Nicov – Church, Trails and Šumava

Nicov combines remarkable cultural monuments with the landscapes of Šumava. For a trip that brings together experiences in nature and regional history, the town offers a range of points of interest: a late Romanesque church, folk art, viewpoints, marked hiking trails and destinations near Popelná. Depending on the season, the focus may be on historical discoveries, scenic trails, cycling tours or cross-country skiing.

Cultural Monuments in Nicov

The Church of St Martin is a late Romanesque building from the 13th century and is considered the highest-altitude Romanesque building in Bohemia. From the beginning of the 14th century until 1420, it was home to a Benedictine provostry of Ostrov Monastery. The porch is freely accessible for a view into the nave. A visit to the church thus combines an exceptional building with a tangible insight into the history of the town, without requiring an extensive sightseeing itinerary.

The Kohoutí kříž adds a remarkable work of folk art. The present-day Kohoutí kříž stands at the edge of the forest about 0.5 km northeast of Nicov and is a copy dating from 2005. It offers a panoramic view. The site therefore combines regional design and a landscape experience in a single destination. Its approximate distance also makes it a nearby place for an additional viewpoint during a stay in Nicov.

Hiking, Cycling and Winter in Šumava

The summit of Královský kámen is a junction of marked hiking trails. From the summit, the view extends across the southern part of Šumava towards Boubín and Třístoličník. Marked hiking trails and signposted cycle routes also pass through the municipality of Nicov. This makes it possible to combine different directions for a day out: at the summit, the focus is on trails and expansive views, while the signposted cycle network offers another way to explore the landscape. The clear signage helps you decide on the focus of an excursion as early as the planning stage.

Winter also brings its own distinctive character. Nicov has groomed areas for cross-country skiing, with a maintained trail towards Churáňov, Zadov and Javorník in Šumava. This seasonal focus differs from the cultural and hiking destinations described as available year-round. A trip can therefore be oriented more strongly towards winter activities, while the church, folk art and viewpoints complement the cultural and landscape character regardless of the season.

Educational Trail and Obří hrad near Popelná

The “Keltové na Šumavě” educational trail leads from Popelná near Nicov to Obří hrad and is 1.5 km long each way. Its manageable length makes the route easy to plan as a clearly defined excursion. Obří hrad lies in Zone I of Šumava National Park on a wooded hill above the Losenice Valley near Nicov and offers views of the surrounding area. The archaeological remains include double fortification walls and a central acropolis. The trail therefore combines a fixed route with landscape, viewpoints and archaeological traces at a single destination.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

For further orientation, you can also explore Dub U Prachatic, Kristanovice, Netolice, Žernovice, Nebahovy, Zdíkov, Svihov and Arnostov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Prachatice District.