Hamry Na Šumavě: Trails, Waterfall and Culture

On a trip to Hamry Na Šumavě, you can choose from a range of nature and culture themes. The floodplain along the Úhlava takes centre stage; other trails lead to Velký Ostrý or the Brčálník nature trail. The chapel and religious art offer insights into the region’s history.

Nature Trails and Hiking Routes

The 4 km Naučná stezka Úhlavským luhem nature trail explores natural areas of the river floodplain along both banks of the Úhlava and is for pedestrians only. It starts in Hamry near Kollerův dvůr, at a tourist shelter with an information board and map. Five stops cover the upper Úhlava, its hydrology, forests, settlement and the changing landscape. Four boardwalks cross the wetlands. The trail also features beaver tracks and habitats with numerous protected plants and animals; conditions in wetlands and in nature can change seasonally.

Another destination is Velký Ostrý. On the nature trail from Hamry to one of the Šumava’s best-known peaks, the final fifth of the route follows a rocky mountain path. The peak is 1,293 m high. From Zadní Hamry, a green-marked hiking route runs for 3 km to the Brčálník nature trail. This 4.5 km trail focuses on history and nature and opened in 2005. The nature trails therefore have different themes: the Úhlava trail focuses on the river and landscape, while Brčálník focuses on history and nature.

The marked routes to Bílá Strž can also be planned by their stages. From Hamry–Hojsova Stráž railway station, a blue-marked hiking route runs through Hamry for 6 km to the Pod Statečekem trail junction. From there, a further 1.3 km on a yellow-marked route leads to Bílá Strž. Check the current trail markings before setting out. Bílá Strž can also be reached by bicycle from Špičák or Hamry; be sure to check current trail conditions.

Bílá Strž and the Landscape

Bílá Strž is the highest waterfall in the Šumava. It lies in the valley of the Bílý potok at an elevation of 940 m and has a 7 m drop. There is a viewing terrace at Bílá Strž overlooking the natural landscape. Check its current condition before your visit. The Bílá Strž National Nature Reserve protects a deeply cut rocky valley of the Bílý potok, with numerous cascades, rapids and waterfalls, as well as natural forest communities.

Near Hamry, about 1 km from the village, stands a beech tree said to be approximately 250 years old. In winter, cross-country ski trails also run around the Bílá Strž gorge. Their availability depends on snow conditions and current maintenance. The waterfall and viewing terrace are at Bílá Strž; the cross-country ski trails run around the gorge in winter. The floodplain nature trail’s stops are arranged along the river, forests and settlements.

The Chapel and Religious Art

A green-marked route leads from Hamry railway station to Zadní Hamry. From the road bridge over the Úhlava, a comfortable path continues to the chapel in Křížkov–Kreutzwinkel; the total distance is about 2 km. The chapel was founded and built in 1730–1731 by the freeholder Jan Torner in the group of houses at Křížkov (Kreutzwinkel), near the former road to Železná Ruda. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The pilgrimage site of Křížkov–Kreutzwinkel was restored in 2007 by the municipality of Hamry, together with the Künische Gemeinde Hammern association and the Bavarian municipality of Lam, with support from EU funding. Hamry’s religious art also includes a Baroque image of the Virgin Mary, a folk-style Madonna and Child carved from limewood, and modern reverse-glass paintings found in the church and along the Way of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Industrial History in the Úhlava Valley

Within the cadastral area of Hamry, about 5 km upstream in the Úhlava valley, stands an older pumped-storage power station with a small reservoir. The facility is recognised as a technical monument and began operating in 1930 as the first of its kind in Czechoslovakia. This industrial landmark complements the nature and culture themes explored on the trails and at historic sites around Hamry.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dobršín, Kocourov, Dešenice, Mysliv, Čímice, Velký Bor, Kvášňovice, Chudenice.

Go to the regional travel overview: Okres Klatovy.