Stožec – Forest Paths, the Vltava and Stožecká skála

Stožec combines forest, water and paths with an unusually tangible local history. The settlement was founded in the 18th century as a logging settlement on the western slope above the right bank of the Studená Vltava. Here, you can combine knowledge of nature, hiking, cycling routes and river experiences into a varied stay.

Forest knowledge on the Puštíkova Trail

A good starting point is the Puštíkova Trail: it begins about 1 km from the information centre, is 1.6 km long and forms part of a 4.5 km circular route that leads back to Stožec. Interactive educational stations focus on forest life, forest regeneration and the importance of deadwood. You will learn about forest animals and plants, play at being wildlife trackers, explore tree bark and try an activity on the subject of woodpeckers.

Chapel, rocks and paths

The hiking route via Stožecká kaple leads to Stožecká skála. The wooden Chapel of the Virgin Mary was built in 1791 above a healing-water spring at an elevation of 950 metres. The rock lies at 974 metres and is reached at the sixth kilometre. A described circular hike of 11.5 km leads back to the TIM Stožec signpost at Stožec railway station.

On the cycling route, 1.5 km beyond the junction, the path to Stožecká kaple and Stožecká skála begins. The ascent is too steep for cycling, so you have to leave your bicycles behind. Another route turns onto the Medvědí cesta near the tunnel and leads back to Stožec via Rudolfova cesta, Hučice, the Krejčová Trail and the U jelena junction on Tovární cesta. For a route described as very strenuous, the path leads from Stožec via Bonarova cesta to the Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal and onward towards Jelení Vrchy.

River landscape and places to visit

By the water, the so-called Vltava Path initially follows the course of the Studená Vltava and, from Smolná Pec, the course of the Vltava to its confluence with the Teplá Vltava in Nová Pec at the beginning of the Lipno Reservoir, the so-called “Czech Sea”. At 16 km, it is the longest inline skating path in Bohemia.

Inside, the Lesní dílna at SEV Stožec has an accessible area for craft activities, conversations and lectures. Outside, a terrace and a wooden footbridge offer views of the Studená Vltava and its surroundings. Wild swimming in the Studená Vltava is possible in Stožec; the weir that dams the water for the waterworks is described as the best place for cooling off and swimming. At the Stožec Information Centre, an exhibition presents the forest communities of Šumava National Park, its ecosystems, typical representatives of its animal and plant life, and the development of the forests.

Other places in the travel area

Other places that you can access in this travel area are Micovice, Arnostov, Krtely, Strážný, Svatá Maří, Bohumilice, Těšovice and Kubova Huť.

To the higher-level travel overview: Prachatice District.