SUMAVA AND SOUTHERN BOHEMIA - ABOUT THE REGION

Sumava is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the Czech Republic. Originally a magnificent royal forest, it provided a historical border with Bavaria. The dense ancient coniferous forests, intervowen with trout-filled rivers flowing down hillsides, the steep slopes overlooking wetlands, the motionless dark-green lakes, and the picturesque pastures all come together to form a spectacular landscape. Thanks to the isolating effects of the Iron Curtain, many areas have yet to be touched by humans. It is a national park of considerable international significance, justifiably recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Among the last primeval forests in Europe, this area is composed of virgin forests of beeches and firs which are almost 60m tall, have a diameter of 2m, and are around three and four hundreds years old.

The shimmering, pristine beauty of the glacial lakes set against the peat bogs is an magnificent sight. Don´t miss Laka Lake at 1085m. Despite being one of the smallest glacial lakes (only 2.8 hectares), it is certainly one of the most unspoilt and enchanting, with unique floating islands of peat moss. The Vltava (Moldau) River, a national symbol, has its source in the Sumava peat bogs. This river inspired Bedrich Smetana, world-famous Czech composer, to write his beautiful symphonic composition "Vltava". There are fantastic stone pots in the Vydra (Otter) River which are formed naturally by stones swirling in the water and eroding the bedrock. Because the rivers of the Sumava have been pigmented by the surrounding turf, they are brown in color. There is an great opportunity to visit the amazing world of peat bogs, which evolved from the bedrock nearly 10,000 years ago. Nature lovers will jump at the opportunity to see the unusual carnivorous flora, or the rare grouse that have made this area their home.

A definite must while in this area is the town of Cesky Krumlov. A UNESCO Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited and well-preserved Renaissance towns. This perfectly preserved historical town, with its charming narrow streets and lively squares, is intersected by the picturesque meander of the stunning Vltava River. It is also possible to visit the International Egon Schiele Centre, where you will find a permanent exhibition to feast your eyes on. Definitely not to be missed is a visit to the residential fortress castle of the Lords of Rosenberg, the second largest castle in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. The Cistercian Monastery of Vyssi Brod was established in 1259 by Petr Vok Rosenberg. Inside the monastery you can see the Rosenberg family vault and an amazing gallery of Gothic paintings, as well as an extensive and impressive library of 70,000 historical books, including first editions and manuscripts. There are other historical towns in this area such as Prachatice or Kasperske Hory, whose fascinating histories are interwoven with the gold mining industry of the 13th century.

Thirsty? No problem. You are in the heart of beer country in the nation renouned for some of the best beers. You can try Eggenberg Beer, brewed directly in Cesky Krumlov, or the real original Budweiser beer brewed in the historical town of Ceske Budejovice (Budweis). If you try to compare it with American "Bud", you will come to the conclusion that it is incomparable.

Come and taste !