Borova Lada: Bogs, Owls and Historical Traces

Borova Lada combines nature observation, bog landscapes and historical discoveries. In and around Borová Lada, you will find both short routes and a 62 km circular route, a public guided tour at a fish farm and places where the region’s history remains visible.

Bog landscape at Chalupská slať

The route to Chalupská slať begins at the Svinná Lada car park, 1 km from Borová Lada in the direction of Kvilda. Chalupská slať offers a 1 km path with a low level of difficulty. At the end of the path, you can see the Czech Republic’s largest bog lake, covering an area of 1.2 hectares, as well as the surrounding bog landscape. The low level of difficulty and manageable length give the visit a clear framework. The short path is therefore suitable for a brief walk, while the 62 km circular route sets a significantly larger scale for a tour.

Nature experiences for different day plans

The LES nature trail is suitable for families with small children. Another special feature is Rybí líheň Borová Lada: its breeding ponds can be reached across a level grassy area without any incline. In July and August, the fish farm offers a public guided tour every Tuesday at 10 a.m., accompanied by a member of the fish farm staff. The fixed time makes the tour a clearly defined part of the Tuesday morning programme.

At Sovinec Borová Lada, you can see an outdoor aviary complex with owls from the Šumava forests in an old quarry near Borová Lada. Observation openings also allow you to see details from the owls’ lives, such as nesting and feeding. Those who would like to include wildlife observation in their outing will find a dedicated focus for their visit here. The complex thus complements the bog landscape with a closer perspective on the animal world.

Knížecí Pláně and the history of the region

Knížecí Pláně belongs to the municipality of Borová Lada and is an important junction of hiking and cycling routes. The cemetery and the foundations of the church façade have been restored there. The original Chapel of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, dedicated to Saint Anne, was built in 1860. The Chapel of Saint Anne and the adjoining Stations of the Cross were demolished in 1956 and restored in 2006. Here, paths through the landscape meet visible evidence of the area’s eventful history.

Those wishing to explore the surrounding area over a longer distance can use the 62 km Vltavský okruh as a guide. It leads via Kvilda, Knížecí Pláně, Strážný, Lenora, Horní Vltavice and Borová Lada back to Kvilda. The return to Kvilda makes this route a closed loop. It therefore sets a significantly larger scale for a tour than the short path to Chalupská slať.

More destinations in the same selection

For further orientation, you can also find StrážnýStrážný, MahoušMahouš, Babice U NetolicBabice U Netolic, HrbovHrbov, KratušínKratušín, SmedecSmedec, HracholuskyHracholusky and NebahovyNebahovy.

For the broader travel overview: Prachatice District.