Křemelná

Křemelná is a river in the Šumava mountains, within the Hartmanice municipality, famous for carving the deepest canyon in the entire range and for one of the wildest valleys in southern Bohemia. It flows through the Klatovy district in the Plzeň region, runs 30.3 km long, and drains a basin of 171.6 km². Its name comes from the local dialect word "křemel," meaning flint or rock, which essentially means "the river with the stony bed."

Where does the Křemelná come from?

The river rises in the Železnorudská hornatina highlands, on the southwestern slope of Mount Jedlová, at roughly 1,139 meters above sea level, in a spot known as Pod Hrabůvkou. From there it drops through the forested Šumava slopes, gathering water from countless small streams along the way, until after about 30 kilometers it meets the Vydra river. Together they form the Otava, one of the more important rivers in southern Bohemia.

What will you see along the Křemelná?

The main draw is the canyon the river has cut into the rock over the last thousand years. In its lower stretch, from Stodůlky down to the confluence with the Vydra, the riverbed narrows into a gorge that reaches up to 200 meters deep in places — the deepest canyon anywhere in the Šumava range, and a sight that impresses even seasoned mountain hikers. That part of the valley is under strict nature protection, though, and closed to visitors, so you cannot hike through the canyon or paddle it. Most visitors take it in from designated viewpoints and trails running along the upper and middle sections of the valley, where the scenery is just as wild but more open: steep, forested slopes, rocky rapids, and the clear, cold water typical of Šumava mountain streams.

How do you get to the Křemelná?

The river is really only accessible from the road connecting Prášily and Hartmanice, which serves as the main starting point for hikes into the valley. Several marked trails branch off from that road and follow the riverbed downstream. Hartmanice itself sits right in the heart of the Šumava, making it a convenient base — the Křemelná valley is close by, and so are other well-known spots in the region, such as the Vydra valley and the town of Kašperské Hory. Plan for a full day out, since reaching the most interesting stretches of the valley takes time and the terrain is demanding, with steep climbs and descents, roots, and loose stones along the way.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and summer are best, when the trails are dry and passable and the forest along the river is green and full of life. Autumn has its own appeal too, with the valley's slopes turning color and fewer visitors around. In winter the trails can be snow-covered and technically harder, so proper gear and some winter hiking experience are recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Can you kayak the Křemelná? No. The lower stretch with the canyon lies within a strict nature reserve and is closed to both paddling and hiking. Kayaking trips in this region are run on the Vydra and Otava instead, not on the Křemelná itself.

How long is the trail along the river? It depends on which stretch you pick, but counting the section from the Prášily–Hartmanice road toward the confluence area usually adds up to a full day's round trip, with a fair amount of elevation change.

Is it suitable for children? The upper part of the valley is gentler and manageable with children used to longer walks. The canyon section — by far the most demanding and hazardous part — is closed off anyway, so it isn't something you'd need to navigate.

What else is worth seeing nearby? From Hartmanice it's a short trip to the Vydra valley with its famous boulders and waterfalls, and to Kašperské Hory with Kašperk Castle — both pair well with a visit to the Křemelná valley in a single day of exploring.