Šumava is the largest forest in Central Europe and the Czech half of a wilderness that runs into Bavaria. At its heart lies Lipno, a lake so long that Czechs call it the sea — 42 kilometres of water under wooded ridges, with a treetop walkway spiralling above the canopy and sunsets that go on forever.
1. Lipno lakeshore at sunset
Lipno nad Vltavou · Map ↗
Long water, low sun and forest ridges — the simplest and most reliable romantic frame in the region.
2. The Treetop Walkway
Above Lipno · Map ↗
A wooden ramp spiralling up through the canopy to a viewing tower over the lake. Accessible, unusual and spectacular at dusk.
3. Boubín primeval forest
Central Šumava · Map ↗
One of Europe's oldest protected woodlands — giant firs, moss and green light. A short marked trail leads to a forest lake.
4. Chalupská or Jezerní slať peat bogs
Šumava plateau · Map ↗
Boardwalks over open bog with dwarf pines and dark water — an otherworldly landscape, at its most atmospheric in morning mist.
5. The Vltava source & Čertova stěna
Upper Vltava · Map ↗
Where the river that runs through Prague begins as a mountain stream — a poetic link back to the city for couples who met or holidayed there.
National park rules
Šumava is a national park: stay on marked trails, no drones, no fires, and take everything out with you. In practice this shapes the session for the better — the marked routes go to the good places, and the rules are why the landscape still looks like this.
Seasons
Summer for warm lake evenings and long light; late September for gold larches, mist and empty trails; winter for snow and silence (with the walkway open). Spring can be muddy and the bogs waterlogged — beautiful, but bring boots.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lipno from Prague?
About three hours by car. Most couples combine it with Český Krumlov, which is 40 minutes away, and stay a night or two in the area.
Can you fly a drone over Lipno or in Šumava?
Not inside the national park — drones are prohibited there. Around the lake, rules vary by zone and season, so we check the specific location before promising aerial footage.
Is the treetop walkway suitable for everyone?
Yes — it is a gently sloping ramp rather than stairs, designed to be accessible, and it stays open through winter. There is a small entry fee.
Where exactly do you get the best sunset?
The western shore around Lipno nad Vltavou and Frymburk faces the sunset down the length of the lake. We pick the precise spot on the day based on wind and cloud.