Cycling Trip to Horní Planá through the Boletice Military Ar

Total length

30 km (one way)

Duration

Full-day trip

Terrain

Asphalt roads

Recommended period for visiting

Spring – Autumn

Difficulty level

Moderate difficulty

How do you get to the start

Český Krumlov
The trip starts in Český Krumlov, following cycling route No. 1047 to Kájov.

How to get back

From Horní Planá, you can take a train back to Český Krumlov (32 km). Trains run every two hours until 8:00 PM.

Route description

Český Krumlov → Kájov (+6.7 km) → Boletice (+4.3 km) → Polná na Šumavě (+6.3 km) → Olšina (+6 km) → Horní Planá (+7 km)

Kájov

Kájov is one of the oldest Marian pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic.
It features a pilgrimage complex with a church and an early Baroque rectory with a chapel. The original church dates back to the second half of the 13th century, while its current late Gothic appearance comes from a renovation between 1471 and 1488.
The rectory was built in 1661, and the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk was added in 1699.
From Kájov, continue on cycling route No. 1254 toward Boletice.

Boletice

The route continues on cycling route No. 1254 through the Boletice Military Area, the third-largest military training ground in the Czech Republic.
A great place to stop is St. Nicholas’ Church above Boletice.
This originally Romanesque church dates back to the second half of the 12th century and has a unique historical atmosphere.
The church is located directly along the route, and from there, the journey continues toward Polná na Šumavě.

Polná na Šumavě

As you pass through Polná na Šumavě, you will see St. Martin’s Church.
The original building was constructed at the end of the 13th century, and the presbytery, nave, and tower date from this period.
In Polná, switch to cycling route No. 1255 and continue toward the Olšina pond.

Olšina

The Olšina Pond, covering 138 hectares, is one of the highest-altitude fishponds in the Czech Republic.
The first written mention of the pond dates back to 1458.
On the shore stands a fishing lodge with an exhibition on South Bohemian fish farming.

Places to stop for a break and refreshment:

• The Olšina Recreation Complex, which also has a new visitor center.
• The start of a new 7.3 km nature trail, passing through real Šumava wetlands, peat bogs, and local biotopes.

From Olšina, continue along cycling route No. 1255 to Hodňov, then follow No. 1254 to Horní Planá.

Horní Planá

Horní Planá is a perfect place to relax by the Lipno Reservoir.
It features the largest sandy beach on Lipno, ideal for swimming and unwinding.

Recommended Attractions:

• The Birthplace of Adalbert Stifter (1805–1868), now a museum dedicated to the life and work of the "Poet of Šumava".
• A short hike to Jezerní vyhlídka (Lake Viewpoint) at 800 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.