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The Šumava
Šumava is the Czech name for the Bohemian Forest. Šumava
National Park is a UNESCO "Biosphere Reserve" and is 69,030 hectares which
makes it the largest national park in the Czech Republic. It is,
together with the Bavarian forest, part of the largest Central European
forest area and is also known as the "green lung of Europe”. In the
immediate vicinity of the National Park are several large protected areas,
"CHKO programs". These areas do not have the same protection as a national
park, but also apply restrictive measures to protect nature. |
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During the communist regime was a big part of Šumava a
forbidden property. This means the nature in this area was protected for 40 years
to the advancing urbanization and over-exploitation of nature. In 1991,
the area was declared a national park and is open to everyone. The park is
about 80 percent forest, 10 percent of agriculture and the rest is used
for roads, water and buildings. |
Nature in the National Park is dominated by vast forests,
streams, swamps, and 8 glacier lakes. In addition to the glacier lakes you
will find two reservoirs, the reservoir at Nýrsko, which is used for
drinking water and the famous Lake Lipno. The dam at Nýrsko should
not be used for recreational purposes, Lake Lipno has limited water sports.
The height of the mountains ranged between 600 and 1378 meters. |
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During a visit to the park, you will undoubtedly see deer,
they come here frequently. In the absence of natural enemies, the
population has substantially expanded. To maintain a healthy population
limited hunting is allowed. Happily their old enemies return to this
area. The lynx is regularity reported and it seems that in the most remote
parts a single wolf returns. The quality of water in the park offers
favorable conditions for the otter, trout and waterfowl such as the
kingfisher. |
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