Visitors planning a stay in Prasily can choose between a precisely timed challenging hike to Prášilské jezero and a summit destination at Poledník. The Prášily Botanical Garden complements the nature theme with native plants and different habitats; Cycle Route 33 passes through the town.
Hiking: Routes and Time Required
A route rated as difficult leads from Prášily to Prášilské jezero. It is 17.5 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 526 metres and takes 5 hours and 30 minutes. This makes it possible to give the hike its own place in your day’s itinerary, rather than treating it as a short add-on. These figures may change if the route is modified; check them again before setting out. Prášilské jezero was formed by a glacier about 10,000 years ago. Its origins give the destination a geological background in addition to its specific time requirements.
For a different hiking destination, a route leads from Prášily to the summit of Poledník. There you will find a 37-metre-high observation tower offering panoramic views. Before your trip, check access to the observation tower and its facilities. The route between Poledník and Gsenget is open only from 15 July to 15 November. This period applies to this section only; take it into account when choosing your dates and check the latest national park notices.
Botanical Garden and Nature Themes
The Prášily Botanical Garden showcases native Šumava plants as well as examples of wetland, dryland, bog and heath habitats. The garden has a collection of 400 daffodils, considered one of the largest in the Czech Republic. Wooden and stone artworks complement the plant collections; the condition of individual works may vary. The “Polom v horské smrčině” educational trail illustrates the vitality of nature. This brings together a classification by habitat and an interpretation of nature’s vitality as two different ways of exploring the subject.
Cycle Route and Seasonal Information
Cycle Route 33 passes through Prasily and crosses Šumava National Park from Železná Ruda to Lipno. This provides a cycling trip with a clear regional framework, while the routes to Prášilské jezero and Poledník shape hiking plans. A municipal visitor notice dated August 2026 lists the Stodůlecký Bridge over the Křemelná as closed to cyclists and pedestrians because of its poor condition. Before setting out, check whether the closure is still in effect. The public campsite is open during the 2026 season from 10 April to 1 November; for later dates, check the latest visitor notices.
Local History and Accommodation
The settlement of Prášily originated in connection with the founding of a glassworks. Poledník also has a historical aspect: it was originally a military site and offers views of the unique natural landscape of the Šumava. Legal overnight stays at Poledník are possible for one night at the so-called emergency overnight site. This option is limited to exactly one night at this site.
Discover more destinations: Rabí, Rejštejn, Strašín, Horská Kvilda, Chanovice, Nezamyslice, Modrava, Rozparalka
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Klatovy.
