CZ, Šumava: Stožec – Not Far Away from “West” Germany

What should draw your attention is local chapel and ainfocenter , or rather an exhibition placed there. Wooden boards informs of flora and fauna living in the area, development of Šumava landscape, historical and technical sights. An ecology lecture is well-understandable and informative even for the smallest visitors, moreover there are also brain teasers, entertaining outdoor exhibition and projection room. A stuffed elk dominates the whole complex, the animal was mortally wounded and here it got a dignified place.

One of the sights mention on infoboards is the Stožec chapel. It symbolizes a pilgrim destination accessible from various directions. There is only one route in winter, though – a way to Stožecká rock, other access routes are well-maintained cross-country tracks and it is better if tourists don’t spoil them. A pro of the winter rout is a walk in original forest vegetation that is almost indistinguishable from the Boubín virgin forest . The forest is located in fenced area of Stožecká rcok slope.

Surroundings of Stožec is sutiable for cross-country skiers, the closest ski slope is four kilometers away in České Žleby and on the other side of the border there is Skicenter Mitterdorf in Philippsreutu (20 kilometes), a local skibus goes there. Cross-country tracks change to bicycle tracks every summer.

Locals are mostly old residents who remember expulsion of Germans from Czechoslovakia that took place after the Second World War. They are very friendly and you can get know them better in regularly held events, e.g. on a racket trip across local landscape, on workshops or informative lectures.

Text and photo: Monika Babická