Šumava Day Trip by Private Driver
Šumava is the wildest, quietest forest in the country — the untamed Vydra River, glacial lakes, peat bogs, and ancient woodlands along the German and Austrian border. Perfect when you need to unplug completely. We’ll drive you straight from Prague.
Why Go Here
Šumava – A Mountain Paradise Near Prague
The Šumava range, known in German as the Böhmerwald, is made of ancient rock from the pre-Paleozoic and Paleozoic eras. The main European watershed between the North Sea and the Black Sea runs right through it.
Here you’ll find Lipno Reservoir, a favorite spot for water sports and lakeside walks. The region is also home to fascinating geological layers visible in its rock formations.
It’s about 190 kilometers from Prague. With your private driver, the trip takes roughly 2.5 hours — easy for a comfortable day out.
What to See
Top Sights in Šumava
A rundown of the main tourist attractions right in the Šumava mountains
Lipno Reservoir
Lipno is the largest body of water in Czechia, spread out among the Šumava forests. In summer, it draws visitors for boat trips, cycling, and swimming.
A popular bike trail runs around the entire reservoir. From the dam, there’s a lovely view of the mountains beyond the water.
Černé Lake
Černé Lake is the largest and deepest glacial lake in Šumava. Its dark surface mirrors the steep rock face of Jezerní Mountain.
It formed during the Ice Age beneath a glacier. A pleasant forest path leads right to the shore.
Wild Šumava
Open plains and mountain peat bogs stretch across the Šumava ridges. Dead trunks left by the bark beetle are slowly giving way to young forest.
This landscape is left to evolve without human intervention. In the mist, the ridges look like islands in a sea.
Schwarzenberg Canal
An old timber-floating canal winds through the deep forests, once used to transport wood all the way to the Danube. A monument to its builder, Josef Rosenauer, still stands nearby.
This 18th-century feat is one of the engineering marvels of its time. Today, a peaceful hiking trail runs alongside the canal.
Lipno Reservoir
A fantastic spot for water sports and leisurely walks along the shore.
Hiking Trails
A network of marked paths winds through forests and over mountain peaks.
Geological Exhibits
See metamorphic rock displays in natural open-air museums.
Forest Reserves
Dense woodlands provide a haven for many bird species.
Historical Names
The Celts called this range Gabreta; later names included Silva and the Bavarian Forest.
Country Borders
Šumava borders Austria and Germany, making international day trips a breeze.
Day Trip Idea
What your day could look like
A sample itinerary — your driver will always adapt to you.
Realistic Day Budget
What a day like this costs — no hidden items
Why go with a private driver
Comfort and peace of mind
No transfers, no waiting at the station, no surprises at the end. Just tell us the time and how many people.
- Fixed price upfront — you’ll know it when you book, and it won’t change with traffic or delays.
- Your own private car — no sharing with strangers, no detours, no waiting.
- Pickup anywhere — from your hotel, apartment, or right at the arrivals hall of Václav Havel Airport (PRG).
- Free flight monitoring — if your flight is delayed, your driver will wait; we track arrivals.
- Child seats — available on request at no extra charge, just let us know the children's ages.
- The whole day, your way — return trip and waiting time on-site included, with stops along the route as agreed.
One-way trip price
Fixed price for a one-way trip. Return journey, waiting time, and full-day excursions are added according to the price list below.
Book this trip →How the price is calculated
Clear trip pricing
The base price covers the trip to your destination. Return trips and longer waiting times are added using simple rules — so you always know exactly what you're paying for.
| Option (sedan, 1–4 pax) | Price |
|---|---|
One-way transfer — trip there Prague → Šumava. Your driver drops you off and returns empty. |
6,840 CZK |
Return trip with up to 2 hours waiting Trip there + 2 h waiting included + return trip (+50%). 6,840 + 3,420. |
10,260 CZK |
Return trip with 6 hours waiting Return trip (10,260) + 4 hours over the limit × 400 CZK (1,600). |
11,860 CZK |
Full-day trip — driver available ~9 hours Return base 10,260 + ~3 h extra program × 400 (1,200). Custom quote available. |
~ 11,460 CZK |
Minivan (5–8 pax): same calculation, higher base — one-way trip 9,500 CZK. · Prices shown are examples; your exact fixed price will be confirmed when you book, based on the date, number of passengers, and itinerary.
Practical Info
Before You Go
When to Visit
Best from spring through fall; in peak season, aim for the morning.
Tours
Check opening hours and guided tours in advance.
Walkable Center
With a private driver, parking is taken care of — you’ll be dropped off as close as possible.
What to Try
Local cuisine and specialties in restaurants and cafés in the center.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes, layers, and your camera.
How Much Time
Half a day covers the main sights; with lunch and the surroundings, plan a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Most Common Questions
How far is Šumava from Prague and how long does the trip take?
The distance is about 190 km, and with your private driver the journey takes roughly 2.5 hours.
Where is Lipno Reservoir located?
The reservoir lies in the southern part of Šumava, on the Vltava River, near the border with Germany.
What does the name Šumava mean?
The name comes from the Proto-Slavic word *šuma*, meaning a dense forest or woodland.
What types of rock make up Šumava?
Granite, gneiss, schist, migmatite, and limestone dominate, dating from the pre-Paleozoic to Paleozoic eras.
Which European watershed runs through Šumava?
The mountain range lies on the watershed between the North Sea and the Black Sea.
What is the highest point of the Bavarian Forest in Germany?
It is the Einödriegel peak, at an elevation of 1,121 meters.
When was the Celtic name Gabreta first recorded?
The name Gabreta appears on the map of Claudius Ptolemy; the text does not specify an exact date.
Let Us Plan Your Custom Šumava Day Trip
Šumava combines nature, geological wonders, and history. With your private driver, you’ll discover it all comfortably in a single trip.
Book Your Trip → +420 776 508 777