Stožec: Forest Trails, Forest Knowledge and the Studená Vltava

Stožec was founded in the 18th century as a logging settlement on the western slope above the right bank of the Studená Vltava. When planning a stay, you can choose from several focuses: forest themes at the information centre and on an educational trail, several routes to notable points, options by the river, and an inline skating trail. Trail lengths, elevation figures and the activity involved provide concrete criteria to help you choose.

Forest Knowledge at the Exhibition and on the Educational Trail

An exhibition at the Stožec Information Centre explores the forest communities of Šumava National Park, its ecosystems, typical animal and plant species, and the development of its forests. The Puštíkova stezka offers a different approach, with interactive educational stations about forest life, forest regeneration and the importance of deadwood. It starts 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. Along the way, you can learn about forest animals and plants, play a tracking game, explore tree bark and try an activity about woodpeckers. When choosing a route, it is important to distinguish between the educational trail and the circular route: 1.6 km refers to the trail, while 4.5 km covers the entire loop.

Hiking Routes and Waypoints

One hiking route reaches Stožecká skála via Stožecká kaple. The chapel is at an elevation of 950 metres, while the rock is at 974 metres; the rock is reached at the sixth kilometre. This lets you match two named stops with two elevation figures on the route. On a cycling route, a detour to the chapel and the rock begins 1.5 km beyond the junction. The climb is too steep to cycle, so you will need to leave your bike behind. Bear in mind that this detour cannot be covered by bike.

Another route turns onto the Medvědí cesta near the tunnel. It returns to Stožec along Tovární cesta, via Rudolfova cesta, Hučice, the Krejčová trail and the U jelena junction. From Stožec, a route described as very strenuous follows Bonarova cesta to the Schwarzenberg Floating Canal and continues towards Jelení Vrchy. The route details offer different ways to help you decide: for one route, the sequence of specific trail names is relevant; for the other, it is the stated level of difficulty. An 11.5 km circular hike returns to the TIM Stožec signpost at Stožec railway station.

Inline Skating, River Views and Swimming

The so-called Vltava Path initially follows the Studená Vltava and, from Smolná Pec, the Vltava as far as its confluence with the Teplá Vltava in Nová Pec. The Lipno Reservoir begins there and is also known as the “Czech Sea.” At 16 km, the Vltava Path is the longest inline skating trail in Bohemia. If you plan to use it, check the surface and trail conditions locally.

Lesní dílna at SEV Stožec has an accessible indoor area for craft activities, discussions and lectures. Outside, a terrace and wooden footbridge offer views of the Studená Vltava and its surroundings. Swimming in the wild is possible in the Studená Vltava at Stožec. The weir that dams the water for the waterworks is described as the best place to cool off and swim. As local conditions can vary, check them before swimming.

Discover more destinations: Smedec, Svihov, Olšovice, Chvalovice U Netolic, Svatá Maří, Račov, Trhonin, Budkov

Back to the main travel overview: Okres Prachatice.