Crossing the Šumava on cross-country runs is a unique experience for every runner-up sport. The route leads mainly on the main paths of the Šumava Magistrates and offers a painful but beautiful adventure. Here are three options for this crossing to complete.

Stops - Cross-country crossing of the whole Šumava on the cross-country ski ski ski slopes
Sovereign - Crossing the whole Šumava on cross-country cross-country skiing

Statistical data

  • Length: approx. 90 km

  • Estimated time:

    • Comfortable pace: 12-14 hours of pure time

    • More sports pace: 9-10 hours of pure time

  • Total cant: approx. 1800 m

  • On-board meters: approx. 1800 m

  • Meters in the Congress: approx. 2000 m

Transport options

  • By train: The best way to reach the starting point of Hofmanka is to train Špičák station, from where you can continue using the historic cable car, which is a kind of cultural experience. It is also possible to reach the bus stop by bus or on foot. The destination point Nová Pec has a railway station with direct connection to České Budějovice.

  • By bus: Bus connections to Železná Ruda and Kvilda are available from Susice, Klatov or Prague.

Variant 1: 1 day crossing (extreme variant)

  • Start: Hofmanky (near Piptoe)

  • Objective: Nová Pec

  • Distance: approx. 90 km

  • Overclimb: approx. 1800 m

  • Difficulty: extreme

  • Route: Hofmanky - Modrava - Kvilda - Bučina - Watchný - Nová Pec

This variant is suitable only for very skilled runners who can handle the entire route in 10-12 hours of intense movement. The important thing is to set off early in the morning and have sufficient power.

Variant 2: Crossing in 2 days

Day 1: Hofmanky - Kvilda (45 km)

  • Climb: Initial climb to Panzer (approx. 400 m high)

  • Long Departures: Armour - Dranili (about 8 km of comfortable downhill)

  • Refreshments: Modrava (Restaurant near Truha), Kvilda (Pension U King of Šumava)

  • Accommodation: Pension U Krále Šumava, Hotel Alpine House



Day 2: Kvilda - Nová Pec (45 km)

  • Climb: Kvilda - Bučina (approx. 350 m high)

  • Long Departures: Watchman - Nová Pec (about 10 km down)

  • Refreshments: Watchman (Hotel at Lva), Nová Pec (Tavern at the Bridge)

The two-day version is more suitable for sports runners who want to take the route at a steady pace but with the possibility of relaxing.

Variant 3: 3 days crossing (comfortable variant)

Day 1: Hofmanky - Modrava (30 km)

  • Climb: Hofmanky - Armour (approx. 400 m high height)

  • Long Departures: Armour - Laundry (approx. 8 km)

  • Refreshments: Horská Kvilda (Pension U Malý Princa)

  • Accommodation: Pension Modrava, Hotel Klostermannova Cottage

Day 2: Modrava - Watchman (30 km)

  • Climb: Modrava - Bučina (approx. 350 m high)

  • Long Departures: Bučina - Watchtower (about 6 km comfortable downhill)

  • Refreshments: Buggies (Buffet at King of Shumava)

  • Accommodation: Hotel near the Lion

Day 3: Watchman - Nová Pec (30 km)

  • Climb: Strážný - Tin (approx. 300 m high)

  • Long Departures: Tin - Nová Pec (about 10 km long downhill)

  • Refreshments: Nová Pec (The Bridge)

This variant is ideal for those who want to drive through Šumava at a calmer pace and enjoy the nature and hospitality of local guesthouses.

Conclusion

Each variant brings a different challenge and experience. If you are an experienced runner, you can try an extreme one-day route. If you want to drive through Šumava at a more comfortable pace, two or three days variant are a great choice.