Poledník viewing tower (1315m) and Prášil lake, starting at Prášíly: 18 km
- The former secret military radar station on the summit of Poledník (1315m) was converted into a viewing tower and is now a popular target for hikers, bikers and skiers visiting the northern part of the Šumava national park. The unusual building can be ascended (for a fee) and offers a panoramic view – on good days as far as the Alps.
- The most direct approach to Poledník is from the village of Prášíly, which is on a bus line between Sušice and Železná Ruda. The most frequented ascent route passes the picturesque Prášil lake, formed at the end of the last ice age, some 10000 years ago. Prášil is the highest, shallowest and smallest of Šumava’s glacial lakes.
- Various trails can be used to return back to Prášíly, but note that there are some national park restrictions on certain trails outside the summer season. None of the trails are particularly difficult or steep. By following the cycle path it is even possible to ascend Poledník with a stroller (but this is not the route shown in the map below, as it misses out on a visit to Prášil lake).
- The suggested circular route is 17.6 km long with just over 500m of height to ascend-descend. The route shown ascends on (the slightly harder) secondary trail and then descends on the usual route to-from Poledník, but the route can be done in either direction. For refreshments, there is a snack bar on the summit and a couple of options in Prášily village, including a pleasant café, Cukrárna Pampeliška.
Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.
Directions
- Start the walk at the in the centre of Prášíly village, where there is a paid parking area, taking the RED hiking trail in the direction of Jezero Laka
- After 3.6 km reach the Frantův most junction and here turn left onto the GREEN trail heading towards Poledník
- After 3.9 km reach the Poledník – rozc junction and here turn left to follow the track leading to the summit and viewing tower in 600m
- After visiting the summit area, return back to the Poledník – rozc junction and turn left following the RED trail in the direction of Prášíly
- This route passes Prášilské jezero after 4.6 km and then reaches Prášíly village centre in a further 4.2 km
