Sušice Travel Guide

City City in Plzeň Region, known for beer production

A river town on the Otava, Sušice feeds hikers heading into Šumava; visitors raft or fish the river, browse a prune-cured local cuisine, and trace timber-framed streets to small museums.

Main image
Wikivoyage banner
Costs
Typical daily budget: $45-90
Budget-friendly Czech small town living; affordable meals and lodging.
Safety
Very safe, low crime
Low crime and relaxed atmosphere; safe for solo daytime exploration.
Best Time
May-September
Late spring to early autumn for hiking, kayaking and outdoor activities.
Time
Weather
Population
11,483
Infrastructure & Convenience
Compact and walkable; local buses and regional trains connect to larger towns.
Popularity
Mainly attracts Czech visitors and outdoor enthusiasts rather than international crowds.
Known For
Otava River frontage, gateway to Šumava, kayaking and rafting, historic centre, regional festivals, cycling trails, timber and folk crafts, local cuisine
Serves as a southern gateway to the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) with easy access to mountain trails and rivers.

Why Visit Sušice? #

Tucked on the Otava River at the edge of the Šumava foothills, this market town appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of traditional mountain culture. Riverside walks, canoeing and access to Šumava National Park sit alongside a historic centre with churches and timber-framed houses. Local smoked trout and woodcarving crafts reflect the area’s culinary and artisan heritage, making it a quiet base for nature and regional traditions.

Top Things to Do in Sušice

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Klostermann Memorial and Šumava Museum - Local literary memorial and Šumava museum showcasing regional history and nature.
  • Sušice Town Square - Historic market square beside the Otava River with cafés and periodic markets.
  • 19th-century Town Hall - 19th-century town hall with clock tower overlooking the main square and river.
Hidden Gems
  • Otava River promenade - Riverside path along the Otava offering tranquil walks and fishing spots.
  • Preserved synagogue memorial - Small memorial and preserved synagogue site recounting Jewish community history.
  • Local Šumava forest trails - Forest trails leading into Šumava National Park, ideal for hiking and cycling.
Day Trips
  • Kašperk Castle - Medieval Kašperk Castle perched above forested hills, reachable by short drive.
  • Šumava National Park - Extensive Šumava National Park with lakes, peat bogs and marked hiking routes nearby.

Best Time to Visit Sušice #

Sušice is most enjoyable from late spring through early autumn when the mountains and rivers are accessible and weather is mild for hiking and rafting. Winters are cold and snowy - great if you like winter sports and quiet villages.

Winter
December - February · -6 to 2 °C (21-36 °F)
Cold, snowy winters great for cross-country skiing and cozy pubs; some hiking trails are closed and roads can be slushy.
Spring / Autumn
March - May; September - November · 4 to 14 °C (39-57 °F)
Cool, changeable weather with vivid forests and fewer tourists; excellent for photography, cycling, and easy hikes before or after peak season.
Summer
June - August · 13 to 24 °C (55-75 °F)
Mild, pleasant summers perfect for river activities, rafting nearby, forest hikes and long daylight; occasional thunderstorms are short-lived and keep temperatures comfortable.

Best Time to Visit Sušice #

Climate

Sušice's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (881 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-26°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
15.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
15.6h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
14.2h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

30 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

How to Get to Sušice

Sušice sits on the edge of the Šumava foothills and is best reached from Prague via Plzeň by regional train or bus. Plzeň is the primary rail hub for onward connections to Sušice.

By Air

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): Prague is the main international gateway for reaching Sušice. From PRG travel by train to Plzeň (Plzeň hlavní nádraží) and then take a regional train or bus to Sušice; total travel time is typically 2.5-3.5 hours depending on connections.

Plzeň (Pilsen) - regional access: Plzeň (no major international flights) is the nearest major rail hub; travellers arriving at PRG usually change in Plzeň for regional services to Sušice. Plzeň-Sušice by rail takes around 1-1.5 hours.

By Train & Bus

Train: Sušice has a railway station served by regional ČD trains on lines connecting Plzeň and Klatovy / Železná Ruda. Plzeň to Sušice is typically around 1-1.5 hours by regional rail; check České dráhy timetables for current services and fares.

Bus: Regional buses supplement rail connections, linking Sušice with smaller villages and tourist sites in Šumava. Buses can be a practical choice for destinations not directly served by rail and for certain seasonal routes.

How to Get Around Sušice #

Sušice’s centre is very walkable, with most cafés and sights reachable on foot. Regional trains and buses link the town to Plzeň and other Šumava-area destinations, though schedules can be sparse on weekends. Taxis are available but not numerous; cycling is handy for nearby nature spots. Have small cash amounts for rural bus fares.

Where to Stay in Sušice #

Budget
City centre / near station - $20-45/night
Sušice has several inexpensive guesthouses and pensions; basic stays near the river and train station are most common.
Mid-Range
Historic centre - $45-85/night
Comfortable local hotels and family-run inns around the historic centre; good value and easy access to Šumava.
Luxury
Nearby Šumava gateways - $90-160/night
No true luxury hotels in town; consider nearby Kašperské Hory or larger cities for premium stays.

Where to Eat in Sušice #

Local Food
Cafés & Bakery

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sušice's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Burger
Local
Pizza
French
Barbecue
Coffee Shop

Nightlife in Sušice #

Evenings in Sušice are quiet, centred on a few local pubs, wine bars and hotel restaurants. Nightlife is aimed at residents and visitors winding down after outdoor activities. Don’t expect a late-night scene; plan relaxed evenings or short trips to bigger towns for more options.

Shopping in Sušice #

Shopping is local and service-focused: grocery stores, small specialty shops and a handful of souvenir stalls aimed at hikers. You won’t find large shopping centres here. For specialty purchases or a wider retail choice, travel to larger regional centres.

Nearby Cities #