Šumava známá i neznámá – Soukup Vladimír (2017)

This Czech-language book explores the Šumava mountain range as a temple of nature, a vast green oasis in the heart of Europe, and a landscape filled with romance, nostalgia, dramatic stories and mysteries. It presents the region’s nature, history and monuments, showing how Šumava can affect people and what secrets it conceals. Alongside well-known tourist centres and historic towns such as Vimperk and Prachatice, it recalls vanished settlements and villages, as well as places that were inaccessible to the public for many years because Šumava contained the most closely guarded section of the Iron Curtain. The book visits familiar natural sites such as Boubínský prales (Boubín Primeval Forest), Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero, while also introducing less-visited areas such as Milešický prales, places rediscovered in recent decades including Prášilské jezero, jezero Laka, Plechý and Plešné jezero, and the right bank of the Lipno Reservoir. It also describes remarkable technical works such as the Schwarzenberg Canal and distinctive architecture such as the houses of Volary. The final chapter provides an overview of marked hiking trails and tips for the most beautiful trips.