Prasily: Hiking, Nature and History

Prášily combines cycling, challenging hikes and nature-related attractions. Cycling Route 33 passes through the village and crosses Šumava National Park from Železná Ruda to Lipno. Hiking destinations include Prášilské jezero and the summit of Poledník. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping track of information about individual routes and their seasonal conditions.

Hiking to Prášilské jezero

A hiking route from Prášily to Prášilské jezero is classified as difficult. It is 17.5 km long, has an elevation gain of 526 m and takes 5 hours and 30 minutes. These details give you a concrete basis for estimating how much time to allow for the hike. As trails can change, check the latest route information before setting out.

Prášilské jezero was formed by a glacier about 10,000 years ago. This hiking destination therefore combines a long route with a geological story that dates back to the last Ice Age. When planning, both the specific route details and the lake’s unique formation are worth bearing in mind.

Poledník: Summit and seasonal conditions

Another route leads from Prášily to the summit of Poledník, where a 37 m-high observation tower offers panoramic views. Poledník is a former military site and offers views of the Šumava Mountains’ unique natural landscape. Before your hike, check whether the observation tower is accessible and what facilities may be available.

There is a seasonal restriction on the route between Poledník and Gsenget: it is open only from 15 July to 15 November. Check the latest information about this route before setting out. At Poledník, it is also possible to spend one night legally at the designated emergency overnight camping site. As the rules for this site may change, check the current regulations in advance.

Cycling route and visitor information

Cycling Route 33 connects Prášily to a longer crossing of Šumava National Park, running between Železná Ruda and Lipno. This makes the cycling route a different planning proposition from the difficult hike to Prášilské jezero, listed as taking 5 hours and 30 minutes: one route passes through the village, while the other focuses on a named destination and specific hiking details.

The Stodůlecký Bridge over the Křemelná is also relevant to cyclists and pedestrians. In August 2026, it was closed to both groups because of its poor condition. Check the latest information before setting out, as the situation may change. The public campsite is open during the 2026 season from 10 April to 1 November.

Botanical garden and local history

The Prášily Botanical Garden showcases native Šumava plants as well as examples of wetland, dryland, peat bog and heath habitats. Its collection includes 400 daffodils, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in Czechia. The plant collections are complemented by wooden and stone artworks; the condition of individual works may change.

A dedicated nature attraction is the “Polom v horské smrčině” educational trail, which illustrates the vitality of nature. The settlement’s history also has a specific origin: Prášily came into being in connection with the establishment of a glassworks. Together with the hiking destinations and botanical garden, these attractions offer a variety of trip-planning themes, from nature and landscape experiences to local history.

Discover more destinations: Hartmanice, Soběšice, Kejnice, Kovčín, Kolinec, Hejná, Horní Staňkov, Chanovice

Back to the main travel overview: Klatovy District.