Nicov – Hotels, Culture and Views

Nicov can be explored through several distinct themes: the Late Romanesque Church of St. Martin (Kostel sv. Martina), the folk art work Kohoutí kříž, as well as marked trails and viewpoints. In winter, a cross-country ski trail is also available. Which of these options shapes your stay depends in part on whether you want to focus on culture, outdoor activity or the landscape.

Romanesque Architecture and History in Nicov

Kostel sv. Martina is a 13th-century Late Romanesque building and is considered the highest-altitude Romanesque building in Bohemia. Its history spans another period: from the beginning of the 14th century until 1420, a Benedictine provostry of Ostrov Monastery was based there. The church’s construction period and the later era of the provostry thus stand side by side.

The vestibule is freely accessible and offers a view into the nave. Individual services or maintenance work may affect access. If this glimpse is important to you, allow for the possibility of such restrictions when planning.

Folk Art and Views

The Kohoutí kříž in Nicov is a remarkable work of folk art. The present version stands at the edge of the forest about 0.5 km northeast of Nicov and is a copy dating from 2005. The Kohoutí kříž offers panoramic views. This makes the site a place where a cultural and historical connection meets a view of the landscape. The information that it is a copy also helps date the work visitors see today.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Routes and Winter Options

Marked hiking trails and signposted cycling routes pass through the municipality of Nicov. Depending on whether you want to travel on foot or by bike, the two types of routes offer different kinds of guidance. As markings can change, check them before setting out.

Marked hiking trails meet at the summit of Královský kámen. From there, views extend across the southern part of the Šumava towards Boubín and Třístoličník. The summit is a specific landmark for anyone who wants to consider both the route and the landscape views when planning.

In winter, Nicov has groomed areas for cross-country skiing and a maintained ski trail towards Churáňov, Zadov and Javorník in the Šumava. Snow and grooming conditions are crucial for a particular outing, so check conditions before travelling. The trails are explicitly a winter offering, while Nicov also has marked hiking trails and cycling routes.

Educational Trail to Obří hrad

The “Celts in the Šumava” (Keltové na Šumavě) educational trail leads from Popelná, near Nicov, to Obří hrad. It is 1.5 km long; this distance refers to the one-way route. The destination is near Popelná, close to Nicov, in Zone I of Šumava National Park, on a wooded hill above the Losenice valley.

The archaeological remains at Obří hrad include double fortification walls and a central acropolis. The site also offers views. The educational trail therefore combines a clearly stated route distance with a destination featuring both archaeological structures and a position above the valley. This makes it a different focus from a visit to the church or the Kohoutí kříž: here, the remains and the hillside setting take centre stage.

Discover more destinations: Těšovice, Nebahovy, Smedec, Račov, Tvrzice, Olšovice, Dvory U Lažišť, Lenóra

For the broader travel overview: Okres Prachatice.