Sigmond’s nature trail around the Bolevec ponds and forests in north Plzeň: 6 km to 8 km

• For a city with a reputation as being an industrial hub and brewery center, Plzeň has a surprising amount of good walking countryside just on its doorstep. The extensive forests north of the city have a large number of trails that criss-cross the landscape passing attractive ponds, a unique 17th century forest pitch oven, and even some hidden sandstone caves.
• A 7.6 km nature trail, named after Professor Josef Sigmond, who managed the Plzeň forests in the early part of the 20th century, explores the most interesting areas of the (mostly evergreen) forests with a number of (Czech only) information boards describing the natural environment of the landscape. The trail starts in the Bolevec district of Plzeň, which is on a tram line and also has a parking area.
• The trail is mostly on easy forest paths and is relatively flat, with just 100m of height to ascend/descend. The paths in the first section might be a challenge with a stroller (due to the tree roots) so consider just exploring the section past the ponds if walking with a buggy. In summertime, the two ponds on the trail are popular swimming spots.
• For refreshments, there is a pub next to the tram stop (only open from the late afternoon). Snacks may also be available at the horse ranch next to the first of the two ponds.

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

• Starting at the Plzeň – Košutka tram terminus, follow the YELLOW hiking trail in a clockwise direction (heading initially in the direction of Hasičské cvičiště)
• The nature trail boards are all on this YELLOW trail, which finishes by passing the two (swimming) ponds
• Note – the route can be shortened to 6 km by taking the GREEN trail as a shortcut to the right, when reaching the Lány trail junction (reached 3 km after the start)