Bear Trail in Šumava
Medvědí stezka na Šumavě
Explore the oldest educational trail in Šumava, a 14 km hiking route renowned for its unique granite rock formations and historical connection to the region's last bear.

📜 The oldest educational trail in Šumava, established in 1967.
🏞️ Famous for its unique granite rock formations and historical significance.

Why Go

🚶‍♀️ Explore a 14 km hiking route (or a shorter 7 km variant) connecting Ovesná and Černý Kříž railway stations.
🗿 Discover unique rock formations like Dragon's Mouth, Rock Castle, Gingerbread Rock, Giant Cubes, and the Rock Viewpoint with views of the Vltava valley, Špičák, and Knížecí stolec.
🐻 Learn about the history of the last bear shot in Šumava in 1856 and visit the Bärenstein monument.
🌲 Enjoy scenic viewpoints of the Vltava valley, Špičák, and Jelenská hora, and see the Schwarzenberg Canal's underground tunnel and Jelení jezírko.
ℹ️ Follow the yellow tourist signs and information panels along the trail.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Suitable only for hikers, not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs due to terrain.
⛰️ Considered of medium difficulty, requiring increased caution in bad weather.

Cost

💰 Admission is free.

Getting There

🚂 Start at Ovesná railway station or Černý Kříž railway station; the route from Černý Kříž to Ovesná is physically less demanding.
🚗 Access to Jelení (for the shorter route) is possible by car from Nová Pec.

Hours

⏱️ Estimated time for the 14 km route is 3 hours 27 minutes.
☀️ Best enjoyed in summer, open year-round with caution in adverse weather.

Managed By

🤝 Operated by Informační centrum Nová Pec.

Tags
hikingnature trailoutdoornaturerock formationsŠumava