Stožec: Gateway to Šumava National Park

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Discover Stožec: A charming village nestled in the heart of Šumava National Park, offering serene nature and historical pilgrimage sites.

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Stožec, nestled in the valley of the Studená Vltava River, is a charming village and a prime access point to the Šumava National Park. Known for its tranquil forests and the iconic Stožec Chapel, it's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

A brief summary to Stožec

Stožec-Volary, 384 51, CZ
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Stožec.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the forest trails and reach the Stožec Chapel.
Visit the Šumava National Park Information Center in Stožec for maps and details on hiking routes.
Plan your visit to coincide with the main pilgrimage to the Stožec Chapel, held on the first Sunday after August 14.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Stožec train station or village center, the Stožec Chapel is approximately a 4 km walk. Follow the marked trails through the forest, which gradually ascend towards the chapel. The path is well-maintained but can be steep in sections. Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the walk to fully enjoy the scenery.
Public Transport

Buses connect Stožec with nearby villages such as Volary and České Žleby, but service is infrequent. Check the current bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the Stožec bus stop, it's a short walk to the village center and the start of the trail to Stožec Chapel. A train is also an option.
Parking

Parking is available in Stožec. From the parking area, follow the signs towards the village center and the marked trails to Stožec Chapel. Parking costs around 100 CZK for the whole day.

Discover more about Stožec

Stožec, a village in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, offers a serene escape into nature. Situated in the valley of the Studená Vltava River, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the Šumava National Park. Originally founded as a wood-cutting settlement around 1769, Stožec has transformed into a popular tourist destination, retaining its historical charm while embracing the beauty of its natural surroundings. The village is composed of several settlements spread along the banks of the Studená Vltava river. Its history includes an interesting event from February 1850, where a battle between Bavarian poachers and loggers occurred. In the early 20th century, Stožec experienced significant growth, marked by the construction of a railway line connecting it to neighboring regions and Bavaria in 1910. One of the most notable landmarks in Stožec is the Stožec Chapel, a wooden pilgrimage chapel built in 1791. Situated at an elevation of 950 meters, the chapel is accessible via a scenic 4-kilometer walk through the Stožec Forest. The chapel was erected as a token of gratitude for the miraculous healing of vision, and it is built near a spring believed to have healing properties. The chapel became a popular pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors. Today, Stožec is favored by tourists for its location amidst extensive forests, providing opportunities for hiking and cycling. The Vltava Path, a long in-line skating path in Bohemia, begins near Stožec.