Bohemia, Czech Republic
Šumava National Park

Into the thickly forested landscape of Czech Republic’s largest national park we go.

Wandering through forest thick with coniferous trees, fingers sweep and caress the bark of tree trunks as substitute guidance while eyes busy themselves with the flourish of natural beauty and nostrils are occupied with tasting sweet, moist oxygen rich air.


Kept in the company of invisible beasts who reside amidst the bounteous foliage of the verdancy above head, some enjoying their daily repast, some being enjoyed as daily repast, and some less preoccupied direct their perfunctory curiosity that compels them to observe the strangers, hushed and surreptitiously. The ground of soft, uncompressed soil that wears a blanket of desiccated brown leaves is impressionable from every step received, and every few steps it lets out a crunching sound, like twigs breaking underfoot.


Stopping again to meditate in the natural harmony in destruction left in the aftermath of a trampling weather tempest composed of uprooted trees, shattered wood fragments that litter the ground and the grey spectrum of day, a squawking from a passing bird is heard, and then again as whispered echoes possessing an ephemeral tremulous quality that fades into the farther green away from inclemency effected. In the undisturbed silence of slow walking and hiding animals, the meek sloushing sound of a placid river flowing through the land calmly, followed by the passing of river masked, uncharacteristic whispers of human language issued from people likely riding in canoes, travel well into the serenity, but very quickly, resumes the isolated vibrations of a flowing river, and the journey through nature’s growth, towards the pinnacle point of the park, Plechý, continues undisturbed.


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Tips Before You Go
Watercrafts may be rented on the premises and be used in accordance to the national park’s regulations, on Vltava, Otava and Vydra rivers. “One night stand” campsites are available.
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Šumava National Park, Czechia