YOUR ŠUMAVA GUIDE · AURA & NORD
Explore Šumava
from Javorná.
Explore 19 outingsPlan 1–7 nightsTrip map
Forests, glacial lakes, viewpoints and memorable places to eat. Explore 19 hand-picked outings from our Aura and Nord apartments, with routes, photographs and practical local tips.
19 curated places · walking and driving · family-friendly ideas
YOUR DAY IN ŠUMAVA
Choose the day you feel like.
Choose the day you feel like and open an outing for its route and practical details.
What shall we explore today?
Choose curated ideas in one click. Check opening and trail conditions before you go.
Šumava with your dogPlaces to enjoy together, partial access and what to check first.
Respect the natural surroundings
In Šumava National Park, keep your dog under constant control, without disturbing wildlife or damaging groomed ski tracks. Bring a lead and follow local signs and closures.
NP Šumava ↗Choose by terrain and stamina
Compare distance, climbs and terrain with your dog’s stamina. Bring water and waste bags. Check each indoor area separately; terrace access does not mean indoor admission.
Stay with your dog at Aura or Nord
Please arrange a stay with your dog and any supplement in advance. Please tell us the number and size of your dogs in the enquiry.
Walk to Stará Vápenka
Walk from Javorná via Buchar to the old lime kiln. A guesthouse restaurant is next to the historic remains; check opening before setting off.
- Walking distance
- About 3.5 km return
- Walking time
- Mapy.com: about 1 hour
Black Lake · Černé jezero
Yellow-marked route from Špičácké sedlo to Černé jezero and back. Mostly paved, with a climb near the lake.
- Walking distance
- 7.2 km return
- Allow for the visit
- Our suggestion: 2–3 hours
Haus zur Wildnis · Ludwigsthal
Interactive forest exhibits indoors and animal enclosures outside. A plan for a rainy day too.
- Outdoor loop
- Just under 3 km
- The walk itself
- Around 1.5 hours
Velhartice Castle and Chateau
A stone bridge linking palace and tower, courtyards and castle stories.
- From the car park
- About 300 m to the castle
- Gothic castle tour
- Around 50 minutes
Chata Rovina and Březník
Lunch followed by a walk towards Vintířova skála and Březník.
- Walking option
- About 3 km return
- Time to allow
- Our tip: 2–4 hours with lunch
Dobrá Voda · museum and glass altar
A landscape with a story: the Dr Šimon Adler Museum and St Vintíř Church.
- On arrival
- Short walks around the village
- Time to allow
- Our tip: 2–3 hours
Wolves at Srní Visitor Centre
A nature trail and raised walkway above a wolf enclosure.
Half-day idea~2 km loopNovember: site closed
Plan and practical details
- Parking and walking
- Designated paid parking by the centre. The nature loop is about 2 km; the raised walkway is around 300 m long.
- Practicalities
- Toilets are outside the building. Vending-machine refreshments; bring a picnic for a longer visit.
- Dogs and access
- Dogs cannot enter the grounds or trails. Visitors with mobility needs should arrange the recommended access with staff in advance.
- Before travelling
- Building and walkway hours may differ. Check current national park information, especially outside the main season.
Out with your dog
No dogs in the grounds or on visitor trails.
- Dogs are excluded from the grounds and trails. Kennels by the building do not make this a joint outing with your dog.
- The operator lists lockable kennels, with keys from staff. Check conditions and availability in advance.
Operator’s dog rules
Checked 2026-10-25The park’s current schedule closes the building, boardwalk, toilets and parking in November. Check for changes before visiting.
Šumava National Park administration · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Snake Trail · Hadí stezka
A 2 km nature trail with ten interpretation stops. Return the same way for around 4 km in total.
Half-day idea~4 km
Plan and practical details
- Start
- Gerlova Huť, by the shelter. Use designated parking; a bus stop is nearby.
- Distance
- About 2 km of nature trail, then return the same way: roughly 4 km altogether.
- With children
- Ten nature stops. Bring a snack and allow time for weather and your own pace; accessibility is not certified.
Out with your dog
Dog access for this trail is unverified. A walking leaflet does not establish permission.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Železná Ruda tourist information · nature trails · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Loop via Stará Vápenka and Svinná
A gentle loop around Javorná linking the old lime kiln with the landscape around Svinná. Adapt the walk to your time and energy.
Leave the car
Plan and practical details
- Route
- Javorná → Stará Vápenka → Hořejší Svinná → Javorná
- Planning
- Plan your route variant and return before setting off. Keep to public paths; do not cut across farm land.
- Food
- Stará Vápenka, subject to opening. Stroller suitability is unverified.
Out with your dog
Rules for the full local loop and restaurant entry are unconfirmed. Check before the outing.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25No fixed distance is given without a verified route variant. Choose public paths and a suitable return in the route planner before setting off.
Local walking information · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Javorná → Svinná
Out and back from the Javorná trail signpost. Follow yellow markers via Buchar, with a stop at the old lime kiln.
Leave the car
Plan and practical details
- Route
- Javorná → Buchar → Svinná → Javorná
- Planning
- Plan your route variant and return before setting off. Keep to public paths; do not cut across farm land.
- Food
- Stará Vápenka, subject to opening. Stroller suitability is unverified.
Out with your dog
Dog access on individual sections near Svinná is unverified. Respect local signs and livestock.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25No fixed distance is given without a verified route variant. Choose public paths and a suitable return in the route planner before setting off.
Local walking information · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Alžbětín · a station between two countries
Nature, railways and exhibitions in a historic border station.
For a rainy day
Plan and practical details
- Before you go
- The Czech information centre and paid German exhibitions are different facilities. The museum is accessible and has toilets; dogs are not allowed in the exhibitions. Check opening first.
Out with your dog
Information centre yes; museum exhibitions no.
- Dogs may enter the information centre.
- Dogs cannot enter the museum. It is separate from the information centre.
Operator’s dog rules
Checked 2026-10-25Šumava National Park administration · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗
Black & Devil’s Lakes
A loop linking both glacial lakes across the European watershed, with steeper climbs and descents between them.
Active half-day~8.5 km
Plan and practical details
- Start
- Špičácké sedlo; the loop starts and ends away from Javorná.
- Route and difficulty
- About 8.5 km via both lakes and Rozvodí. Steeper climbs and descents between the lakes; sturdy shoes.
- Who it suits
- Confident walkers and children used to walking. Rocky terrain makes this unsuitable for a standard stroller.
- Map
- Use the full loop shown in the tourist information leaflet. This differs from the shorter return walk to Black Lake.
Out with your dog
Dog rules for the full two-lake loop are unverified. Judge the steep, rocky section by your dog’s stamina.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Železná Ruda tourist information · lake circuit · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Hare Trail · Zajícova stezka
Ten stops introduce children to the Šumava forest. The route descends from Špičák summit via Rozvodí and Čertovo jezero.
Half-day idea~4 km · about 1 hr15 Jun–15 Sep
Plan and practical details
- Trailhead
- Špičák summit. The operator’s route assumes a chairlift ascent; check operation first.
- Access
- The summit–Rozvodí section is open only 15 June–15 September for conservation reasons.
- Children and terrain
- Nature stops on a mainly descending route; the final 200 m follow a ski slope. Do not assume stroller access.
Out with your dog
Check dog access to the trail and any lift journey separately with the operator.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Allow roughly 4 km. The operator lists 3.7 km and the tourist office leaflet 3.5 km. Walking time excludes the cable car and children’s stops.
Ski & Bike Špičák · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗
Woodpecker Trail · Datlíkova stezka
Ten educational stops from Špičák summit via Black Lake to the lower chairlift station.
Half-day idea~7 km · about 2 hr15 Jun–15 Sep
Plan and practical details
- Trailhead
- Špičák summit. The operator’s route assumes a chairlift ascent; check operation first.
- Access
- The summit–Rozvodí section is open only 15 June–15 September for conservation reasons.
- Children and terrain
- Nature stops on a mainly descending route; the final 200 m follow a ski slope. Do not assume stroller access.
Out with your dog
Dog rules and any lift access are unconfirmed. The listed seasonal trail closure still applies.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Allow roughly 7 km. The operator lists 6.5 km and the tourist office leaflet 6.7 km; the time excludes the cable car and longer stops.
Ski & Bike Špičák · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗
Lake Laka · full loop from Prášily
Floating islands, forest and Hůrka for a full hiking day.
Full day · demanding18 km · 5 hr 40 min
Plan and practical details
- Start
- Prášily. The drive from the apartment is additional.
- Itinerary
- Prášily → Gsenget → Zlatý stoleček → Laka → Hůrka → Vysoké Lávky → Prášily.
- Difficulty
- The national park rates it demanding: 18 km, 5 hr 40 min and 470 m elevation gain. Choose a shorter outing with young children.
- Seasonal closure
- Gsenget–Laka is closed 15 March–15 July. Check current national park conditions before setting off; this is not a year-round route.
Out with your dog
Dogs on the walking route; check seasonal closures and distance.
- On park walking paths, keep your dog under constant control, protecting wildlife and groomed ski tracks. Follow permitted routes and local signs.
- This route is 18 km; Gsenget–Laka closes 15 March–15 July. Bring your own water for your dog too.
Operator’s dog rules
Checked 2026-10-25Šumava National Park administration · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Prášilské Lake and Poledník
From a glacial lake to a lookout tower for experienced walkers.
Full day · demanding17.5 km · 5 hr 30 min
Plan and practical details
- Start and route
- Prášily or Slunečná car park; via Prášilské Lake to Poledník, following the national park route.
- Difficulty
- The official loop is 17.5 km, about 5 hr 30 min with 526 m elevation gain. Not an easy stroller outing.
- Season
- Poledník–Gsenget opens only 15 July–15 November. The tower has its own opening schedule; check both with the national park.
- Pack
- Water, food and windproof clothing. A shorter lake-only walk has a different distance from this full loop.
Out with your dog
Dogs on the walking route; check seasonal closures and distance.
- On park walking paths, keep your dog under constant control, protecting wildlife and groomed ski tracks. Follow permitted routes and local signs.
- The full loop is 17.5 km; Poledník–Gsenget opens only 15 July–15 November. Dog entry to the tower is unverified. Bring water for your dog.
Operator’s dog rules
Checked 2026-10-25Šumava National Park administration · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗
Hartmanice Mountain Synagogue
A restored landmark and stories of life in the Šumava borderlands.
Culture for a rainy day
Plan and practical details
- Before you go
- The synagogue is now part of Muzeum Šumavy. Confirm current visiting times before travelling; older tourist listings can differ.
Out with your dog
Dog admission to the synagogue and exhibition is unconfirmed. Contact the operator before visiting.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Šumava Museum · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Špičák · a day on skis
Ski slopes and winter resort services near Železná Ruda.
Winter day
Plan and practical details
- Before you go
- Check lifts, open runs and ski passes with the resort. A calendar month does not guarantee snow or operation.
Out with your dog
Check dog access and transport with the ski operator. A ski day is not listed as a verified joint outing with a dog.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Ski & Bike Špičák · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗Großer Arber · across the border
Across the border: winter skiing, views and a gondola during operating seasons.
Season-dependent
Plan and practical details
- Before you go
- Choose the exact destination and car park on the operator’s website. The summit is not a car park; gondola operation depends on weather.
Out with your dog
Dogs appear in the gondola tariff, but this does not verify the full outing or restaurant admission. Check carriage conditions and the seasonal route first.
- The tariff includes dogs. Carriage remains subject to the operator’s conditions and does not establish access elsewhere.
Operator’s dog rules
Reviewed 2026-10-25Arber Bergbahn · Information reviewed 2026-10-24
Find dates for my trip ↗No verified idea for this choice yet. Try another kind of day.
Distances refer to the walk, not the drive from the apartment. Judge children’s suitability by their own stamina. Check seasonal access and trail conditions with the linked source before setting off.
Where places are and how to reach them
Verified destinations, summits and practical stops around Javorná. Choose by the kind of day; driving directions open in Google Maps and walking routes in Mapy.com.
Two apartments. One Javorná.
1 reserved parking space for each apartment
Popular forest-edge restaurant and inn. Pleasant walk from Javorná, outdoor garden seating, dogs welcome.
1.7 km · ~4 min by carAbout 25 min on footNavigate with Google Maps ↗Route in Mapy.com ↗Place website ↗Local ski slope directly in Javorná. Calm setting for families and beginner skiers without big crowds.
1.7 km · ~6 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗Smaller north-facing lift with panoramic views of Javorná and the Ostružná valley.
4.0 km · ~7 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗
Traditional Šumava mountain inn near Dobrá Voda. Hearty food and on-site E.ON 22 kW AC EV charger.
21.2 km · ~21 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗Place website ↗Welcoming restaurant in Železná Ruda. Great lunch stop after mountain hiking or on a rainy day.
14.2 km · ~14 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗Place website ↗Premier sports centre of western Šumava. Ski slopes and kids area in winter; bike park and family trails in summer and autumn.
17.7 km · ~20 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗Place website ↗Summit at 1,214 m with observation tower and lodge. Accessible on foot or via chairlift from Špičák.
Summit 1,214 m · lift from Špičák via HofmankyPlace in Google Maps ↗Route in Mapy.com ↗Highest peak of the entire Bohemian and Bavarian Forest (1,456 m). Year-round gondola, circular vistas and alpine atmosphere.
Summit: on foot or by liftPlace in Google Maps ↗Tranquil walking loop from Javorná into Kochánov Nature Park. Meadow trails, stone dikes and wide horizons without traffic.
Walk from the apartment via Stará VápenkaPlace in Google Maps ↗Route in Mapy.com ↗Educational trail through a historic glassmaker settlement and peat bog with wooden walkways.
12.0 km · ~11 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗Route in Mapy.com ↗Trailhead to the glacial lakes of Šumava. The paved path to Černé jezero under the 330 m cliff is accessible with strollers and leashed dogs.
16.5 km · ~18 min by carNavigate with Google Maps ↗Route in Mapy.com ↗This is a location overview, not a navigation map
Numbers connect the overview with the tips below. Select one to see the related place or walk, then use its separate directions button.
Arriving by electric car?
A few charging options nearby and along the way. Check connector, live availability and any fees in the provider’s app before travelling.
Chata Rovina · AC up to 22 kW
An E.ON charger is listed in the guesthouse car park; charging can be combined with a meal.
Place website ↗Železná Ruda · fast charging
ČEZ at the fuel station on Javorská 388; public listings show 50 kW DC. Check connector and operating status.
Navigate with Google Maps ↗Klatovy · several public stations
The town has several faster DC stations from different operators; open a current map before setting off.
Open GeoCharge ↗Power and availability can change; this is not a live charger-status feed.
Where exactly is Javorná?
YOUR OWN CORNER OF ŠUMAVA
Javorná.
A place to slow down.
Western Šumava, near Železná Ruda. Javorná, part of Čachrov, sits where the Šumava protected landscape meets Kochánov Nature Park. Mountain meadows, forest paths and time to yourself.
Found your place to unwind?
Just send your dates and the number of guests. We’ll personally confirm availability and the exact price.
Current visiting information · November 2026
Check seasonal openings before your November 2026 outings
Some popular destinations have reduced access. The trip ideas below remain useful, but please check these facilities before travelling:
- Haus zur Wildnis: visitor centre building closed 9 November–25 December; outdoor paths may still be accessible. National Park
- Velhartice Castle: regular tour season has ended; check separately for special openings. Castle
- Dobrá Voda: Dr Šimon Adler Museum closed 5–13 November; this does not automatically apply to the village or church. Museum
For rainy days: consider the Šumava Museum in Sušice or the Hartmanice Mountain Synagogue. Check current opening before travelling.
Official sources checked 5 November 2026; these dates do not update automatically.
Šumava CARD: outings with savings
Eligible Aura or Nord stays of 2+ nights let you add a discounted local experience to your trip. These are genuine partner offers in western Šumava.
Shared lunch · Restaurant Javor
In Železná Ruda, Šumava CARD gives 20% off spending above CZK 600, once per stay. Example: a CZK 1,200 meal becomes CZK 960, saving CZK 240.
Example: save CZK 240Official offers · Restaurant detailsRestaurant Javor offers 20% off when spending over CZK 600, once per stay. The saving example is illustrative, not an apartment price.
PASK Klatovy
Glass Pavilion, 50% off admission once per stay. The operator lists daily opening Oct–May 12:00–16:00, including rainy days; check for exceptions.
More details
Summer tip · Pancíř chairlift
Full Špičák–Pancíř–Špičák adult return: CZK 350 → 280 in the summer 2026 tariff (save CZK 70). The benefit is only for the complete return trip, once daily; check current lift operation.
More details
Summer tip · Šumavláček
The tourist train to Black Lake operates during summer holidays according to its published timetable. Šumava CARD gives 20% off fares, with repeated use during the stay.
Our outing
Stará Vápenka and lunch
A walk from Javorná into Svinná, eco-farm restaurant and 10% off with Šumava CARD. Open to the public Thu–Sun.
Our outing · Official discount
CrossCafe Klostermann
Accessible CrossCafe Klostermann in Železná Ruda has a children’s play corner. Šumava CARD provides 10% off refreshments repeatedly during your stay; check opening hours.
More detailsSkiing at Špičák
Šumava CARD offers 5% off only two-day and longer winter ski passes (excluding season passes and school-course tariffs). A separate 10% discount applies when buying at least two ski-school lessons. Snow conditions govern operation.
Our outing9 more places with Šumava CARD
Add these stops to your outings: why visit, practical advice and the exact official benefit terms.
Café Charlotte · Železná Ruda
Family dessert stop with a model train overhead. Repeated 10% discount on spending over CZK 300. Reviews praise the desserts but also mention waits and uneven service. Bring cash to be safe and confirm card-payment options.
Offer and conditions ↗Check the operator
K Samotám 77, Železná Ruda. Popular patisserie; allow for possible queues and check accepted payment methods.
Check the operatorBarokní lékárna · Klatovy
Historic pharmacy with original furnishings; pair it with a walk through Klatovy. Admission discount once daily. Regular individual visiting is limited November–March. The museum also schedules occasional public tours; check a specific date, or arrange a group visit in advance.
Offer and conditions ↗City of Klatovy – off-season limits · Check special tour dates
Check the operator
Náměstí Míru 149, Klatovy. Closed to ordinary individual visits November–March; groups may arrange a tour ahead.
Check the operatorMuzeum Dr. Hostaše · Klatovy
Klatovy regional history from prehistory onwards. A rainy-day option easily paired with PASK. Admission discount once daily; check the exhibition programme.
Offer and conditions ↗Check the operator
Hostašova 1, Klatovy. The local-history museum is an indoor alternative; verify current exhibitions and access.
Check the operatorRestaurace Rankl · Horská Kvilda
Lunch stop around Horská Kvilda; the operator describes a mountain buffet, terrace and playground. Food discount once per stay; check opening before visiting.
Offer and conditions ↗Check the operator
Horská Kvilda. Do not assume daily service outside the main season; confirm hours and consider booking a table.
Check the operatorChata Svatobor · nad Sušicí
Combine a lookout above Sušice with a meal at the mountain hut. Restaurant discount above CZK 600, once per stay; not a lookout admission discount.
Offer and conditions ↗Check the operator
Nov–Dec 2026 restaurant: usually Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday 10:00–17:00, with holiday exceptions. Parking is about 100 m below the hut.
Check the operatorLetní koupaliště · Klatovy
Summer pools for children and swimmers, plus sports areas. Admission discount once daily. Seasonal: do not assume it is open outside summer.
Offer and conditions ↗Ski areál · Kašperské Hory
Family-friendly winter ski area with a children’s learning zone and views towards Kašperk. Day-pass discount; check snow and seasonal operations.
Offer and conditions ↗Chata Pancíř · u rozhledny
Mountain-hut meal near the Pancíř lookout. Repeated restaurant discount above CZK 300. The chairlift is a separate service and currently under maintenance.
Offer and conditions ↗Café Rozhlas · Špičák
Quieter café stop by Jezerní potok, with a terrace and homemade cakes according to the operator. Discount once per stay; check opening hours.
Offer and conditions ↗Check the operator
Špičák 81, Železná Ruda. Café with a covered terrace and homemade cakes; opening is not regular every day, so confirm ahead.
Check the operatorŠumavláček runs in summer; the Pancíř chairlift operator announced a maintenance shutdown on 31 October 2026 ahead of winter. Chairlift status. For eligible new bookings from 5 November 2026, at least 2 nights. Savings apply to the listed services, not walking trails.
AURA & NORD · ŠUMAVA
Turn an outing into a stay
Our seven 1–7-night plans combine local outings with a stay in Aura or Nord. A full week is especially appealing in summer, notably June and August, with winter and off-season options too. New bookings made from 5 November 2026 include a free Šumava CARD for registered stays of at least 2 nights in Aura or Nord.
Choose a 1–7-night itinerary · About Šumava CARD · Check a date
Photo credits and sources
Photos show the actual destinations or places directly along their trails. The Špičák and Arber images were taken in summer and do not show current winter conditions. Images are resized and may be cropped in previews; the original sources and licences are listed below.
- Spring of the Regen stream · Krabat77 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original file
- Dolejší Svinná · Krabat77 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original file
- Meadows near Svinná · Krabat77 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original file
- Alžbětín station · High Contrast · CC BY 3.0 DE · Original file
- Devil’s Lake on the route · Chorar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original file
- Poledník tower · Luciechalupna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original file
- Špičák lift (summer image) · Huhulenik · CC BY 3.0 · Original file
- Großer and Kleiner Arber (summer) · Rosa-Maria Rinkl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original file