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The Šumava is a low mountain range in Central Europe. Geographicaly the same mountains extend from South Bohemia to Bavaria, creating natural border between the Czech Republic and Germany. For historical reasons, Bohemian and German side have different names - Czech part is called Šumava in Czech and Bohmerwald in German (literaly: Bohemian forest). German side is called Bayerischer Wald in German (literaly: Bavarian Forest) and Bavorský les in Czech. Šumava is also used as a name for whole adjacent region in Bohemia. This article deals with Czech side of Šumava, for Bavarian part see Bavarian Forest.

Geography and climate

Šumava are heavily forested mountains with average heights 800-1400m, highest mountain Großer Arber - 1456 m on Bavarian side and Plechý - 1378 m on Czech side. As one of the oldest mountains in Europe, hills are eroded to round forms with few rocky parts. Hilltops are covered by forest. Typical for Šumava are plateaus at about 1000-1200m with relatively harsh climate and many peat bogs. Jezerní slať (literaly: Lake moor) is place with lowest average and absolute temperature in Bohemia, with 2°C annual average and -42°C (1987) record.

Water

Šumava is the dividing range between watersheds of the Black Sea and the North Sea, where water collected by Vltava, Otava and Úhlava flows. Mentioned rivers also spring from Šumava. With heavy precipitation (mostly snow), forests, peat bogs and Lipno water dam, area of Šumava is important water reservoir in Central Europe. More important for aesthetic value than for holded water are several lakes of glacial orgin.

Nature and history

As border mountains Šumava has complicated history, which in 20th century finally led to complete removal of settlement from large near-border areas (Šumava was part of the Iron Curtain). Even before that, settlement was sparse and for centuries forests clearly dominated over human dwellings and pathways. These unique circumstances led to preservation of unspoiled nature and some forest ecosystems relatively unaffected by human activity. On the other side, many flora habitats depending on farming activity are slowly turning into forrest.

The most valuable area is protected in Šumava National Park and Protected Landscape and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. (German part is protected as Bavarian Forest National Park) However, park administration is not allways successful in its tak, and many believe due to rapidly growing number accomodation and tourists services, former calm of Šumava nature is slowly passing by. NP Šumava is also suffering various problems connected with bark beetle and controversy on way to deal with it.

Šumava is popular holiday destination because it is excellent hiking country. Most interesting natural and cultural sights are connected with more than 500 km of summer marked trails and many bike trails.

See also

Towns of Šumava region

Regions

External links

Nationa Park administration