The best hiking routes in CHKO Slavkovský les

CHKO Slavkovský les is a protected highland region in the west of the Czech Republic, characterized by rolling granite plateaus, deep spruce forests, and extensive peat bogs rather than dramatic alpine peaks. Walkers should expect a landscape of gentle slopes, quiet forest tracks, and open, marshy clearings. The area is highly shaped by its geological past, which you will notice in the numerous cold mineral springs bubbling up directly beside the paths and the distinct smell of carbon dioxide in the damp hollows.

Underfoot, the terrain varies between soft, pine-needle-covered forest soil, stony granite tracks, and wooden boardwalks that elevate walkers above the wettest peat bogs. In the central parts of the reserve, the vegetation is dominated by mosses, heather, and stunted birch trees, while the outer slopes feature steep, wooded valleys carved by rivers. It is a damp, forested plateau where water is a constant presence, visible in the dark drainage ditches and misty peat pools.

While the spa towns on the periphery of CHKO Slavkovský les attract many visitors, the interior forest trails are often much quieter. In autumn, particularly around October, the birch trees on the moors turn bright yellow, contrasting sharply with the dark green spruce. This area is ideal for those who prefer steady, moderate climbs through dense woodland and open wetlands over rugged, rocky scrambles.