Boubín Primeval Forest is one of the oldest and most well-known protected areas in the Czech Republic. It is located in the central part of the Šumava Mountains near the village of Kubova Huť and spreads across the northern slope of Mount Boubín (1,362 m / 4,468 ft above sea level). This nature reserve was established as early as 1858 on the initiative of forester Josef John and has since become a symbol of wild, almost untouched nature. The forest protects valuable stands of original spruces, firs, and beeches, some of which reach up to 400 years of age and over 50 meters in height. A landscape filled with fallen trunks, mosses, ferns, and the quiet rustle of the forest creates a mystical atmosphere and attracts thousands of nature lovers every year.
Visitors can explore the primeval forest via the Boubín Primeval Forest educational trail, which starts from the parking lot at Idina Pila and offers an easy route with information boards about the history, fauna, and flora of the area. The highlight of the trip can be a climb to the observation tower on Boubín, from where, in good weather, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Šumava ridges and even the distant Alps. Boubín Primeval Forest is not only a natural gem but also a place that inspires reflection on the relationship between humans and nature – a reminder of what a forest looks like when it grows at its own pace for centuries without any interference from civilization.
