The paths through the Šumava mountains are mentioned for the first time in 11th century. One of the oldest is the Golden trade route. The route connected our state with the area around the town Passau. It was mainly used for the transport of the salt from the Alps. The part going through Kašperské Hory was made by the king Charles IV. There were castles built along the routes for the protection and safety. One of the most famous is the castle Kašperk.