The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including large mammals such as European lynx, red deer, and recently reintroduced European bison. It's also home to rare bird species like the capercaillie, black grouse, and Ural owl. The park's numerous streams and lakes harbor important populations of European otter and various fish species. Particularly noteworthy is the presence of endangered species like the pearl mussel in the park's clean mountain streams. The insect fauna is equally diverse, featuring rare butterflies like the Scarce Fritillary and numerous beetle species unique to old-growth forest habitats.
Šumava hosts one of Central Europe's largest continuous forest areas, dominated by Norway spruce, European beech, and silver fir. The park contains valuable mountain spruce forests, peat bogs, and alpine meadows supporting rare plant species. Notable flora includes the Alpine Lady's-mantle, Bohemian Gentian, and various orchid species. The park's varying elevations create distinct vegetation zones, from mixed montane forests to subalpine communities. Particularly significant are the park's peat bog ecosystems, home to unique plant species such as sundews, cranberries, and various sedges, representing some of the best-preserved examples of this habitat type in Central Europe.
The park's geological foundation consists primarily of metamorphic rocks, particularly gneiss and granite, formed during the Variscan orogeny over 300 million years ago. The landscape was significantly shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, creating characteristic features such as glacial lakes, cirques, and moraines. The region includes notable peaks like Plechý (1,378m) and features extensive peat bogs formed over thousands of years. The area's unique geological composition has created diverse habitats, including stone runs, frost-shattered cliffs, and distinctive river valleys carved through the ancient bedrock.
Šumava's human history dates back to medieval times when the region served as a natural boundary between Bohemia, Bavaria, and Austria. The area was historically known as the Bohemian Forest and remained largely untouched until the 13th century when glass-making industries emerged. During the Cold War, much of Šumava fell within the Iron Curtain's restricted zone, inadvertently preserving its natural character. The national park was established in 1991 following the Velvet Revolution, protecting an area that had been largely isolated for decades. This political history has significantly contributed to the preservation of the park's pristine wilderness.
The park's most distinctive features include its glacial lakes, particularly Černé jezero (Black Lake) and Plešné jezero, which are the largest natural lakes in the Czech Republic. The extensive Modrava peat bogs represent one of Europe's most significant peat bog systems. The Vydra River, with its distinctive rapids and granite formations, is another highlight. Historic sites within the park include abandoned glass-making settlements and military bunkers from the 1930s. The park also features several educational trails, including the Vintage Glass Trail and the Šumava Beast Trail, which combine natural and cultural history. The observation tower on Poledník mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Šumava experiences a typical Central European mountain climate with significant variations due to elevation differences (600-1,378m). Winters are cold and snowy, lasting from November to March, with temperatures often dropping below -10°C. Summers are mild and relatively wet, with average temperatures between 15-20°C. The area receives substantial precipitation throughout the year, with annual rainfall averaging 800-1,500mm. Spring and autumn are characterized by moderate temperatures and frequent fog in the valleys. The park's microclimate creates unique conditions that support its distinctive ecosystem, with snow often remaining on higher peaks until late spring.
Czechia
49.0860°, 13.4170°
1991
680
Šumava is the largest national park in Czechia, protecting a mountain range along the German and Austrian borders. The park features pristine mountain forests, peat bogs, glacial lakes, and mountain meadows. It is home to rare species including lynx, capercaillie, and black grouse.