Cesky Krumlov - Prague and the Czech Republic - page 192

16:15 June-Aug, closed Mon and Oct-March, call 380-743-126 to
pre-arrange an English tour, access via river float).
Šumava Mountains —The Šumava Mountains (SHOO-mah-
vah) are geologically one of Europe's oldest ranges. Separating
Bohemia from Bavaria, this long ridge, known in German as the
Böhmerwald (Czech Forest), was the physical embodiment of the
Iron Curtain for 40 years: The first 10 miles or so within the Czech
border were a forbidden no-man's-land, where hundreds of Czechs
were shot as they tried to run across to Germany. In 1989, the
barbed wire was taken down, and the entire area—more than 60
miles long—was declared the Šumava-Bayerische Wald National
Park. No development is permitted within the park, and visitors
can't camp outside of designated areas. Since there's little industry
nearby, these mountains preserve some of the most pristine woods,
creeks, and meadows in Eastern Europe.
The gateway most easily accessible from Český Krumlov is
the trailhead village of Nová Pec, a scenic 90-minute train ride
away (5 direct trains/day). Nová Pec is located just below the slopes
of the tallest mountain on the Czech side of the border, Plechý, a
top destination for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Nová
Pec's TI, which is 100 yards to the right of the train station, sells
hiking and biking maps. You can rent bikes at the train station
(150 Kč/day with train ticket, slightly more without one, reserve
a few days ahead by calling 972-543-891 or emailing zstvlrdop
@mail.cd.cz) or three miles away toward Plechý next to the Plešný
parking lot (mobile [phone]).
Sleeping near Nová Pec: Both of these recommended B&Bs
are about one mile out of Nová Pec.
Pension Hubertus sits on a sloping meadow and operates its
three rooms on solar power. Owner Eva will pick you up from the
train station if you ask (420-480 Kč/person, mobile [phone],
www.ubytovani.net—search for Hubertus).
Pension Za Pecí is new, with five rooms run by two genera-
tions, the younger of whom is proficient in English—a rare treat
in this German-speaking part of the country (500 Kč/person,
optional dinner-100 Kč, tel. [phone], mobile [phone],
www.zapeci.com, [e-mail]).
aCtiVitieS
Český Krumlov lies in the middle of a valley popular for canoe-
ing, rafting, hiking, and horseback riding. Boat-rental places are
convenient to the Old Town, and several hiking paths start right
in town.