Are you looking for recreational time in nature? Let me tell you a little secret. I’m daydreaming about my little house in the woods while taking a tourist boat on the Lipno lake. I couldn’t get over the endless views of the forest. Incredibly beautiful.
Before I could visit Prague, my first journey to the Czech Republic was to Frymburk. That was about five years ago. This picturesque recreational town in the southern Bohemia Czech region has enchanted me from the first moment. It is in the middle of the Bohemian Forest and lies directly at the Lipno Dam (German: Moldaustausee). The Vltava River is the longest in Czechia. It is the same river that flows through Prague. Between the villages of Zelnava and Lipno nad Vltavou the Vltava River is dammed. The lake has a length of 48 km and consists of 4650 hectares of water. That makes it the largest artificial stretch of water in the country. It is also called the Czech Sea or the Sea of South Bohemia. Several ferry lines are connecting the shores of the sea.
It is not only Frymburk that fascinates me. This whole area around the lake: the small villages, the endless forest and the sporty and relaxed atmosphere. So, let me hand over my experience about the region:
How to get to these lovely towns in the Czech Republic
Unfortunately, this region of the Czech Republic is not very well explorable without a car. There is a train station on the north side of Lipno Lake, in Horní Planá. From there is a ferry going to Frymburk and Lipno. Another train station is south of Lipno, almost directly at the dam. However, it is further away from Lipno’s town centre.
What to do in the Lipno Dam region?
This region of the Czech Republic is known as a summer and winter destination. There is a slight slope before entering the town of Frymburk from the south. Perfect for ski or snowboard beginners.
For the sporty visitors
Summer offers endless water activities, like sailing, windsurfing, rowing, and pedal boats. Canoeing or rafting closer to the Austrian border, after the dam wall. Hiking is not as demanding as in the alps of Austria. The Treetop Walkway is a really cool activity, reachable by cable car or foot. From the Treetop Walkway, you have a fantastic view of the whole area.
Additionally, there is a bobsleigh that can bring you downhill again. Or play mini-golf. That’s so much fun!
The area of Frymburk and Lipno, which mainly attracts families, older sporty couples and national tourists, is finely prepared with a biking infrastructure and bike rental shops. These bike lanes are also suitable for inline skating or longboarding.
Relaxation, museums and city tours
For relaxation on rainy days in Doní Vlatvice is a newly opened Wellness and Spa Center and in Lipno is an indoor aquaworld Lipno.
At the Museum in Frymburk you can get more information about the dam’s construction. When the dam was built, many farmers had to give away their land and many houses stood where the lake is now. For a deeper insight into the dam’s operation and the functions of the turbines, the Information Centre of the hydro plant Lipno might be the correct address.
Vitkuv castle is a historic destination for a walk through the forest, located at a hill across Frymburk. If you need a break from nature, you can easily make a day trip to Cesky Krumlov. A more touristic and historical town nearby.
Where to stay in South Bohemia?
Guesthouses, chalets and resorts or camping – around the Lipno Dam, you have the choice. Lipno has, in my opinion, more options than Frymburk, as Lipno is a bit more touristy with huge holiday resorts. Nevertheless, there is a campground in Fyrmburk with mobile homes and places to put your tent.
The proper season for visiting Frymburk in the Czech Republic
I recommend you skip the high season in summer and go there either in spring or autumn: April, May (maybe beginning of June) or late September, October. Then you will probably risk bad weather but therefore fewer tourists. As the region is also famous among Czech people, I would recommend checking the country’s holiday season to avoid the crowd.
My story from Frymburk
It was around five years ago when I first visited Frymburk. It was my birthdays and mother’s day trip with my mum and sister. I remember we stayed at a campground in a mobile home and the weather was very rainy. But that could not stop us from going out and exploring the area. We took the ferry across to the other side of the lake and walked along an empty road in the middle of the forest. Everything looked so peaceful and calm. The forest floor was mossy, and the leaves and needles of the trees shone in a fresh green. The road was winding through the forest. A feeding station for animals and occasional paths branched off from the main road.
At some point, we got closer to the lake. A fantastic view stretched out in front of us. The lake was lying there peacefully in front of us. We spotted a relatively modern house in the middle of the woods on the other side. We strolled along the shore and enjoyed the view and I took a few pictures.
I came back several times
In the last few years, I’ve visited the Lipno Lake area a couple of times, with a friend, my siblings, and alone. Every time I have enjoyed my visit. The water and the forest make me feel more grounded. The places are not so touristy and the nature is still largely untouched.
Frymburk, I will be back for sure 😊
More nature needed?
North of the Lipno Dam, you can find the Sumava National Park. This Park is great for trekking and hiking. Veronika did a 22 km hike through the National Park and will give you some insights in her blog post.
Alternative to Prague!
Sick of visiting places everyone visits? Maybe Olomouc is an alternative for you!? Kami has travelled well in the Czech Republic and tells you all about Olomouc.
Hiking in the Czech Republic!
Not sick of nature yet? In the very north of Czechia, you can find something unreal. David will tell you more about the so-called Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
