a very small country, it is difficult to argue with that. Its size does not even reach 80,000 square kilometers. But despite this, in the magic land of castles there are as many as 1,350 state reserves and as many as 4 national parks... Just think, 12% of the entire territory of the republic is considered a protected protected area. And this is not a small figure for such a small country.
Although I visit the Czech Republic quite often now, out of four national parks I have so far managed to visit only one, which, in my opinion, is the most popular. And all because absolutely every person will find something to their liking here. This park is called "Krkonose".
Krkonoše National Park
This paradise is located in the very north of the Czech Republic right along the border with Germany and Poland.
As you probably already guessed from the name and location, it includes the large Giant Mountains and foothills.
A trip to Mount Sněžka
The purpose of our trip to the Krkonoše National Park was the desire to climb Mount Sněžka ), which is itself high mountain in the Czech Republic. Its height is as much as 1,602 meters, which may seem small to some, but for me, a beginner in ascents, this is quite a lot.
There are several ways to get to the mountain, all roads start at different points in the Czech Republic. The most popular starting point is the town of Pec pod Sněžkou, where there are as many as three trails of varying length and difficulty, along which you can climb the mountain. Their lengths are 6.5, 8 and 11 kilometers. Here is a rough plan of the shortest of them, along which we were going to climb Snezhka.
In addition, for the lazy, there is a funicular, but this was not our option. The trip would cost € 14 (CZK 390) round trip for an adult. Sněžka can also be reached from the village of Horní Malá Úpa, after walking about 8 kilometers, and from resort townŠpindlerův Mlýn, the length of this route is about 11 kilometers.
Our choice fell on Pec pod Snezkou, since, to be honest, the tracks from there are the shortest. We also decided to book a hotel in this city for one night. Options and suggestions in this small town a lot, it is quite possible to keep within the amount of 11-18 € (300-500 Kč) per person per night. There are also many guest houses, apartments and cozy mini-hotels.
We booked a hotel through Booking.com, as we always use this site. We drove to the town of Pec pod Sněžkou from Prague, the journey takes about 3 hours. You can go with or without transfers. We decided that we didn't want to stop anywhere and would go straight.
Our bus left the Prague metro station Černý Most at 7:20 and arrived at the Pec p.Sněžkou station at 10:31. This is the main bus station of the town. Everything was without delay, we bought a ticket online for 7 € (188 Kč) on this one, paying with a card.
There are other companies that you can use to get there. Find the most convenient transport connection can be on the website. You can also get there by train with several changes, but such a road is much more difficult and longer for several hours. So the direct bus is the most the best way.
Having reached the place, the first thing we did was check in. Our hotel turned out to be very small, we were greeted by the hostess herself - a very smiling and friendly Czech lady. Despite the warm welcome, we did not want to vegetate in the hotel for a long time, so we changed our sneakers, bought some provisions and set off on a long journey. It was a little scary, because we had to walk about 13 kilometers in a day, but we believed in our strength. In addition, the path promised to be very interesting and picturesque. Yes, and the weather was outstanding, it was not very hot, but the sky in front of us was clean and clear.
One way road is 6.5 kilometers. This is the shortest path of the three possible, it goes through the Růžohorky point. We started our journey right from the bus station, where we originally arrived. This is where all the tracks begin. First, you need to walk 250 meters down the highway, then turn left at the crossroads, choosing the road marked in green on the tourist sign. By the way, all tourist trails in the Czech Republic are accompanied by colorful signs, and it is almost impossible to get lost in the forest.
Following the markings, we successfully reached the top, no problems along the way. All the way we didn’t stop wondering how beautiful this Czech nature is. So we hardly noticed that we had traveled such a long distance. At the top, we took many beautiful photos, organized a small picnic and happily headed back down. We returned to the small hotel tired, but very happy!
In addition to Sniezki Mountain, there are many other places in the Krkonose Park that definitely deserve attention: Luční hora, Studniční hora and Vysoké kolo, numerous rivers with waterfalls (Pančavske, Labský, Mumlavský, Horní and Dolní Úpský), the purest mountain lakes (Wielki Staw, Maly Staw, Sniezne Stawki, Mechove jezirko), about 1200 species of plants, 250 species of animals and about 600 species of insects, as well as the most beautiful rock formations.
In total, there are 700 kilometers of trails for pedestrians in the park. Every year this place is visited by about 10 million people from all over the world. In winter, the Krkonose is a favorite place for skiers and snowboarders.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko)
This nature reserve is located in the northwest of the Czech Republic near the borders with Germany. The place is also sometimes called "Bohemian Switzerland" after the entire rocky region around the town of Děčín.
Interestingly, the name of the park has nothing to do with the country itself, but rather with two Swiss artists: Adrian Zing and Anton Graf. They worked on the reconstruction of the Dresden Gallery, and in their free time they traveled to small villages near the Saxon-Czech border. The artists were so fond of these places that after finishing work they decided not to return home, having found here small homeland far from the present.
The main attraction of the park is Pravčická brána or Pravčická brána. This is a large sandstone arch, its height reaches as much as 16 meters. Even a plane could easily have flown through such gates, so, you know, the spectacle is simply unforgettable.
A great number of climbers come to Bohemian Switzerland to conquer the local mountains. Other popular activities here are trekking and river rafting. In addition, in Bohemian Switzerland there are many walking paths of varying difficulty levels. As elsewhere, it is very easy to navigate using the maps, all routes are colorfully marked. There are also bike trails with lifting heights of up to 300 meters.
Getting to the park is easy. From Prague you need to get to the city of Děčín. It is easy to do it by train. In this case, the road will take about two hours, and you will be amazed by the stunning views that will open from the window.
The ticket price is about 6 € (156 Kč) and can be purchased at the main Prague train station (Praha hlavní nádraží).
On the territory of the Czech Switzerland there are several hotels of various price levels. They all offer a full range of travel services, so you will always find something to do.
Šumava National Park
This park is located in the very southwest of southern Bohemia. Right next to the borders of Germany and Austria. It is there that the Šumava mountains stretch out. They are completely low, abundantly overgrown with forest, which occupies about 80% of the territory. The beauty and diversity of the park's nature is literally amazing.
Locals come here to take long walks in scenic spots, ride bicycles, in winter it's perfect place for skiers. All trails are colorfully marked as always, so it is almost impossible to get lost there.
By the way, in the park itself there are as many as 8 lakes, the water of which is crystal clear. These lakes lie at an altitude of 1,000-1,100 meters above sea level. And the wide meadows of Šumava are simply magnificent in their bloom.
There are many towns near the national park and are very easy to reach from Prague. You can get to the cities of Srní, Kvidla, Prášil and Modrava. In this case, the journey by train or bus will take from 3 to 5 hours. If you are coming from Prague, you will need to make one or two changes.
Podyjí National Park
The smallest national park in the Czech Republic is located in the region of Znojmo, in South Moravia, near the Austrian border.
Directly adjacent to the Austrian National Park "Tayatal". The Die River flows in the heart of this magical place. Interestingly, the maximum length of the park is only 15 kilometers, but the river meanders so much that its length in the territory is as much as 40 kilometers.
One of the most famous landmarks of this place is Šobes, a huge 12 hectare vineyard. In addition, the park is home to the oldest and open to the public Vranov nad Dyjí castle. It was built in 1100 or so. Those wishing to visit the place will be able to draw useful information on the castle.
Other famous sites in the national park include the Lusthaus hunting palace (Lovecký letohrádek Lusthaus). It was built in 1780 in the shape of an irregular hexagon in the late Baroque style and partly in the classicism style. From the palace that was conceived as observation deck, before you could look at the castle. But now the beautiful view is obscured by trees.
Access to this national park is easy from the town of Znojmo, where you can triple the night. You can get to the town by direct bus from Prague from the ÚAN Florenc bus station. The trip will take about 3-4 hours, the ticket price is about 7-9 € (200-250 Kč). I can assure you that all the way you will not be able to take your eyes off the window, the views will be magnificent.
Finally
There are four such national parks in the Czech Republic. it great places for those who like to enjoy long hiking... If you are one of these travelers, feel free to go to this country and appreciate its natural flavor. In this regard, it is truly unique!
Despite the rather small size of the Czech Republic, as many as 1350 (!) State reserves have been organized on its territory, including three national parks with a total area of more than 11 thousand square meters. km. Thus, in total, more than 12% of the territory of the republic has been assigned the status of a nature reserve.
Bohemian switzerland
The most famous is the youngest (2000) national park in the country - "", often called Bohemian Switzerland after this entire rocky region around the city of Decin (Decin, 80 km north-west of Prague). These lands received their rather unusual name not from the country of Switzerland, but in honor of two Swiss artists - Adrian Zing and Anton Graff, who worked on the reconstruction of the Dresden Gallery and in their free time went to the open air in small villages near the Saxon-Czech border. They liked these places so much that both masters decided not to return home under the pretext that they had already found their Switzerland.
Krkonose
The famous national park Krkonose (Krkonose, about 130 km north-east of Prague) was founded in 1963 and protects dense pine forests and the sources of dozens of rivers of the highest mountain range Czech Republic. The protected area stretches from Harrachov in the west to Zhatzler, occupying an area of 186.4 thousand square meters. km. Not the entire park is open to the public - the "main zone" occupies a quarter of the entire territory and here any economic activity is prohibited, but for the 10 million people who visit this unique region every year, this does not bother at all, since the other two zones are open and quite easily accessible. In addition, there are many mountain climatic resorts near the border, many interesting in themselves.
Here you can see majestic mountains Sniezka (1602 m), Luční hora, 1555 m, Studniční hora, 1554 m) and Vysoké kolo (1508 m), numerous rivers with waterfalls (Pančavske, Labský, Mumlavský, Horní and Dolní Úpský , as well as about 20 others, rather large), the purest mountain lakes (Wielki Staw, Maly Staw, Sniezne Stawki, Mechove jezirko and others), more than 1200 species of plants, 250 species of animals and about 600 species of insects, as well as beautiful rock formations.
About 700 km of hiking trails have been laid in the most picturesque places, also from here you can visit the rocky town of Adrspach (although it lies already outside the park's border), the ruins of the Trosky fortress (XIV century) between Turnov and Jicin, Prachovské skály with Parez castle near Jičín, museums in Jilemnice, Paseky nad Jizerou, Vrchlabí and Harrachov.
The park's information centers are located in Harrachov, Pec pod Sněžkou, Špindlerv Mlyn and Vrchlabí. The Krkonoše, together with the reserve of the same name in the adjacent territory of Poland, is included in the list of nature reserves of world importance by UNESCO.
Šumava
In the very southwest of southern Bohemia, along the border with Germany and Austria, stretch the Šumava Mountains, also known as the Bohemian Forest (Böhmerwald). Low (on the territory of the Czech Republic highest point- Mount Plekhi, 1378 m) and abundantly overgrown with forest, they are deservedly considered one of the decorations of the country. Despite the fact that only one area of local forests - the Boubin reserve - is truly intact, the Sumava National Park is the largest green area in the Czech Republic (about 685 sq. Km) and can offer guests one of the most beautiful mixed forests in Europe. In 1991, this natural complex was included in the UNESCO list of nature reserves.
These regions are ideal for walking or trekking, skiing and photography, mountaineering and river rafting (the Vltava and five other major rivers of the country originate from here), and five large glacial lakes (Plešné, Laka, Prášilské, Černé, Čertovo) and many small ones provide all the opportunities for recreation by the water. Once Šumava was a hunting area, so the species diversity of large animals is rather small (about 70 species), but a huge number of birds live here and about 200 species of higher plants grow - 80% of the park's territory is covered with lush forests, and large areas are also occupied by ancient peat bogs. and foothill plains.
Information centers of the park are located in the villages of Kvilda, Svinná Lada, Rokyta, Kašperské Hory, Alžbětín, Stožec, Březnik Poled and Polezník ).
White Carpathians
The Bílé Karpaty reserve, which occupies part of the slopes of the Western Carpathians in the east of the Czech Republic, on the border with Slovakia, is world famous. This short Mountain chain(Veельka-Yavorzhina, 970 m) stretches only 80 km, and the area of the entire protected area does not exceed 715 sq. km. But at the same time, more than two thousand species of higher plants grow here (45% of the territory is forests, most of which are beech), among which 44 species are on the verge of extinction, and there are many endemics listed in the Red Book. In 1996, the White Carpathians were included in the UNESCO list of biosphere reserves.