Lake Lipno is 30 miles long and is a place of contrasts. At one end is the vast Lipno Dam, the construction of which turned a steep valley into the lake, close by is Lipno town with its tourist flats and attractions. In places the lake is very much a holiday destination with all sorts of activities to attract the visitor including swimming, sailing, fishing and windsurfing. In winter the area is a focus for visitors interested in winter sports, including ice skating, ice surfing and in the hills above Lipno downhill and cross country skiing and snowboarding. See our activities page for more details. In other places Lake Lipno offers quiet and seclusion and an opportunity to enjoy nature and some stupendous views. As a general guide the east and northern shorelines are the more touristy areas, while the southern and western sides are quieter and have more dramatic scenery.
The Sumava National Park is the Czech Republic's largest national park, but it also extends beyond the Czech boundaries into Germany and Austria where it is known as the Bohmerwald. The Sumava is a low mountain range with a range of landscapes within it. There are a number of natural lakes and peat bogs formed by glaciers in the Ice Age supporting a wide range of plants and animals, including the lynx and otter. There are deep ancient forests, such as the Boubinsky Prales, where you half expect to come across a witch's house in a clearing. There are several ruined castles such as that at Vitkuv Kamen, and ancient towns such as Prachatice. Then there are the villages in the higher parts of the mountains with their alpine houses (so different from those you will have seen in Cesky Krumlov) and hay meadows rich in wild flowers. On a clear day the views can be spectacular as you look from the Sumava towards the Alps.
The Sumava is a wonderful place to spend several days walking or cycling. The cycle routes and footpaths are well signposted and you can buy clear detailed maps from the local tourist information centres. Certain key places such as the Boubinsky Prales, the Medved Trail and the Schwarzenberg Canal have display boards along the trails. In winter some of the mountain bike trails turn into cross country ski routes. Another activity in the Sumava for the energetic is rock climbing. The Sumava National Park has something for everyone from those who want quiet contemplation in nature to those who want thrills.
We have only touched on the attractions of Lipno and the Sumava to visitors to Cesky Krumlov. To find out more visit www.sumava.com