Weekend in Lipno – views, trails and great food

The Devil’s Wall is a rock formation located just a few kilometres from the Lipno reservoir in southern Bohemia. The area was formed by the weathering of a granite massif, which is especially visible on the slope from the top. Especially from a bird’s eye view (from a drone), there is a beautiful view of the aforementioned hillside full of granite stones that lead almost to the bank of the Vltava River, which flows under the rocks.

A very accessible forest road leads to the Devil’s Wall, near which you can park. It is a short stop on the way to Lipno or the border with Austria.

Lipno nad Vltavou is a picturesque town in southern Bohemia, situated on the banks of the Lipno Dam, one of the largest and most beautiful waterworks in the Czech Republic. This place is a popular destination for lovers of swimming, water sports, fishing, cycling and hiking. The Lipno Dam, created on the Vltava River, is not only an important tourist destination, but also an important source of hydroelectric power and water for South Bohemia.

An important attraction of Lipno nad Vltavou is the Treetop Trail, which provides an unusual experience of walking at a height of up to 40 metres above the ground. Visitors can admire a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Lipno and the surrounding Sumava countryside. The trail is accessible all year round and offers a combination of natural beauty and architecture. The viewpoint can be reached by a short walk or by cable car.

Lipno nad Vltavou and its surroundings offer a wide range of accommodation, from campsites and cottages to luxury hotels, which makes this region an ideal place for rest and relaxation in the middle of nature. A promenade runs along the lake and beaches where you will find several refreshment stands. If you are hungry, there are traditional and modern restaurants in the town centre to choose from.

Above Lipno nad Vltavou and the water reservoir of the same name, the Treetop Trail rises at the top of Kramolín. It is a 40-metre high wooden structure with metal elements, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view not only of the reservoir, but also of part of Šumava and the Novohradské hory. The entire trail, which was opened in 2012, is wheelchair accessible and the path to the top is very gradual – you can manage it with a stroller and smaller children – just be careful, dogs are not allowed on the trail. However, there are pens for them.

The journey to the top of the trail takes about 10 – 15 minutes, there are several smaller attractions and educational boards along the way – especially for children. The way down can be “shortened” by descending in a 52-metre long dry slide. However, it may not be open all year round.

Although it is not a completely cheap affair, we must admit that it is a beautiful trip in the Lipno area. You can get to the top of the trail either by paid transport from Lipno nad Vltavou, by chairlift or on foot. We chose the third option and took the yellow trail from the parking lot at Kramolín, from where it is less than 2 kilometers to the top. If you go here in winter, you need to think about the fact that you will have to cross the slope.

Near the Treetop Trail there is also the Lipno Forest Kingdom Park, another great attraction for children. However, it is not open year-round like the trail.