Apartmány
The surroundings of Horní Planá and Hůrka at Lake Lipno belong to the great cross-country skiing locations. Especially when you stay in our Apartments Nad rybníky, you can head out into the track practically right from us. Thanks to regularly maintained trails, spectacular views, and a diverse landscape, every skier will find a route according to their preferences and skills. The area offers both short circuits for beginners and families with children, and more demanding routes for experienced athletes. Explore all the cross-country skiing possibilities in the area.
Cross-Country Skiing in and around Horní Planá
In the immediate vicinity of Horní Planá, there is a system of several interconnected cross-country skiing circuits of varying difficulty, which are part of the “Bílá stopa” project. These circuits lead mostly through a forested landscape.
Shorter circuits with a length of 3 to 5 kilometers are ideal for beginners and families with children, while more experienced skiers can use longer variants that connect to the Bohemian Forest Arterial Trail. All routes are regularly maintained for both classical technique and skating. Especially popular is the route leading from Horní Planá towards Olšina, which offers a combination of gently undulating terrain and impressive views of the surrounding countryside.
The Hůrka Circuit that brings you back to us
The Hůrka cross-country circuit represents the longest and most comprehensive route in the area. With a length exceeding 15 kilometers it offers a sufficient challenge even for experienced skiers, while thanks to the well-thought-out route, it is possible to shorten the circuit in several places.
The route starts (or ends) in the village of Hůrka and leads mostly through a forested landscape with several sections where impressive views of Lake Lipno and the surrounding Bohemian Forest hills open up. The Hůrka circuit is regularly maintained, with the main part of the route prepared for both classic and skating. However, some connecting sections, especially in forest parts, are more suitable for classical technique.
Jelm-Stadion Circuit. Central connection of the routes
The Jelm-Stadion circuit acts as a central link that connects all other cross-country skiing routes in the area. As the name suggests, the route leads around the Jelm hill and near Horní Planá. The total length of this circuit is approximately 10 kilometers, with the elevation gain being relatively mild. The route is regularly maintained for both cross-country skiing techniques and offers several places with panoramic views that directly invite you to take commemorative photos.
The Bohemian Forest Cross-Country Arterial Trail for long-distance crossings
For the most ambitious skiers, the Bohemian Forest Arterial Trail represents a real challenge. This spine route connects the Bohemian Forest from Železná Ruda all the way to Lake Lipno, thus offering the possibility of multi-day crossings. In the Horní Planá and Hůrka area, a number of local circuits connect to the Bohemian Forest Arterial Trail, allowing some sections of the trail to be included in shorter trips.
Especially popular is the section leading from Horní Planá towards Nová Pec, which combines a gentle climb with wonderful views of Lake Lipno and the surrounding peaks. The Bohemian Forest Arterial Trail is regularly maintained for both cross-country skiing techniques, with the width of the track allowing for comfortable passage even on busier days. However, given the length of the route and variable terrain, it is more suitable for more experienced skiers with good physical fitness.
Practical information for cross-country skiers
For the maximum experience of cross-country skiing around Horní Planá and Hůrka, it is good to keep in mind a few practical tips:
- You can follow the current status of cross-country trails on the website bilastopa.cz, where you will find information about the last maintenance, snow quality, and navigability of individual sections
- In Horní Planá, there are cross-country skiing equipment rentals available, where you can rent complete gear including boots and poles
- On all routes, respect the marking and direction of travel, especially in sections where there are separate tracks for classic and skating
- Even in winter months, the weather in the Bohemian Forest can change quickly, so always carry an extra layer of clothing, plenty of fluids, and an energy-rich snack
- If you are planning a longer trip, don’t forget a headlamp – winter days are short and the Bohemian Forest landscape quickly plunges into darkness
Cross-country trails around Horní Planá and Hůrka offer truly diverse options for all levels of skiers.
📍 Where is the best place to rest after cross-country skiing?
When you’ve had enough of snow and frozen noses, we have comfortable apartments for families with children ready for you, where it’s warm and cozy.
Need a break from skis, cross-country skiing, or skating? Lake Lipno offers other experiences too. Go on trips, discover snowy monuments and interesting places, or try ice fishing in Hůrka.
Book your winter stay in time because dates fill up fast.
We look forward to seeing you!