Beaver dams

One of the most accessible places to observe beavers is near the Žabáky swimming pool or along the Špičácký or Jezerní Creek, close to cycling route number 33. The journey to spot beavers will always be a bit adventurous, as not all paths are marked and easily accessible. However, if you embark on the adventure and are successful, you will be rewarded with a unique view of a town filled with beaver dams and water lagoons. How do you view beavers? Are they pests, or do they help retain water in the landscape?

Wolf enclosure

If you head here, you won't regret it. You can look forward to a 3-hectare wolf enclosure, which is connected by a 300-meter-long footbridge elevated 3-4 meters above the terrain, equipped with observation shelters. There is also a 2 km long educational trail leading to the enclosure and a children's playground. Admission is free, and parking costs 50 CZK per hour. It's no coincidence that the wolf enclosure in Srní is one of the most visited places in the Šumava region.

Wilderness in Ludwigsthal

This forest zoo is designed to closely resemble the natural habitat of animals. Admission is free. It features a restaurant, an educational center, an observation tower, and various entertainment options, including an indoor playground for the youngest visitors! The drive by car will take approximately 20 minutes.

Picnic

Šumava offers many beautiful places where you will be disturbed only by the singing of birds and flowing streams. If you're looking for something near our hotel, we have a suggestion. Follow the green hiking trail to Gerlovka, taste the Řezné spring, continue further, and you will come across a forest shelter with seating, as well as meadows around the abandoned village of Nový Brunst. Here, you don't have to worry about privacy. You can also take advantage of our picnic basket offer!

Sunrise on Javor

Certainly, those who come to Šumava for sports, adventure, and want to break a sweat will be thrilled. Hiking, cycling, skiing, and other activities, everything is allowed here! We highly recommend watching the sunrise from the peak for early birds; you won't easily forget this experience. Just 3 km from the parking lot below Javor, you'll find Velké Javorské Lake. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake and then satisfy your hunger at a stylish panoramic restaurant overlooking the lake. The parking lot is right by the lake, so make sure to have some small euros with you

When Šumava goes to sleep

Embark on a hike to the summit of Pancíř, just 2 km from the hotel. It's uphill, but only a gentle incline, so you won't get too out of breath, and it will definitely be worth it! Watching the sunset over the Šumava hills is truly an experience, like a Šumava cinema where the only thing missing is popcorn! Admission is free!

Ski resort in summer

And what can children and adults return to their childhood with at Skiareál Nad nádražím?

For example, there's a ropes course, downhill rides on slalom cars, trampolines, or a children's playground. The area is about a 5-minute drive from the hotel. If you want to tire out the kids a lot, you can walk there, it's doable, about an hour there and an hour back along the blue trail past the Belveder brewery.

Swimming

Žabáky Natural Swimming Pool

If you don't insist on luxury at all costs and are looking for refreshment on hot summer days, be sure to visit the newly revitalized Žabáky natural swimming pool in the middle of the Šumava forests, just a short distance from the center of Železná Ruda. You can park at Chaty Ořovský (formerly Hotel Engadin) or walk or bike there, it's not far from the Belveder brewery and ski slope. Don't forget to check out the beaver dam above the swimming pool. In winter, you can ice skate here.

Osserbad Aquapark in Lam

An aquapark beneath the Czech-German summit of Ostrý with water slides, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, year-round operation, refreshments, and breathtaking views of the Šumava peaks. Approximately 30 minutes by car from the hotel, especially suitable for families with children.

Therme Erding

Start in the morning, return in the evening. In the meantime, enjoy real wow moments in the second-largest spa complex in Europe. Suitable for adults, children, seniors – everyone will find something for themselves here! You'll find 27 water slides, artificial waves, waterfalls, water bars, artificial beaches, restaurants, 35 saunas in the wellness area, and so much more! It's worth it! Approximately 2 hours by car from the hotel via the highway to Munich.

Aquacur in Bad Kötzting

Recover, relax, and feel good. Let yourself be pampered in the beautiful surroundings of the swimming pool and indoor and outdoor wellness facilities in the Bavarian Forest natural park. A trip to this wellness center is also suitable for a walk in the spa town of Bad Kötzting, especially for couples looking for relaxation together. Approximately 45 minutes by car from the hotel.

Kneipp Natural Spa

Visit the Šumava Kneipp trail on the Grádelský stream and experience the power of icy water and the massage of stones and sand on your own skin! And if you're wondering about warm water, well, it's not here... so after the icy bath, sit on the meadow and let the sun warm your feet. The temperature of the stream in winter is around 4°C, while in summer it ranges between 7–8°C. The path leads from the center of Železná Ruda towards Hotel Grádl following the green trail.

Churpfalz park

In addition to carousels, slides, fairground attractions, roller coasters, and other amusements, you will also find various types of flower gardens, mazes, and a lookout tower here. All of this is just an hour's drive from the hotel.

Beer from Šumava

Just a 30-minute walk from the hotel, you can sit right in the brewery of Belvedér or just on the garden terrace with a pool and playground and enjoy great beer and food. We recommend the 13° Honey Smuggler. It's downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back, but after such an experience, you'll run it in no time! The brewery offers the option to purchase beer to take with you. So, cheers and "Dej bůh štěstí!"