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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Europe
- Czech Republic
- Ceský Krumlov
- ?umava National Park
?umava National Park
The name `umava translates as the "Whispering Forest" - and it
perfectly sums up the magical nature of this natural jewel in the
heart of Europe. The `umava forms with the Bohmerwald, which it
adjoins on its southern border, the largest forest in central
Europe - "Europe's Green Lung".
For forty years, during the Communist era, `umava flora and
fauna flourished relatively undisturbed by human activity, as the
area fell within the Iron Curtain exclusion zone. Now the
watchtowers and minefields have gone and visitors are encouraged,
but the `umava's nature is still protected and is even thriving -
the once-rare lynx is regularly seen. In addition to the whispering
trees of the `umava Forest, visitors can explore the park's marshes
(with peat-loving plants), rushing streams (home to otters,
kingfishers and other animals), glacial lakes and mountains.
The park is criss-crossed with well-marked footpaths and cycle
routes, which become cross-country ski paths in the winter. The
area is popular with Czechs for winter sports, with several good
skiing resorts. Lake Lipno on the edge of the park offers a variety
of water sports activities in the summer.
Although the summer is the peak holiday season (all attractions
are certain to be open) - the `umava is beautiful all year round.
The winter sports season is December to March. Spring is popular
with nature lovers, as this is probably the best time for seeing
flowers and birds and the Autumn colours of the `umava Forest can
be spectacular.
Visitors can opt to stay in a hotel or cottage in the Park
itself or in one of the historic towns on its edge including
Prachatice, Cesky Krumlov, and Kasperske Hory.
Information & Facts
Language
Czech is the official language but English and German are
also widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Czech crown, locally known as the
Koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Most credit cards
including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are
accepted, but it is best to have cash handy when travelling away
from Prague and the main tourist centres. Travellers cheques and
foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on
weekends. ATMs (known as 'bankomats') are becoming more common in
Prague and are probably the best way to obtain local currency at a
good rate and without commission. The Czech Republic is still cheap
compared to the rest of Europe, though the gap is closing.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).