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Trip to Turnerova chata
Through the wild Vydra valley in search of Šumava history...
Šumava offers countless beautiful destinations, but few can match the magical atmosphere of the Vydra River canyon. If you're in the mood for a classic full-day hike accompanied by the roar of wild water and the scent of damp forest, this route is exactly for you.
Start the route right from our doorstep
You can begin your wanderings literally just a few steps from your bed. The doors of our Helena Honesová guesthouse in Horská Kvilda form the perfect starting point, so you can leave your car resting with peace of mind in our reserved parking lot. This completely eliminates the worry of morning traffic and searching for a free parking space. Right after breakfast, you'll join the hiking markers, which will lead you from the sun-drenched valley gradually into deeper and shadier terrain.
Boulders, rapids, and a legendary hut
Step by step, you will descend into the valley, where one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the wide area will open up before you. The path will lead you directly along the Hamerský Stream to Antýgl and then along the bed of the Vydra River, which is strewn with massive granite boulders. Crystal-clear mountain water pours over them, eroding deep pools in the stones known as "giant pots." The sound of the roaring rapids is absolutely immersive and guaranteed to clear your head.
Once you've had your fill of the natural spectacle, you'll reach the main goal of the journey... Turnerova chata is a complete Šumava unique—it is the only publicly accessible historical building preserved in the first, most strictly protected zone of the Šumava National Park. The traditional log cabin with a shingle roof offers a wonderful atmosphere of old times. You can sit on the outdoor terrace with a view of the untamed river, or warm up inside by the tiled stove and reward yourself with a hearty soup or a famous blueberry dumpling.
Turnerova chata
Turnerova chata is a historic mountain hut in Šumava, located in the Modrava area near the Vydra River. It was built in the 19th century and named after Johann Joseph Turner, an Austrian official who contributed to the development of tourism in this region.
Today it serves as a popular tourist facility—offering refreshments and rest for hikers passing through Šumava.
What's good to know before you leave your room
To ensure your hiking expedition goes as smoothly as possible, we have three quick recommendations for you:
- Gear for shade and stones: The river canyon often has a significantly cooler and more humid microclimate than up here in Horská Kvilda. Therefore, pack an extra warm layer and definitely do not underestimate your footwear. Damp roots and granite stones along the Vydra can be slippery, so shoes with a firm non-slip sole are essential. 🥾
- Digital detox guaranteed: Down in the valley by the river, you most likely won't catch any mobile data at all. Before you say goodbye to us in the morning, download the route to offline maps on our Wi-Fi so you can navigate even without a signal. 📱
- Parking certainty: While you, as our guests, enjoy worry-free parking directly at the guesthouse building, your acquaintances arriving for a trip from elsewhere will have to try their luck at the public paid parking lot in the center of the village (which, however, tends to fill up very quickly).
