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Upper Palatine Forest
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The Upper Palatine Forest (Český les) is an extensive mountain range on the border between the Czech Republic and Bavaria, stretching for about 80 kilometers. The highest Czech peak is Čerchov at 1,042 meters, which features the historical Kurz lookout tower and radar installations from the Cold War era. For decades, the region was part of the Iron Curtain, leading to the depopulation of many villages but simultaneously preserving untouched nature. Today, the area has been protected as a Landscape Protected Area (CHKO Český les) since 2005 and provides a refuge for rare animal species such as the lynx. Geologically, the range is part of the Bohemian Massif and consists predominantly of gneisses and granites. Its dense forests, bogs, and crystal-clear streams make it a convenient destination for quiet tourism, hiking, and cycling away from the crowds.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: zámek Diana · přírodní rezervace Diana · Torflohe und Pfrentschwiese
- Nearby: Tachov (22 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 47 | 50 | 41 | 75 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 57 | 55 | 58 | 65 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Getting to this rugged border ridge normally involves arriving from western Bohemian hub towns such as Domažlice, which predictably offer clear signposting to the sprawling forest trailheads.
Best season
The most reliable weather for hiking occurs between late May and September, effectively avoiding the heavy seasonal snows that frequently block high-elevation paths entirely in the deep winter.
Terrain & paths
Trekking conditions are characterized by exceptionally thick, mature woods spread across undulating mid-sized mountain peaks, demanding a moderate to robust level of standard cardiovascular fitness.
What to bring
It is strongly advised to pack high-quality trekking footwear, reliable rain protection, and sufficient physical maps due to the occasional stark absence of mobile data signal deep within the trees.
Parking
Most hikers confidently leave their cars in dedicated free forest edge parking zones situated just outside the small frontier villages lining the sprawling Czech-Bavarian geographical divide.
Safety
Sudden, severe thunderstorms can materialize rapidly above the mountain canopy in late summer, meaning visitors must constantly monitor sky conditions and avoid exposed border ridges during bad weather.
Time needed
While brief, satisfying short forays into the immediate border woods take only a couple of hours, serious hikers typically plan rigorous full-day circular routes to properly absorb the profound natural tranquility.
Geography
Facts
- Highest peak Čerchov 1,042m
- CHKO Český les since 2005
- Part of the former Iron Curtain
- Kurzova Tower built in 1905
- Area of CHKO approx. 473 square kilometers
- Length of the range approx. 80 km
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Upper Palatine Forest (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Upper Palatine Forest located?
On the western border of Czechia with Bavaria.
What is the highest peak of Český les?
Čerchov, with an altitude of 1042 m.
What is the region known for?
For deep, untouched forests and the history of the Iron Curtain.
Can you visit the observation tower on Čerchov?
Yes, the Kurz tower is open to visitors seasonally.
Is the area touristically developed?
It is quieter than the Bohemian Forest, convenient for solitary hikes.
Upper Palatine Forest: where is it located?
Upper Palatine Forest is located in Czech Republic.
Upper Palatine Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include zámek Diana, přírodní rezervace Diana, Torflohe und Pfrentschwiese.
Upper Palatine Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Upper Palatine Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Upper Palatine Forest (Český les) is an extensive mountain range on the border between the Czech Republic and Bavaria, stretching for about 80 kilometers.
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