Bučina

This former highest-altitude settlement in the Šumava Mountains was founded in the second half of the 18th century.

In 1911, Bučina had 347 residents living in 37 houses, of whom only eight identified Czech as their primary language. One of the most prominent buildings in Bučina was a large customs house, designed to serve as a fortress in the event of an attack. After World War II, the village was abandoned. In 1956, all buildings were demolished except for Pešl’s Lodge, which was retained for border guard use. Its ruins were removed in 2003 when the construction of a new lodge was approved. Bučina is one of the rainiest places in Šumava, with about 1,600 mm of precipitation annually. The village was the birthplace of Johann Peter, a notable local poet and writer. According to old travel guides, Bučina offers the most beautiful view of the Alps in the Šumava region.

The educational trail “National Park,” 6.5 km long with 8 information panels, starts and ends here. It documents how humans shaped the landscape that is now part of the national park.

Accessibility and Distances
Bučina is accessible via hiking trails from Kvilda (loop approx. 18 km) and Borová Lada (loop also approx. 18 km). A visit can be combined with a trip to the Vltava River’s source or the abandoned village of Knížecí Pláně.

Text published by: Šumava National Park Administration, 2016
Author: Mgr. Josef Štemberk
Photo: © Mgr. Josef Štemberk