Around the Javorník Massif
A moderately difficult loop route around the Javorník Highlands massif. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the central Šumava and the Šumava foothills, traces of gold prospectors, a Gothic castle and a Neo-Gothic chateau, deep forests, and romantic corners near the Pohorsko ponds.
Total length
40 km, 1325 m elevation gain
Duration
3.5 hours
Terrain
unpaved
Recommended period for visiting
summer, dry spring and autumn
Difficulty level
hard
Route description
From Javorník, descend on the road towards the hamlet of Tejmlov, where you turn right and climb to the solitary farm Krankoty. Continue through it and follow a forest track and then a field path past the Kohoutí kříž (Rooster’s Cross) down to the village of Nicov. Please prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to use your brakes!
Pass through Nicov and tackle a short but sharp climb below Milovský vrch. From there, descend into the romantic Amálino Valley, where the gold-mining history of Kašperské Hory was once written. Several (grated) entrances to mining tunnels have been preserved to this day.
From there, climb to the town of Kašperské Hory, and then further up to the castle Kašperk towering over the town. From the castle, descend along the green hiking trail to the Rychta na Račánku. Continue on the road towards Nezdice na Šumavě. After less than a kilometer, turn right onto a quiet forest asphalt road running along the wooded slope of Žďánov mountain. Near the end, you’ll pass the romantic Neo-Gothic Záluží Chateau (offers accommodation and horse riding) and arrive at the village of Pohorsko.
From there, enjoy a fast descent into the village of Strašín, with its distinctive red Strašín Church. Continue through the gently rolling landscape of the Šumava foothills to the hamlet of Lhota pod Kůstrým, where the final elevation gain back to Javorník begins. First, circle around Kůstrý mountain on forest paths, ascend to the romantic group of three ponds called U Biskupa, and finally climb back up to the village of Javorník.
