The path ahead of us looks like it has been wrapped in a soft layer of cotton. All we could see was the endless whiteness. We hear the sound of the snow crunching beneath our feet every time we take another step. If it wasn't for the constant falling of snowflakes you would think that it was a picture of a perfect winter wonderland. Seeing the white on the branches gave the trees a grandeur. The snow on the evergreens conjured a Christmas spirit even if it's already the binning of February. The air was crisp and fresh. There’s enough bite in the air to keep us wanting to move and yet not enough cold to cause discomfort. All of a sudden we see a clearing in the middle of the forest. As if it was magic - bibbidi-bobbidi-boo - there is a bar!
WHAT IS IT
Okay, I might have exaggerated a tiny little bit in the introduction. I actually knew what I was getting myself into when I started walking but that doesn't mean that the experience was any less magical. The Lesní Bar is a self-service bar located in the village of Lipová - lázně, in the district of Horní Lipová which is fairly easy to reach by train.
Their whole system is based on honesty. Whatever you consume, may it be a drink or a snack, you have to leave the money for it in a little cash box. The people who run the bar say that "Above all, we strive to ease your strenuous uphill trips with tasteful rest areas and shelters" which they effortlessly succeed in!
THE WALK
If you are scared that the walk to this bar might be to strenuous don't worry! It is a 2 km walk from the Horní Lipová train station that takes about 30 minutes. You also don't have to be afraid of steep hills which makes it a perfect walk for all ages!
This was the first time that I was lucky enough to have company on my trip - one of my coworkers, her two daughters and Tina joined me on my adventure which made the walk double the fun.
It was like stepping into a scene of a Christmas movie. As we were walking uphill we were met by dogs running our way and greeted by people who were sledding down the path. The snow was too perfect not to have a snowball fight and build a snowman. If you pay attention to your surroundings you might even find some wooden figures that are hiding in the forest. And if you ever think that you might have lost your way (which is nearly impossible) just follow the mushrooms - they will lead the way.
If you feel like you would like to take a longer walk, don't hesitate! There is also a possibility to walk a 4,5 km path that will lead you to another bar that is just as breathtaking as this one.
THE BAR
Once you reached the bar and are ready to settle down for a while the bar leaves nothing to be desired. We grabbed some grill skewers and sausages and gathered around the campfire. There are two options to roast your meat in case the bar gets crowded. There also are multiple benches - some of them are in a roofed hut and others are outside.
It was a very special experience to roast my own food while standing in the snow. I really can't compare it to anything I have ever done but it is a bit like going on a camping trip without actually having to sleep in the wilderness or having to care about organising anything!
There are snacks and drink options for everyone! From juice to beer and mulled wine and from typical czech sausages to the famous Branná Kremrolen. Everything is very reasonably priced so you really don't have to worry about money! I bet that a lot of people would be willing to pay a lot more for an experience like this.
THOUGHTS
This bar is one of the real hidden gems of the whole Czech Republic! It doesn't matter at what time of the year to decide to visit this place - the important thing is that you do. I am so glad that I was able to visit the Lesní Bar. The fact that the idea of a self-service bar that is based on honesty is so well received and works so well really restored my place in humanity a little. Coming together after a walk through breathtaking nature to roast sausages over an open fire and chat sounds like the perfect trip to me. While we were walking I really felt that this is something that I want to show everyone who steps food in the Czech Republic and people probably won't hear me shut up about it for a while now.