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Bohemian Forest facts for kids

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Bohemian Forest
Grosser-Arber-002.jpg
Großer Arber (Velký Javor)
Highest point
Peak Großer Arber
Elevation 1,456 m above NN
Dimensions
Length 100 km (62 mi)
Naming
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Geography
Topo boehmerwald engleder.jpg
Topography of Bohemian Forest Mts. - CZ, D, A
Countries Germany, Czech Republic and Austria
Range coordinates 49°06′45″N 13°08′09″E / 49.1125°N 13.1359°E / 49.1125; 13.1359
Čertovo jezero6
Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake) is a beautiful glacial lake.
Ski-Šumava
Skiing is a popular winter activity in the Bohemian Forest.
Severní strana hradu Kašperk při pohledu ze Sedla
Kašperk Castle stands proudly in the Bohemian Forest.

The Bohemian Forest is a stunning mountain range in Central Europe. It stretches across three countries. You can find parts of it in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. This area is known for its beautiful nature and rich history. It's a great place to explore forests, lakes, and old castles.

Discover the Bohemian Forest

The Bohemian Forest is a large natural area. It is also known as Šumava in Czech and Böhmerwald in German. This mountain range forms a natural border between the Czech Republic and Germany. It also touches a small part of Austria. The highest peak in this range is called Großer Arber. It stands tall at 1,456 meters (4,777 feet) above sea level.

Where is the Bohemian Forest?

The Bohemian Forest is located in the heart of Europe. It runs for about 100 kilometers (62 miles). This makes it a significant natural landmark. The mountains are covered with dense forests. These forests are home to many different plants and animals. The region is a popular spot for tourists. They come to enjoy its peaceful and wild beauty.

Nature and Wildlife

The Bohemian Forest is a true natural treasure. It is one of the largest forest areas in Central Europe. Much of it is protected as a national park. This helps to keep its unique environment safe. The park is full of ancient forests and clear rivers. It also has many interesting bogs and glacial lakes.

Forests and Lakes

The forests here are mostly made up of spruce trees. Some parts have very old, untouched forests. These are called primeval forests. They have been growing for hundreds of years. You can also find beautiful lakes in the Bohemian Forest. Many of these lakes were formed by glaciers long ago. One famous lake is Čertovo jezero, or Devil's Lake. These lakes add to the stunning scenery.

Amazing Animals

The Bohemian Forest is home to many wild animals. You might spot deer, wild boars, and foxes. It is also a habitat for rare birds like the capercaillie. Even lynx, a type of wild cat, live here. Protecting this area helps these animals thrive. It ensures they have a safe place to live.

A Look at History

The Bohemian Forest has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for centuries. They built castles and towns in the mountains. The region was once an important trade route. It connected different parts of Europe.

During the Cold War, this area was a sensitive border. The border between Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) and West Germany was heavily guarded. Today, it is a peaceful place. You can still see signs of its past. Old border stones and historical markers are found throughout the area.

Fun Activities to Do

The Bohemian Forest offers many activities for visitors. It is a great place for outdoor adventures.

  • Hiking and Biking: There are many trails for hiking and cycling. You can explore the forests and mountains. You might discover hidden waterfalls or amazing viewpoints.
  • Skiing: In winter, the mountains turn into a snowy playground. There are several ski resorts. They offer slopes for all skill levels.
  • Exploring Castles: You can visit historic castles like Kašperk Castle. These castles tell stories of the past. They offer a glimpse into medieval life.
  • Nature Watching: The national park is perfect for observing wildlife. You can try to spot some of the rare animals living there.

The Bohemian Forest is a wonderful place. It combines natural beauty with a rich history. It offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selva de Bohemia para niños

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