Nature:

Forested area

Nature reserve „Prameniště” (E part of mountain)

National park „Šumava” (E part of mountain)

Roads:

Asphalt (N, S) – last 3 km on the same road

MTB trail (N)

Touristic criteria:

Very popular winter sport center

Frequently visited in summer (cycling and hiking)

Accessions:

N – asphalt, 804 m, 30 km, max 14%

0,0 km Janovice nad Úhlavou 410 m

8,7 km Nýrsko 460 m

13,0 km Lake Nýrsko 475 m

26,0 km Pass altitude 971 m (turn left!)

30,0 km Pancíř 1214 m

S – asphalt, 664 m, 26 km, max 14 %

0,0 km Zwiesel (Germany) 560 m

14,0 km Bayerisch Eisenstein 700 m

16,0 km Border crossing 730 m

18,5 km Železná Ruda 775 m

23,0 km Pass altitude 971 m (turn right!)

26,0 km Pancíř 1214 m

N – MTB trail (road bikes impossible)

0,0 km Janovice 410 m

25,0 km Pancíř 1214 m

Detailed map:

Overall opinion: 4/5

Nature: 5/5

Difficulty: 3/5

Tourist criteria: 4/5

General comments:

On the peak of Pancíř you will find a chalet with a sightseeing terrace built by The Czech Tourists Club in 1923, from which you will see highest peaks of Šumava. If visibility allows you shall also set eyes on distant skylines of the Alps.

Long valley section (from both sides – N a and S) can be easily avoided by frequently operated train line which gain altitude zigzagging from one side of narrow valley to another but you shouldn’t go that. Cycling this pre-climb is fine because the countryside seems to be very scenic and road rises gently avoiding brutal gradients. The real climbs starts after reaching altitude of small pass and shifting to small asphalt road (car restricted) cutting through mountain forest. Altimeter shows sometimes values more than 10%, once 14%.

Alternative MTB trail is described as a superb, one of the best in this country. Long views, good forest roads and excellent traction on lower fast winding section. Suspension fork is not obligatory but appropriate tires are more than recommended, especially in May where there is a lot of water from melting snow. Starting in Janovice you will follow only few kilometers of asphalt road and start forested mountain adventure soon…

Photo:

http://www.jiznicechy.org/cz/index.php?path=prir/pancir.htm

Michal Ksiaszkiewicz