Discover the Vyšší Brod Region
A treasure trove of natural and cultural beauty
.Embark on a journey to a place where relaxing and soaking up the holiday vibe is practically a must!
Did you know that, in cooperation with the town, we have prepared handy travel guides that highlight all the essential information about the most beautiful excursion sites in the Vyšší Brod region? These pocket guides are available free of charge at the ***Hotel Šumava reception or can be picked up at the local tourist information center.
Vyšší Brod – The Southernmost Town in the Czech Republic
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
From the southernmost tip of Bohemia, everyone takes home unforgettable memories—whether you look for serene corners of breathtaking nature, exciting sporting challenges, or fascinating monuments of the past!
The idyllic town of Vyšší Brod is nestled in the magical landscape of the Šumava foothills, just a stone’s throw from Upper Austria. In the distant past, trade caravans used to ford the Vltava River here; today, Vyšší Brod is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking unique experiences and a relaxing getaway.
The local Cistercian Abbey—a rare pearl of the Vltava—was founded by the powerful Rosenberg family in 1259 as a dignified final resting place. In this living monastery, an oasis of spiritual tranquility, visitors can discover rare treasures of the past: a magnificent library housing 70,000 volumes, the beautiful Madonna of Vyšší Brod, and the legendary Záviš Cross, which holds a historical significance comparable to the Czech Crown Jewels.
You can also dive into history at the renowned Postal Museum. While you’re here, don’t miss the soothing sound of the St. Wolfgang Waterfalls or the mysterious atmosphere of the Devil’s Wall. Vyšší Brod is also the official starting point for all boating trips down the Vltava River. We will gladly arrange full services for all canoe and raft enthusiasts! And if you get the chance, you won’t want to miss the festival of traditional and bizarre homemade boats floating down the river!
The Cistercian Abbey
Vyšší Brod | www.klastervyssibrod.cz
Tours that will inspire you…
The Cistercian Abbey of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is truly something extraordinary. The bells ring out from the slender white tower that dominates the Vyšší Brod landscape, proclaiming that the monastery was founded by the powerful Rosenberg family in 1259 as a dignified final resting place. Back in the Middle Ages, countless crowds of pilgrims journeyed here to venerate the miraculous painting of the Madonna of Vyšší Brod.
Following the Velvet Revolution of 1989, the monks returned to the abbey to live and work according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, just as their predecessors had done for centuries. In this oasis of spiritual tranquility, they now guide visitors through the rare treasures of the past and share stories of their turbulent history. Even the opulent Rococo library, housing 70,000 volumes bound specifically for the Vyšší Brod monastery, has survived to this day as if by a miracle.
Welcome to the Wilheringer Pilgrim Trail
Wilheringer Pilgrim Trail| www.wilheringerweb.at/EN
Pilgrimage along the Wilheringer Weg becomes an unforgettable experience here. History meets spirituality, and every moment tells a new story: from the deep connection between the Cistercian monasteries of Wilhering and Hohenfurth/Vyšší Brod to the transition from the Danube to the Vltava. In the Mühlviertel region, you will not only experience special moments of contemplation, but also a symphony for the soul. Feel the warmth of the people who live here and immerse yourself in a world full of possibilities for body, mind and boundless spirituality.
The Postal Museum
Vyšší Brod | www.postovnimuzeum.cz
Experience post offices through the centuries!
Step into the history of postal services within the walls of the Baroque abbey, where the fascinating exhibitions of the renowned Postal Museum await you. Children’s eyes will light up at the sight of historic stagecoaches and carriages, and the little ones will love getting hands-on with the museum’s interactive displays.
The Devil’s Wall (Čertova stěna)
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
The Stone Sea of Šumava
When exploring the Vyšší Brod region, a visit to the mysterious Devil’s Wall is an absolute must! This extraordinary natural phenomenon, along with the legend of the devil maliciously damming the Vltava River, inspired the great Czech composer Bedřich Smetana to write his romantic opera of the same name. It is a piece where she-devils, imps, phantoms, nightmares, dragons, and fiery spirits run wild.
On your way back, you can take in the unmistakable atmosphere of the Devil’s Torrents. Here, the Vltava River rushes through a deep canyon, churning and weaving between the giant boulders that rise from the water. The river truly roars during the annual white-water rafting and kayaking races, when rushing torrents of water are released into the rocky riverbed from the Lipno Dam.
Rafting Down the Vltava River
Vyšší Brod | hotel-sumava.cz
Experience Šumava from the water!
Speaking of boating: Starting right here in Vyšší Brod—the ultimate launch point for all river trips—the Vltava maintains a steady water flow all year round, making this stretch incredibly popular. And if you get the chance, you won’t want to miss the festival of traditional and bizarre homemade boats floating down the river! Become a modern-day “plavec” (navigator) in the spirit of the old raftsmen, and discover the most beautiful parts of the Vltava valley right from the water’s surface!
St. Wolfgang Waterfalls
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
A hike with a chance of spotting a kingfisher
Following the historic path of the Vyšší Brod abbots, you will walk along a medieval water canal right into the heart of kingfisher territory. Will you catch a glimpse of these colorful birds diving into the cool waters of the St. Wolfgang Waterfalls? Even if they stay hidden, your hike will reward you with something far more precious: the gentle rustling of the forest, the soothing sound of rushing water, and a fresh burst of energy and peace of mind.
The Záviš Cross
Vyšší Brod | www.klastervyssibrod.cz
Splendor mysticus – The Mystical Glow
The Cistercian Abbey in Vyšší Brod houses a treasure that, through its breathtaking craftsmanship, ranks among the finest surviving masterpieces of 13th-century goldsmith art in all of Europe. The legendary Záviš Cross belongs to that elite tier of exceptional objects commissioned only by the most powerful rulers of the medieval world. An extraordinarily vast number of precious gemstones and pearls were used to create this magnificent piece, fittingly adorned to encase a holy relic of supreme importance at its center: a fragment of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ died.
According to both tradition and historical records, this priceless reliquary was gifted to the Vyšší Brod Abbey by Záviš of Falkenštejn, likely in the 1280s. Since then, the fate of this rare relic—designated a National Cultural Monument in 2010—has remained deeply intertwined with the history of the monastery.
Ascend the spiral staircase of the Gothic tower to the Rosenberg Oratory, and allow yourself to be captivated by the mystical glow of this magnificent coronation cross.
The Southernmost Point of the Czech Republic
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
Head all the way south for unforgettable memories!
The Radvanov/Rading trail will take you right to the Austrian border—and perhaps even a little further south. Whether you prefer to hike or ride a bike, the choice is yours! The Vyšší Brod Pass was once lined with historic settlements that vanished during the 1950s and 1960s with the creation of the Iron Curtain border zone. Today, the original salt route winds through a breathtaking landscape, symbolically connecting the Czech Republic with its southern neighbor, Upper Austria.
The Pilgrimage Site of the Rest of the Virgin Mary
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
“PEACE ON THE FLIGHT”
Following a traditional Way of the Cross through the deep Šumava forests, you will reach a hilltop home to the pilgrimage Church of Our Lady of the Snows and a gallery featuring a miraculous statue. Hike up Martinkovský Hill, take in the breathtaking views of Vyšší Brod, and find your own “Peace on the Flight”!
The Treetop Walkway
Lipno nad Vltavou | www.stezkakorunamistromu.cz
Journey into the highest canopy of the forest!
The first treetop walkway in the Czech Republic offers you a brand-new perspective on forest life and the surrounding landscape, complete with stunning views of the Lipno Reservoir.
Rožmberk Castle
Rožmberk nad Vltavou | www.hrad-rozmberk.cz
The ancestral seat of the Rosenbergs—once the most powerful noble family in Bohemia—will enchant you with its beautiful setting and timeless medieval charm. Through a variety of guided tours, you can experience its glorious history up close while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Cycling
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
When your bike gives you wings…
The beautifully rolling landscape of the Vyšší Brod region is a welcome challenge for all nature lovers who want to explore it from the saddle, feeling the wind in their face as they pedal along. Several scenic loop trails follow the historic routes of the border region, with long stretches recently paved with fresh asphalt by the town of Vyšší Brod. Today, everyone can conquer the uphill climbs with ease. If you hop on an e bike, you’ll feel like you have wings—perhaps taking you all the way up to the spectacular Vltava Viewpoint!
***Hotel & Restaurant Šumava provides a wide range of dedicated services for all cycling enthusiasts: refreshing drinks, delicious food, bike racks, free and secure bike storage, a camera-monitored parking lot, free Wi-Fi, and, of course, comfortable accommodation!
Hiking
Vyšší Brod | www.ivyssibrod.cz
Step by step, away from the city bustle and back to nature!
Unique air currents and a proven high concentration of natural essential oils in the air have made the Vyšší Brod holiday region famous for its incredibly beneficial health effects—surpassing many renowned climate resorts. So, take a deep breath! Why not hop on the charming local train from Vyšší Brod to Loučovice and hike back along the rocky riverbed of the old Vltava? Keep an eye on your map, though, as this breathtaking scenery can easily be mistaken for the Canadian wilderness! Wander through the Šumava forests, where wild strawberries scent the air, streams babble, and birds sing. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, back to nature—step by step.
The Vltava River Cycle Trail
Vyšší Brod | www.kraj-jihocesky.cz
The Vltava Cycle Trail leads you right to Vyšší Brod!
The Vltava Cycle Trail guides you along the scenic course of the Vltava River, all the way from its spring right down to Vyšší Brod! In Loučovice, you will ride past the historic water canal of the former “Vltavský mlýn” paper mill, before enjoying a thrilling downhill cruise right to the base of the Lipno II balancing dam in Vyšší Brod. From there, it’s just a short pedal to the ***Hotel Šumava, complete with secure bike storage and delicious food waiting for you.
Fishing
Vyšší Brod | www.youtube.com
Fish like the world champions!
The trout waters around Vyšší Brod are so spectacular that they regularly host prestigious angling championships, including the World Championships! Would you love to enjoy some pristine fly-fishing at dawn or dusk? Come on over! If you are a fisherman, you will find a perfect sanctuary at the ***Hotel Šumava—with the Vltava River just a few steps away.
The Forest Kingdom
Lipno nad Vltavou | www.kralovstvilesa.cz
Make sure to clear your schedule and leave plenty of time for your visit to the Forest Kingdom! Children absolutely love it here, and you might find it quite a challenge to convince them to leave at the end of the day. A forest packed with fun, active play, and learning experiences awaits both you and your little ones!
The Bobsleigh Track
Lipno nad Vltavou | www.slideland.cz
“Bobovka” – A year-round family resort!
Hop on the alpine coaster or the classic bobsleigh chute, and enjoy a mountain of fun together with your kids.
Sternstein Ski Resort
Bad Leonfelden | www.sternstein.at
Sternstein – Skiing without borders!
You can reach the ski slopes of our Austrian neighbors from Vyšší Brod in just 13 minutes via the Studánky border crossing. The Sternstein Ski Resort extends a warm welcome especially to families with children, offering beautifully groomed slopes and a comfortable gondola lift to take you to the top. With no delays at the border anymore, you can truly enjoy skiing without borders!
Lipno Ski Resort
Lipno nad Vltavou | www.lipno.info
Winter thrills and summer chills!
The ski resort and its winter activities are just one of the many attractions you can experience in Lipno today. It’s only a short drive from Vyšší Brod, which serves as a peaceful haven in the upper Vltava holiday region. If you’re in the mood for a change of pace and some high-energy action, head to Lipno, where you’ll find one exciting attraction after another. And when you’re done, the tranquil town of Vyšší Brod will be ready to welcome you back to unwind!
Vítkův Hrádek Castle
Svatý Tomáš | www.vitkuvhradek.eu
Vítkův Hrádek, also known as Vítkův Kámen, is the highest-altitude castle ruin in the Czech Republic. The famous Šumava writer Adalbert Stifter beautifully described the castle as “a bluish cube floating on the horizon.” From the top of its tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view stretching across Bohemia, Austria, and Bavaria.
Olšina Nature Trail
Olšina | www.vls.cz
Some of you might still remember the legend of the “King of the Šumava Trails”—the elusive guide who smuggled people across treacherous bogs and marshes. Today, the Olšina Nature Trail allows visitors to safely explore genuine Šumava peat bogs and their unique surrounding habitats. Fascinating, ever-changing, and authentic, this hiking trail immerses you in worlds that have existed in the Šumava region since time immemorial. However, we highly recommend avoiding the trail during bad weather!
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov | www.ckrumlov.info
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the bends of the Vltava River
Within the historic Rosenberg dominion, the Vyšší Brod monastery served as the spiritual heart, while Český Krumlov was the center of secular power. Come and explore the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, visit the world renowned Baroque theater, or follow in the footsteps of the painter Egon Schiele. The town has perfectly preserved its timeless medieval character, offering visitors unique experiences through historic sightseeing, vibrant cultural events, and strolls through its winding, cobblestone alleys.
The Adalbert Stifter Memorial
Horní Planá | www.muzeumck.cz
How did the famous writer Adalbert Stifter perceive the Šumava region? When, where, and how did he live, and why does his work—celebrated for its “gentle sensations”—continue to fascinate people today? You can discover all this and more at his birthplace in Horní Planá, which now serves as a memorial to the poet. Stifter is considered one of the founding figures of literary modernism, and his works vividly reflect his deep love and reverence for his homeland. The beauty of his prose has enchanted generations of readers. What about you? Are you ready to dive into Stifter’s world and perhaps try his “Šumava tale,” Vítek?
Šumava National Park
Heading into the Šumava National Park from Vyšší Brod will give you an even deeper appreciation for this breathtaking region and its captivating diversity. Discover the local history, including how timber from the Schwarzenberg Canal was once transported down to Vyšší Brod to be bound into massive wooden rafts, which then embarked on a long journey all the way to Hamburg. You can hike to the springs of the Vltava River or explore the pristine, untouched woodlands of the Boubín Primeval Forest. Stop by Čeněk’s Mill and listen to the rushing water that inspired Bedřich Smetana to compose his famous symphonic poem, Vltava, from the cycle Má vlast (My Homeland). Or will you let the mystical glacial lakes lure you in? The choice is yours!
Upper Austria
Upper Austria | www.hornirakousko.cz
Take advantage of Vyšší Brod’s perfect location and set off on exciting day trips into Upper Austria! The romantic Mühlviertel region is just a stone’s throw away, offering our southern neighbors plenty of beautiful tourist destinations. Explore a cultural landscape that feels comfortably familiar, yet possesses its own unique (and charming) character that you simply shouldn’t miss. Taste local specialties, visit fascinating exhibitions, enjoy skiing with your children, or wander from one historic monument to the next. Traveling to neighboring Upper Austria is completely seamless and border-free today—so why not head over and collect beautiful experiences that are just waiting for you? From Vyšší Brod, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away!
Aqua Leone Swimming Pool
Bad Leonfelden | www.hornirakousko.cz
Zoom down the 40-meter water slide and splash into the refreshing water! The complex also features a children’s playground and a beach volleyball court. From our place, Bad Leonfelden is just a stone’s throw away!
Long-Distance Cycle Trail
Are you pedaling through the European Green Belt along the state border? Then you’ve come to the right place! The founding of the Vyšší Brod Monastery stabilized the provincial border in the southernmost part of the Czech lands, leaving it virtually unchanged since the 13th century.
The ***Hotel & Restaurant Šumava provides all enthusiastic cyclists with extended, bike-friendly services: refreshing drinks and delicious food, bike racks, free and secure bike storage, a camera-monitored parking lot, free Wi-Fi, and, of course, comfortable accommodation!
Kastner Gingerbread Bakery
Bad Leonfelden | www.hornirakousko.cz
Just around the corner, at our Austrian neighbors’, you will find a place filled with the rich aroma of gingerbread—where you can indulge your sweet tooth without a single worry! The Kastner Gingerbread Bakery boasts a proud tradition spanning over 500 years, a history beautifully brought to life at the “Gingerbread World” exhibition. Come and taste their famous castle crescents, rum-soaked plums dipped in chocolate, or a beautifully decorated gingerbread heart to give to someone you love.
In the Footsteps of Adalbert Stifter
Adalbert Stifter is, in fact, just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Bohemian Forest literature, yet the sheer beauty of his prose continues to captivate many to this day. Perhaps it is because he drew his deepest inspiration from the Šumava region its breathtaking nature, rich culture, and history. Now, you too can follow in the footsteps of this school inspector, painter, and regional conservationist! Stifter’s charming literary landscapes read like paintings that broaden our horizons. Come and visit the wildly romantic Lake Plešné, which the author masterfully described as the “dark eye of Šumava, fringed with pines.”
Sternstein / Hvězdná
Bad Leonfelden | www.hornirakousko.cz
At the dreamy summit of Sternstein Mountain, you can climb a historic lookoutb tower where you will stand virtually right on the border between Bohemia and Austria. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves a bird’s-eye view and breathtaking panoramas of the Šumava region and the Mühlviertel.
Freistadt
Freistadt | www.hornirakousko.cz
A fortified town of brewing heritage
In the Middle Ages, Freistadt was somewhat of a rival to Vyšší Brod, as the ancient trade routes originally ran through the Vyšší Brod pass. However, sovereign privileges later diverted the merchant caravans away from Vyšší Brod, establishing the main trade route through Freistadt to the royal town of České Budějovice. Nevertheless, Freistadt remains a fascinating and charming place. The town is truly unique, having preserved both its medieval fortifications and its historic brewing community, which still brews and pours its golden lager to this day.
Our Tip: On your way back from Freistadt to Vyšší Brod via Dolní Dvořiště, take a short detour to the Svatý Kámen pilgrimage site. Peek inside the chapel to check the distance between the two legendary boulders. Count the years carefully, for the old prophecy says that when the gap widens enough for a coachman and his horses to pass through, the end of the world will come.
Linz
Linz | www.linztourismus.at
A city in transition…
The days when Linz was a smoky hub of heavy industry are long gone. Today, the capital of Upper Austria showcases a vibrant blend of modern architecture, lush green spaces, and creative cultural experiences. The Voestalpine steelworks now focuses on eco-friendly production, a transformation you can explore firsthand at their visitor center. Don’t miss the Ars Electronica Center—often called the Museum of the Future—or the chance to visit the traditional Advent markets. For the finest views of the city and its shopping districts, head up Pöstlingberg hill with its iconic pilgrimage church, accessible by a historic mountain railway that also features a magical grotto express. From our location, you can reach Linz in under 40 minutes.
Contact
Hotel Šumava
Náměstí 47
CZ-382 73 Vyšší Brod, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 725 812 821
E-mail: info@hotel-sumava.cz
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