The term "marginality" generally indicates the phenomenon of being located or positioned out of the centre. Marginality cannot be thus considered absolutely; it has the form of logical relation. Defining it we have to state who/what is located out of what centre. Present Czech situation is characterized by an effort to a play with market economy and parliament democracy. To master and use rules of this play becomes a tool of social drift by means of which individual members of society or even whole social groups can win recognition. People who do not have possibilities, conditions or liking to compete with others become "marginal". In socio-cultural context, marginality means the impossibility of individual society members or social groups to participate in main societal development trends. In this sense it is practically the reverse of participation. Local population’s life style and strategies have been investigated in the study area of Šumava Mts. Development of leisure activities and related services have been recognized as the most promising development strategy in the short run while development of spa and sanatorium facilities appear do be predominant activities for the longer term "desired future". The main issue addressed in this article is twofold – the question whether or not, or to what extent there is a potential niche of leisure time activities development in the study area, and the assessment of circumstances under which it is likely to expect that the potential niche can be realized.