The area's landscape is shaped by the presence of a 'dead zone' created during the Cold War when the border region was inaccessible to civilians.
Čerchov, the highest peak, is home to the Kurzova věž, a historical observation tower first built in 1905.
The landscape acts as a vital migratory corridor for European wildlife, linking northern and southern forest ecosystems.
The region contains significant remains of 'deserted villages' that were demolished or left to decay during the displacement of the local population after 1945.
It preserves unique upland moorlands and mountain meadows that require specific grazing management to prevent overgrowth.
Český les (the Bohemian Forest) is a 473-square-kilometer protected landscape area stretching along the Czech-German border. Established in 2005, it serves as a crucial green corridor connecting the Šumava National Park with the Krušné hory mountains. The region is characterized by extensive spruce and beech forests, peat bogs, and meadows that were previously part of the restricted Iron Curtain border zone. This isolation during the 20th century allowed the landscape to remain largely untouched by industrial development and intensive agriculture. The area features numerous abandoned villages and historical sites that reveal the region's complex post-WWII history. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, with the highest peak, Čerchov, reaching 1,042 meters. It provides significant habitats for rare flora and fauna, including the Eurasian lynx and the capercaillie. The landscape is interconnected by a dense network of hiking and cycling trails specifically designed to minimize environmental impact.
The observation deck atop Čerchov mountain providing 360-degree views of the Czech-German border region.
Download offline maps, as cell service is inconsistent due to the deep valleys and dense forest cover.
Carry identification at all times, as the area remains a border region and random checks can occur.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, particularly near the quiet, boggy meadows at dusk.
Attempting to explore abandoned building foundations without appropriate footwear, as these sites often feature uneven terrain and hidden hazards.
Stay strictly on marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive peat bog ecosystems and to prevent wildlife disruption.
