Železná Ruda (meaning "ironstone market") is located at 820 m altitude, just approx. 3 km from Bayerisch Eisenstein on the German border and is one of the central points for sport and tourism in Bohemian Forest. The name of the town stems from when it was founded, on a trading route close to an iron ore mine between Bohemia and Bavaria. As the area is very rich in raw materials, since the Middle Ages there have been many iron and glass workshops, which up until the middle of the 20th century provided work for lots of the residents. However today tourism plays a much greater role. In summer the region invites you on hikes and bike rides around the lakes and mountain peaks, whilst in winter it bustles with sport-lovers on the extensive cross-country trails and in the family-friendly ski areas. Should the weather keep you from enjoying the nature, you can learn about the history or the special features of the region in the diverse museums (e.g. the brewery museum or the motorcycle exhibition).
Lipno nad Vltavou is southeast of the Bohemian Forest and directly on the Lipno Lake, the largest man-made lake in the Czech Republic. Because of the optimal location and the resulting diverse leisure opportunities, the tranquil resort is very popular with families. In the summer, the beaches and bike trails are extremely popular. In winter, tourists and locals alike hit the family-friendly pistes and far-reaching cross-country trails. The area also provides the chance for a few great day-trips, for example to the UNESCO city Cesky Krumlov, just 30 km from the resort. There are also many castles and forts in the southern Bohemian Forest.
Surrounded by numerous mountain flanks lies the spa resort Pec pod Snezkou at an altitude of 769 m, just at the foot of the highest peak in the Czech Republic, the Sněžka (1,602 m), in the eastern Giant Mountains. The former mountaineer village still resembles some traces of the past. These include, for instance, the historical mine, telling the stories of the times when ore mining was still the main industry in this region.
In the meantime the village has become one of the largest and most popular ski resorts of the country. The ski area around Pec pod Snezkou offers pistes of all difficulties and therefore something for everyone. Away from the slopes the mountain spa resort also has much to offer. Long and impressive hiking trails, for example, invite you to explore the landscape of the Giant Mountains.
