- Volary is known for its specific 'Alpine' house style, characterized by wooden structures with shingles and balconies, reflecting the influence of German-speaking settlers who inhabited the area until after World War II.
- The town's historical development was deeply tied to the Golden Path, an ancient trade route used for transporting salt from Bavaria to Bohemia.
- During the final days of World War II, the town was the site of a tragic 'death march' of prisoners from the Helmbrechts concentration camp, which is commemorated by a local memorial.
- Volary is officially recognized as a municipal monument zone due to the preservation of its traditional residential wooden architecture.
- The surrounding landscape is part of the largest continuous forest area in Central Europe, known as the 'Green Heart of Europe'.
About Volary
Volary is a town in the Šumava mountains distinctive for its unique wooden Alpine-style architecture, a rarity in the Czech Republic. The town serves as a gateway to the Šumava National Park, offering access to landmarks like Stožecká skála and the historical site of Dobrá. Visitors often explore the local culture through the Volarské Muzeum before hiking to the scenic Vyhlidka na Volary. Its positioning at an elevation of 760 meters makes it a center for outdoor recreation and regional history.
Highlights of Volary
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Visit this wooden pilgrimage chapel built into a rocky slope, historically significant to local religious life.
Places of interest
Climb to this rocky formation for an unobstructed view of the surrounding forested Šumava mountain landscape.
Museums
Learn about the town's unique architectural heritage and the history of the Golden Path trade route.
Places of interest
Explore this nearby village known for its direct access to the Vltava River and protected park trails.
Parks
A quiet park area perfect for observing the local mountain flora and fauna of the region.
Historical places
Experience this preserved settlement that showcases traditional rural construction styles of the Bohemian Forest.
Temples
Admire the architecture of this historical church that serves as a focal point for the local community.
Places of interest
Head to this specific vantage point to get a comprehensive perspective of the town's Alpine-style roofs.
Top things to do in Volary
The 51 highest-rated places in Volary, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Šumava National Park, often called the Green Roof of Europe, is the largest national park in Czechia and protects a mass...
2
Places of interest
Chalupská slať is a transitional peat bog located within the Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic. It is recognize...
3
Natural attractions
Naučná stezka Olšina is a 7-kilometer educational loop trail situated within a protected landscape area surrounding the...
4
Museums
The Lower Bavarian Open-Air Museum, known as Freilichtmuseum Finsterau, preserves the rural history and architectural he...
5
Places of interest
Boubín Lookout Tower is a 21-meter high steel structure situated at an elevation of 1,362 meters on the summit of Boubín...
6
Parks
Plešné Lake is a glacial cirque lake located in the Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic, situated at an altitude...
7
Temples
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Museums
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Historical places
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Natural attractions
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Volary on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Volary
Late May to September for hiking, cycling, and exploring the surrounding Šumava National Park trails.
2 days, which allows enough time to visit local architectural sites and complete a nearby forest trek.
The town center is compact and walkable, while regional bus and train lines connect the town to surrounding Šumava attractions.
Stay in the town center to access the preserved wooden houses and museums on foot, or seek a pension in the nearby forest outskirts.
Mid-range; the town is generally affordable, with costs largely depending on seasonal demand for outdoor sports.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 51 curated attractions in and around Volary, ranked by traveller ratings.
Šumava National Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Volary right now.
The largest category is places of interest, with 14 places to explore.
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