Cesky Krumlov is one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic, a real jewel of southern Bohemia. Its tiny curved streets are full of cosy cafes and shops with traditional Czech delicacies and handcrafted products. There are also many interesting art galleries and concerts. Above the town, there is the stunning Cesky Krumlov Castle with a beautiful painted tower that rises on the rocks above the Vltava River. You just can’t leave the country without seeing such a beauty. However, once you’re there, try to reserve a bit of time in your schedule to visit Krumlov’s surrounding nature. Actually, the city is situated in the middle of the purest Czech forests and if you want to fully experience the area, doing a small trip around is an obligation. So, what about hiking to Klet Hill, which is conveniently close and provides a view of the Austrian Alps? I am sure you’ll love it!
Bohemian Forest and its history
Actually, the hilly region around Krumlov where Klet is situated is called “Sumava”, which in English means the Bohemian Forest. The region has an interesting and complicated history. As it forms a natural frontier between the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany, it was one of the areas that was a subject of important national conflicts. Many people that originally lived here were of German decent and it was this fact that launched the annexation of Czechoslovakia to nationalist Germany during the Second World War. After the war, these “Czech Germans”, were expelled from the region on the basis of the edict of the Czech President Edvard Benes. The topic remains unresolved and controversial.
The stunning nature
Despite its sad history, if you come to the Bohemian Forest you’ll be enchanted. It offers untouched nature, with several lakes and many wild animals. In fact, a big part of the region was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The small hike to Klet will clearly show the beauty of this region. The best way to Klet Hill is to follow the green tourist sign from Krumlov that will guide you to the top. Even though it is a hike, the elevation is very gentle and it leaves you time to discover the beautiful forest and its flora and fauna. Walk quietly and enjoy the murmuring of the trees and the tweeting of birds that are flying around. If you’re tired, just stop for a moment to look at a panorama of the surrounding countryside. But don’t stop for too long, as the best view is waiting for you uphill. The forest of Klet is also unique for another reason – it is the home of lynxes, which are rare in the Czech Republic, as they live only at high elevation. Klet is 1084 metres (3556 ft) above sea level, so it provides a perfect habitat for these animals.
The Observatory Tower
The forest is so quiet and its atmosphere will fully absorb you. You won’t feel the passage of time and probably you will be very surprised when you reach the top, as if the journey was too short. But let’s go back to civilization and discover an old wooden cottage and its stone observatory tower that you’ll find uphill. Before entering the cottage, buy a ticket and visit the Josefova vez Tower. The tower is a round stone tower, built in 1825 by Duke Josef II of Schwarzenberg. As he was a passionate traveller, he built the tower to encourage tourism in the region. In fact, it was the first stone observatory tower in Bohemia and as you’ll see its position had to have been chosen very carefully – its rounded top offers you the perfect view of the whole southern Bohemian region. You’ll be enchanted by the stunning panorama of the large Czech barrage lake, Lipno Lake, as well as by the picturesque small villages surrounded by countryside. This kind of nature has often been a model for the greatest Czech painters. The “mourning forests” and “buzzing waters on the meadows” are also glorified in the Czech national anthem. If the weather is good, you can see even further – up to the snow-covered glaciers of the Austrian Alps that you can see on the horizon! The price for a ticket is 20 CZK (~0.8 USD).
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Typical Czech food
Once you’re done with the beautiful views, it is time to get some food. After all of the climbing, you should be really hungry. Luckily there is a good restaurant in the old wooden cottage below the tower. This cottage is called “Tereziina Chata” and it was built in 1925 as a hotel for tourists visiting Klet. Its original look has been preserved – check its lightly stripped wooden walls and green-blue window shutters and then go inside. Usually, at 12 pm there are lot of people. The best thing would be to take the wooden stairs on your left and grab some place on the second floor, which should be less crowded. After getting your table, go to the bar and order a typical dish from the daily menu. You should try a delicious Czech soup - the one called “Cesnecka” is made from garlic, melted cheese and baguette croutons and the one called “Kulajda” is made from vegetables, eggs and milk. They are both tasty and it’s up to you which one you’ll pick. The portions are really huge, so pay attention – if you also want to try a main course, you should share this big appetizer with your friends to have enough room for the next copious dish. Try the main course called “smazeny syr” that consists of breaded cheese with fried potatoes and you won’t be disappointed. The unique mix of melted cheese and the crunchy crust are surely the best reward for all the climbing. And, with a pint of a good Czech beer, you’ll feel like you are in a heaven!
Let's hike to Klet from Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is one of the most famous Czech cities and you should definitely not miss it, but also add the surrounding nature to your must-visit list. Klet Hill is extremely beautiful and you should take the time to hike to its top. Here is a nice tip for a short hiking trip that will make you experience this stunning wild region.
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