Plechý and Plešné Lake, A Top Trip Near Lake Lipno (16 km, 558 m elevation)

Stroller: ❌  |  Dog: ✅

Set out on a breathtaking hike through Šumava, where a fascinating landscape and wild nature await, never ceasing to surprise you. Along the way, you will discover many natural beauties and unexpected historical structures. The trip starts in Nová Pec – Láz at the parking lot, from where we head along the Schwarzenberg Shipping Canal. The path along the water itself has its charm – peace, the rustle of the forest, and technical monuments like the Rossbach Aqueduct, which serves as a water bridge over the Rossbach stream. Right here is one of the stops on the Schwarzenberg Shipping Canal educational trail.

Říjiště – a refreshment stop on the route to Lake Plešné

At the aqueduct, we turn left towards Říjiště, where you will find the only refreshment point in the Šumava National Park. The place is completely unique – no networks, no signal, no grid electricity. Everything here works thanks to solar panels, and if the weather worsens, the selection may be limited. The place has its own atmosphere and functions thanks to the people who maintain it with love. Current information and opening hours can be found on Facebook.

Stone Sea – a geological gem

From Říjiště, we continue further to Lake Plešné, but before that, a stone sea awaits us – an area of 6 hectares of boulders of Pleckenstein granite overgrown with mountain pine and Scots pine. Interestingly, the mountain pine grows here at an unusually low altitude (1069 m), while the Scots pine reaches its altitude maximum in Šumava here. Be sure to stop for a photo – it is a place you will remember.

Lake Plešné – a quiet surface under a rock wall

The Lake Plešné itself is of glacial origin, surrounded by steep slopes and primeval forest. It is a place where one becomes quiet. From the lake, the steepest part of the ascent begins – a stony path with roots that will guide you through the Spirit of the Primeval Forest experimental educational trail.

Lipno Viewpoint and the Adalbert Stifter Monument

After a demanding climb, a reward awaits you – the Lipno Viewpoint (1292 m), from which there is a wonderful view of the reservoir, Lake Plešné, and the forested Šumava. Right next to it is the Adalbert Stifter Monument, dedicated to the German-writing author who loved Šumava. The monument is a cultural heritage site and stands on the Via Czechia – Southern Trail route. After a short rest, you can continue further to the summit.

Kučera Viewpoint and the Plechý Summit

Just below the summit of Plechý (1378 m) is the Kučera Viewpoint (1337 m), named after the Šumava botanist Stanislav Kučera. It offers further breathtaking views of Lake Plešné and the surrounding landscape. The summit itself is the highest point of the Czech and Austrian parts of Šumava, with primeval forests and legends of treasures.

Descent along the border and return

From Plechý, we head down along a route tracing the Czech-Austrian border, where views of Lake Lipno open up. The path leads over a newly repaired Austrian trail, which brings us back to Říjiště, and then it’s just back to the car or the train to Nová Pec.

Check out other trips around Lake Lipno.

Click to see 15 more photos from the trip

Photos from trips to Plechý and Lake Plešné

📍 Where to rest after a long hike?

After the hike up Plechý, you deserve a place where you can truly relax. Our family accommodation at Lake Lipno is the ideal base for exploring Šumava – whether you are heading out on a hike, visiting monuments, or going for experiences with children. Peace, comfort, a large garden, a pool, a playground, and a fish restaurant await you, where you can truly enjoy a meal after your return.
And what about the kids? They definitely won’t be bored – there are plenty of cycle paths, beaches, and other experiences for children. And if you want to take them fishing, just visit the Hůrka trout farm right behind the apartment fence.

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