Emergency overnight stays in Šumava
Where and how to get a free and safe haircut?
Emergency overnight stays are specially designated places along the main Šumava ridge route where it is legally permitted to spend one night. Since you are in the territory of a national park, where regular camping and bivouacing in nature is strictly prohibited, these places are the only way to legally spend the night in the middle of the wilderness.
Overview of overnight stays
The overnight stays are strategically located along the main red tourist route (Šumavská magistrála) at approximately one-day walking distance. There are seven of them in Šumava:
(location, altitude, tent capacity, equipment)
Hůrka 870 15 mobile toilet, table, bench
Meredník 1315 10 mobile toilet, table, bench, covered shelter
Modrava 985 15 mobile toilet, table, bench
Beech 1155 15 mobile toilet, table, bench
Guard 835 10 mobile toilet, table, bench
Nové Údolí 815 15 mobile toilet, table, bench
Pod Ptáčkem 815 10 mobile toilet, table, bench
Basic rules
Emergency shelters are not campsites. They are legal oases in a strictly protected landscape, where a strict regime applies. In order to maintain this privilege for years to come, the following rules must be observed:
Just for one night: A shelter is for emergency overnight stays while traveling. Come, sleep, pack up and move on. No camping in one place for several days.
Time window (6:00 PM – 9:00 AM): You can set up a tent or set up a bivouac no earlier than 6 PM and the site must be clean and empty again by 9 AM.
Strict ban on making fires: Forget campfires and guitars. Most campsites also prohibit the use of gas or petrol stoves (due to the risk of fire in dry forests).
What you bring is what you take away: There are no trash cans at the hostels. You must pack all your trash with you in your backpack.
Peace for animals: The Šumava wilderness is home to grouse, lynx and wolves.
Loud music or shouting does not belong in a dormitory.
How are the sleeping accommodations equipped?
Don't expect any luxury, it's a return to nature. All accommodations are equipped as standard:
A demarcated space for tents or sleeping mats (often covered with wood chips).
A wooden table with benches for a quiet dinner or morning coffee.
Mobile toilet (Toi Toi): This is a huge plus that protects the surrounding nature.
Not all overnight stays have a direct source of drinking water. For example, at Poledník or Bučina you have to plan ahead with hydration, while at Modrava or Nové Údolí there is a stream or spring nearby.
How much does it cost and can I reserve a place?
There is no charge for overnight stays and you cannot reserve a place in advance. The capacity of the overnight stays is limited by the space (demarcated by wooden poles). If you arrive and the place is full, you will have to share and be modest with other pilgrims. There is no advance reservation.
