Pavlovický vodopád

Pavlovický vodopád (Pavlovice Waterfall) is a small waterfall on a stream near Pavlovice, one of the local parts of the town of Planá in the Tachov District, Plzeň Region, western Bohemia. It's a spot for travelers who enjoy quiet, off-the-beaten-path corners of the Bohemian Forest rather than crowded landmarks.

Where exactly is it?

The waterfall sits at an elevation of roughly 430 meters above sea level, in a small valley whose stream eventually feeds into the Mže, the region's main river. Pavlovice is one of ten local parts of Planá and was first documented in 1239, when it belonged to the monastery in Kladruby. The village lies about 8 km from the center of Planá, surrounded by the typical farmland and forest landscape of western Bohemia.

How do you get there?

A dirt track branches off the road connecting Damnov and Pavlovice and leads down to the waterfall. It isn't marked as a major hiking trail, so bringing a map or GPS app is a good idea, since finding the exact spot takes a bit of orientation. You can drive to the nearest village and continue on foot along the forest or field track.

What will you actually see?

The waterfall itself is about 2 meters high — a small cascade rather than a dramatic wall of water. Average flow is around 10 liters per second, so its appearance depends heavily on recent weather. After heavy rain or during spring snowmelt, the water tumbles down with a noticeable rush; during dry summer months the stream can shrink to almost nothing, leaving the waterfall looking rather unremarkable.

While in the area, it's worth stopping by the flooded basalt quarry near Pavlovice (Lom Pavlovice) — a former volcano from millions of years ago, now used in summer as a swimming spot. It makes a natural extra stop on a walk through the area.

When is the best time to visit?

The best window is right after a good rainfall or in early spring during snowmelt, when the stream carries the most water and the waterfall looks its most impressive. In dry summer or autumn conditions, flow can drop to almost nothing, so it's worth checking the local rainfall forecast for the Tachov area before making the trip specifically to see it.

Who is this place for?

This is a destination for people who prefer low-key, lesser-known excursions — nature lovers, landscape photographers, and anyone after a quiet walk away from tourist crowds. It won't rival the great mountain waterfalls of the Czech Republic, but combined with the local history of Pavlovice and the nearby quarry, it makes for a pleasant few hours exploring western Bohemia.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pavlovický vodopád? About 2 meters — it's a small cascade rather than a large mountain waterfall.

Is it easy to reach by car? You can drive to the area around Pavlovice, but the final stretch to the waterfall follows a dirt track off the Damnov–Pavlovice road and requires a short walk on foot.

When does the waterfall look best? Right after rainfall or during spring snowmelt — during dry periods the flow is very low.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The flooded basalt quarry Lom Pavlovice, a former volcano from millions of years ago that's now a popular summer swimming spot.