Stožec was founded in the 18th century as a logging settlement on the western slope above the right bank of the Studená Vltava. Forest themes, hiking trails and the river offer different perspectives on the town. The Puštíkova stezka focuses on forest life; other routes lead to Stožecká kaple and Stožecká skála. You can also swim in the wild in the Studená Vltava.
Forest themes on the Puštíkova stezka
The Puštíkova stezka focuses on forest life, forest regeneration and the importance of deadwood. Interactive educational stations explore these themes. Visitors learn about forest animals and plants, play at being wildlife trackers, explore tree bark and try an activity about woodpeckers. The trail combines learning with practical activities.
The trail 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. The two distances give you different reference points for planning: the Puštíkova stezka is one section of the longer loop.
Exhibition and Lesní dílna
The Stožec Information Centre’s exhibition presents the forest communities of Šumava National Park and its ecosystems. Typical representatives of the local flora and fauna, as well as the development of the forests, are also among the exhibition’s themes. Visitors interested in the connections between forests and their habitats will find a different perspective here than at the interactive stations on the Puštíkova stezka.
Lesní dílna at SEV Stožec has an accessible indoor space for crafts, discussions and talks. Outside, there is a terrace and a wooden walkway overlooking the Studená Vltava and its surroundings. Lesní dílna therefore offers both an indoor space and outdoor spots with river views.
Hiking trails to Stožecká kaple and Stožecká skála
A hiking route reaches Stožecká skála via Stožecká kaple. The chapel is at an elevation of 950 m and the rock at 974 m; the rock is reached at the sixth kilometre. On a cycling route, a turn-off to both destinations begins 1.5 km beyond the junction. The climb is too steep to cycle, so you will need to leave your bikes before completing this section on foot.
Other routes vary in length and difficulty. One route, described as very strenuous, leads from Stožec via Bonarova cesta to the Schwarzenberg Navigation Canal and then towards Jelení Vrchy. Another route turns onto Medvědí cesta near the tunnel, then returns to Stožec via Rudolfova cesta, Hučice, the Krejčová trail and the junction at U jelena on Tovární cesta. A 11.5 km circular hike leads back to the TIM Stožec signpost at Stožec railway station.
Studená Vltava: Inline skating and swimming
The so-called Vltava Path initially follows the course of the Studená Vltava. From Smolná Pec, it runs along the Vltava to its confluence with the Teplá Vltava in Nová Pec. The Lipno Reservoir, also known as the “Czech Sea,” begins there. At 16 km, the Vltava Path is the longest inline skating route in Bohemia. Check the condition of the surface and route locally.
Wild swimming in the Studená Vltava is possible in Stožec. The weir, which holds back water for the waterworks, is described as the best spot to cool off and swim. Local conditions may vary; check them before swimming.
Discover more destinations: Außergefild, Trhonin, Volary, Kristanov, Olšovice, Buk Pod Boubínem, Dvory U Lažišť, Chvalovice U Netolic
For the wider travel overview: Prachatice District.
