Skip to content
Text content and navigation
Březník Šumava: a trip from Horská Kvilda to the heart of the Šumava wilderness
Březník is one of the most iconic places in the whole Šumava. A high mountain meadow with a historic grove offers extraordinary views into the interior of the national park and across the border into Bavaria. Březník is not just a destination - it is a place where time stands still.
What is Březník?
Březník (German: Pürstling) is located at an altitude of 1,133 m above sea level near Modrava. The dominant feature of the place is the reconstructed Schwarzenberg's hájovna, which now serves as a seasonal information centre of the Šumava National Park with an exposition about nature and Karel Klostermann's literary gallery. The terrace of the grove offers a beautiful view of the Luzen valley and the Luzný mountain.
What do you find here?
Exposition about K. Klostermann - the author described the local landscape with immense love and accuracy.
A view of Mount Lusen (Lusen, 1,373 m above sea level), a prominent peak in Bavaria that forms an iconic backdrop to the Birch Tree.
Luzen Valley - a unique biotope with wild nature, which is not free to enter due to nature protection.
A resting place with benches and refreshments - ideal for a picnic with panoramic views.
Trip from Horská Kvilda
Route in numbers:
Start: Pension Helena Honesová, Horská Kvilda
Goal: Březník
Total length (there): approx. 15.1 km
Elevation: mild to moderate
Time: 4,5 hours on foot (1h and 15 minutes on bike)
Difficulty: medium - suitable for more able children
Terrain type: groomed forest and asphalt roads, sometimes gravel sections
Detailed description of the route:
1. Horská Kvilda - Filipova Hut' (5 km)
From the Helena Honesová guesthouse, head towards Hotel Rankl and follow the road down to the Inn at Krám. There you will join the cycle path no. 1042which will lead you to Filip's Hut. The route passes through a forest path with a ban on motor vehicles. Filipova Hut' is the highest village in the Czech Republic and an ideal place for the first stop.
2. Filipova Hut' - Březník (10.1 km)
You continue after cycle path no. 1042., which will lead you to the Luzenské valley with a view of Luzný.
3. Březník - return by the same route to Horská Kvilda
After a break in the grove and enjoying the views, return along the same route.
Travel tips:
Footwear: sturdy hiking boots.
Refreshments: take plenty of water in summer, refreshments available at Filippa Hutia.
Nature: Always follow the marked trails - this is a protected area of the Šumava National Park.
Why go to Březník?
1. Wildlife of the National Park
Březník lies in the first protection zone of the Šumava National Park. This means minimal human intervention, silence, clean air and authentic wilderness.
2. History and Literature
The local grove house has been preserved from the time of Prince Schwarzenberg and was used by forest rangers. The famous writer Karel Klostermann drew inspiration for his works here - the place breathes the atmosphere of the old Šumava.
3. Views of Bavaria
In good visibility you can see the Luzný, Hochstein or Haidel mountains. In winter it is incredibly quiet and in summer the climate is pleasant even on hot days.
Practical tips
Opening of the Březník grove: approx. May-October, depends on the weather
Refreshments: only simple (tea, lemonade) in the grove, better to take supplies with you
Suitable for children: yes, if they can manage a longer route (recommended age 10+)
Suitable for bicycles: yes, the whole section up to Březník is accessible to cyclists
Toilet: at the grove
