Sušice 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.
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.
Best Things to Do in Sušice#
Sušice Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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.
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.
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 is best reached by rail or bus from Plzeň (which itself is reached from Prague). Once in town, buses, cycling and walking are good for exploring local sites; rent a car only if you plan extensive Šumava hikes.
- Regional train (ČD) (CZK 50-200) - České dráhy regional trains link Sušice with Plzeň and Klatovy. Trains are comfortable and a convenient option for reaching the town from Plzeň; services may be less frequent on weekends so check timetables in advance.
- Regional bus (CZK 30-150) - Buses connect Sušice with smaller Šumava villages and tourist trailheads. For some destinations buses are the only practical public transport; expect variable frequency outside peak season.
- Car rental (CZK 700-1,500/day) - A car is handy to explore Šumava National Park and nearby rural areas. Roads are generally in good condition; parking in Sušice town centre is straightforward but can fill up in summer.
- Taxi (CZK 200-1,000) - Local taxis are available for short transfers or early morning departures where buses/trains are limited. Agree the fare in advance for longer rides into rural areas.
- Bicycle (CZK 100-400/day) - Cycling is popular for local excursions; there are marked trails and quieter country roads. Some guesthouses offer bike rental and advice on routes.
- Walking - The historic centre of Sušice and nearby riverside paths are best explored on foot. Walking is easy and pleasant for short sightseeing trips.
Where to Stay in Sušice#
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.
Historic centre - $45-85/night
Comfortable local hotels and family-run inns around the historic centre; good value and easy access to Šumava.
Nearby Šumava gateways - $90-160/night
No true luxury hotels in town; consider nearby Kašperské Hory or larger cities for premium stays.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sušice’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.