The best waterfall hikes and walks around Čertovo lake

There are over 25 dedicated waterfall hiking trails around Čertovo lake, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These trails are set within the beautiful Šumava National Park, known for its glacial lakes and primeval spruce forests.

The trails around Čertovo lake are accessible year-round, but for the best experience, consider visiting during the warmer months when the waterfalls are typically more active and the trails are less rugged from snow or ice. To fully appreciate the lake's serenity and avoid crowds, an early morning or weekday visit is recommended.

While the region is popular for hiking, many trails can be rugged, requiring sturdy hiking shoes. There are moderate options available, but some routes are quite challenging. For a family-friendly experience, consider shorter, less strenuous sections or consult individual route details for difficulty ratings before setting out.

The Šumava National Park, where Čertovo lake is located, generally allows dogs on trails, but they must be kept on a leash to protect the wildlife and natural environment. Always check specific trail regulations before your visit, as some protected areas might have stricter rules.

The terrain around Čertovo lake is characterized by glacial features, including moraines and glacial corries. Trails can be rugged, especially after rain, and often wind through dense primeval spruce forests. Sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended due to the varied and sometimes challenging ground conditions.

Absolutely! Beyond the waterfalls, you'll encounter Čertovo lake itself, a stunning glacial cirque lake known for its dark, reflective waters. You can also find informative panels around the lake detailing its natural and historical significance. Panoramic views from points like Mount Špičák are also highly regarded. The region is also home to other significant glacial lakes like Černé jezero.

Yes, there are several circular routes that allow you to experience the region's natural beauty, including waterfalls. A popular option is the Bílá Strž Waterfall – Klammerloch Waterfall loop from Hamry, a moderate 6.5-mile (10.5 km) trail that leads through dense forest and past notable waterfalls.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 12,800 reviews. Hikers often praise the pristine beauty of the glacial lakes, the tranquility of the primeval forests, and the unique geological features of the region.

Yes, parking is typically available at common starting points for hikes. For instance, the Špičácké sedlo parking lot is a known access point for trails leading towards Čertovo jezero and Černé jezero. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information before your trip.

One of the longer and more challenging options is the View of Großer Arber – Trifter Inn Schwellhäusl loop from Bahnhof Bayerisch Eisenstein / Železná Ruda - Alžbětín, which is a difficult 22.0 km (13.7 miles) trail. This route offers extensive exploration of the wider region, including views of Großer Arber.

Yes, you can combine the experience of multiple glacial lakes with waterfall views. The Devil's Lake – Black Lake (Černé Jezero) loop from Špičák is a popular difficult 10.9-mile (17.5 km) trail that connects two significant glacial lakes within the Šumava National Park, offering diverse scenery.

Čertovo lake is unique among the Šumava glacial lakes because its outflow, the Jezerní potok (Lake Stream), belongs to the Danube river basin. This makes it a point of geographical interest, as other lakes in the region typically drain into different river systems.