Horní Planá by Bike: The Best Cycle Routes Around Our Apartments

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Cycle Routes in the Horní Planá Area

Hůrka and Horní Planá form the ideal base with connections to the most beautiful cycle routes around Lipno. Thanks to its strategic location right on the Lipno Cycle Main Route (Magistrale) in the middle of the reservoir, you have easy access to trips towards Frymburk, Lipno nad Vltavou, and Vyšší Brod, as well as wonderful routes to Nová Pec, Stožec, or Plešné jezero (Plöckenstein Lake). Trips to the other bank of Lipno can be made more pleasant and shorter by taking one of the ferries – for example, visit the Vítkův Hrádek ruin.

In this article, we will introduce you to verified cycle routes in the vicinity of Horní Planá, which start directly at our apartments in Hůrka and lead to the most beautiful places in the region.

The Iconic Route – Cycling around Lipno! (79 km, 724 m elevation)

If there is one cycle route you shouldn’t miss at Lipno, it is the entire circuit around the Lipno reservoir. This classic route guides you along the shores and offers endless views of the water surface and the surrounding landscape. It is an experience every cyclist will love.

Tip for Horní Planá: To shorten the route, you can use the ferry that departs directly from Horní Planá.

To Vítkův Hrádek via the Lipno Ferry (38 km, 480 m ↑)

Do you want to see Lipno in the palm of your hand? This cycle route takes you through Hůrka, Černá v Pošumaví, and Dolní Vltavice all the way to Vítkův Hrádek, from where the most beautiful view of the entire Lipno region opens up. Along the way, you will find a ferry across the reservoir, comfortable sections, and a climb that will test your fitness.

Tip for Horní Planá: Use the cycle path on the second bank of Lipno to the ferry Horní Planá – Bližší Lhota and create a loop.

Large Loop through Šumava and Austria (120 km, 581 m elevation)

A challenge for fit cyclists! This large circuit takes you through the Stožecký Cycle Path, along the entire Schwarzenberg Canal and finishes on the Lake Cycle Path, which runs around Lipno.

Despite the length (120 km), the elevation gain is moderate (581 m). Ideal for those who want to see a piece of Šumava, Lipno, and Austria in one day.

Tip for Horní Planá: To avoid the large circuit, you can return by ferry from Dolní Vltavice back to Horní Planá.

Austrian Ride – A Cycle Trip That Has It All (56 km, 781 m elevation)

The cycle path connecting Šumava with the Austrian border region offers everything – forest tranquility, technical points of interest, natural scenery, and a stylish return via the Lipno ferry.

This route starts near Horní Planá and leads along the Schwarzenberg Canal, across the border to Austria, past the Hochficht ski slopes to local pubs. Along the way, you will encounter an aqueduct, a border crossing without barriers, and quiet forest sections. Ideal for cyclists who want to experience more than just pedaling.

From Hůrka to Planá and Back (11 km, 94 m)

An ideal, easy route for the whole family! It starts right at our apartments, leads through Jeníšov, and ends at the main beach in Horní Planá. A total of only 11 km with minimal elevation gain (94 m). In Hůrka, treat yourself to great fish at our Fish Restaurant.

Swimming Tip: The route runs along the water and offers two swimming stops – a quiet little beach near Jeníšov and the main beach in Horní Planá, where you can rent a pedal boat.

Loop via Maňava for Views (24 km, 235 m ↑)

Looking for a shorter, but view-rich route that starts directly in Horní Planá? This circuit takes you along quiet paths through Hodňov and Maňava, offering stunning views of Lipno and the Šumava hills. Along the way, you will find a resting spot by the cross, swimming spots, and a popular Bistro.

The route is suitable for children who have some cycling experience and ends on the Lake Cycle Path with options for swimming and refreshments.

Pláničský Pond and Windy Point (28 km, 158 m ↑)

The route around Pláničský Pond and Windy Point offers nature, views, and swimming. It leads through the Muckovské quarries, through the forest to the pond, and further through Bližná and Radslav to the Windy Point beach. Children will enjoy playing in the sand and refreshing themselves with great ice cream. The moderate elevation gain is manageable even for recreational cyclists – an ideal trip for active families.

Double Swim: Along the route, you can enjoy a refresh in Pláničský Pond (wild nature) and at Windy Point beach, where you can find refreshments and paddleboards. End the day in Hůrka with fresh fish.

Cycle Trip to Špičák (35 km, elevation gain 484 m)

Cycle paths around Horní Planá are not just flat terrain and inline skating. Right on the doorstep, there is a hill that is absolutely ideal for a short, intense ride through deep forests – Špičák.

On the route, you will encounter a challenging hill, but mainly beautiful Bohemian Forest nature along the border of the Boletice Military Area. Ideal for cyclists looking for a fitness challenge and tranquility.

The reward for the effort is the Fish Restaurant Hůrka at the end of the journey!

Around Horní Planá With a View (20 km, elevation gain 272 m)

This circuit takes you along the Lipno shore via Jenišov to Horní Planá, from where you climb to the Lake Viewpoint and further to the
Dobrá Voda Lookout.

Tip for families: The route is suitable for older children; on the way, you can stop at the
beach near Horní Planá or have ice cream on the square.

If you are looking for the ideal base for exploring the Horní Planá cycle routes, Apartmány Nad rybníky in Hůrka are the right choice. A quiet, private accommodation awaits you, only 4 km from Horní Planá, with a large fenced garden, children’s playground, indoor swimming pool, and our own fish restaurant. Our newly built apartments offer comfort for families with children and larger groups of friends.

And the most important things for cyclists:

Connection to the main route: The apartments are located directly on cycle route no. 33 (Šumava Main Route). You are connected to the new cycle path, which is largely suitable for in-line skates and leads all the way to Nová Pec. From there, you can continue into the Šumava National Park along the Stožecký Cycle Path, one of the most beautiful cycle paths in the Czech Republic.
By train to the cycle path: Thanks to the railway line that runs along the cycle path from Horní Planá to Stožec, you can take the train for part of the route (there or back) and enjoy the rest on your bike.
Adrenaline on weekends: We are located near the Boletice Military Area, where marked cycle routes are accessible on weekends and public holidays.

Whether you are heading out for cycling, swimming, or a trip, everything is within reach here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Horní Planá Cycle Routes

Here you will find quick and practical answers to help you plan your cycle trip from Horní Planá.

How much does the ferry across Lipno cost with a bike?

The ferry from Horní Planá to Bližná Lhota is key to shortening the entire circuit around Lipno. The ticket costs 20 CZK for an adult and you pay 30 CZK for a bicycle (price includes VAT). Children under 3 and persons with a ZTP disability card ride for free. The ferry operates only during the season according to the timetable.

Where can I rent a bike in Horní Planá and get a discount?

We have arranged discounts for our guests directly in Horní Planá. You get a 15% discount at the Lipno Centrum rental shop. At the CA Elann rental shop in Horní Planá, you have a 10% discount, and by prior arrangement, they can even deliver the bikes directly to our apartments.

Are the cycle routes around Horní Planá suitable for children and families?

Yes, there are cycle routes in the vicinity of Horní Planá for all age categories. From flat, safe children’s cycle paths ideal for balance bikes (e.g., the Hůrka–Horní Planá route) up to long circuits that lead into Šumava and the Austrian border region for trained cyclists.

Why are Apartmány Nad rybníky the Ideal Cycling Base?

You will best enjoy cycle trips in the Horní Planá area when you have comfortable facilities directly on the cycle route. All main routes start here in Hůrka.

Secure bike storage – we have a storage room for you where your bikes will be safe and ready for the next day.
Refreshment in the pool – after a demanding trip, you can refresh yourself in our pool, which is ideal for muscle regeneration.
Energy refill at the restaurant – a short distance from our apartments, you will find our Hůrka Fish Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish from our ponds and thus replenish energy after a full day’s performance.
Family accommodation at Lipno – our apartments are specially designed to make families with children feel comfortable.
Stay with a dog – we are dog-friendly accommodation, so feel free to bring your four-legged partner along for the cycle trip.

Book your stay while there is still a choice.
We look forward to seeing you!