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Visiting Wasserfall St. Wolfgang (Waterfalls) at Lake Lipno
| Accessible to public transportation? No | Level of challenge: Medium |
| Duration of excursion: Approximately 3 hours | Type of outing: Hike |
| Ease of access: No | Expense: No cost involved |
| Open in winter? Yes | Location: Vyšší Brod |
Background
Wasserfall St. Wolfgang (Vodopády sv. Wolfganga or St. Wolfgang Waterfalls) is a hidden gem just 15 minutes from Lipno Lake. These falls are near the town of Vyšší Brod and are nestled in a beautiful natural setting. The walking path follows a stream, providing a serene environment where you can enjoy the sound of flowing water and even wade in the cold, clear stream. The highlight of the walk is reaching the falls themselves, with the tallest one standing at around 3 meters high. While the waterfalls aren’t massive, they are impressive and create a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
Visiting Wasserfall St. Wolfgang at Lake Lipno.
Psst: Planning a trip to Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake? Here are some other posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake in the South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Things to do in Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake
Slideland Bobova Draha Lipno
The Forest Kingdom Lipno
Treetop Trail Lipno
Wasserfall St. Wolfgang
Personal Recommendation: We enjoyed our visit to Wasserfall St. Wolfgang, but to be honest, we didn’t find them particularly special compared to other waterfalls we’ve seen around the world. However, this place can offer a very impressive experience for those unfamiliar with the Czech forest. Our kids especially loved wading in the cool water, although they did struggle a bit with the initial uphill walk. In conclusion, a visit to the falls offers a nice glimpse of the Czech forest, but it’s probably only worth your time if you have plenty of time to spend at Lipno Lake.
Location
The Wasserfall St. Wolfgang is located to the east of Lipno Lake, only a 15-minute drive away. They are situated close to the town of Vyšší Brod, making them an easy and convenient destination for anyone staying near the lake or visiting the area.
What Can Be Found There?
The main attraction is a relatively easy walking trail that runs alongside a small, flowing stream. The trail is about 3 kilometers long from the starting point at the Vyšší Brod Monastery to the waterfalls and back. If you’re up for a bit more exploration, you can extend your hike by following a yellow-marked route that circles the waterfalls, creating a figure-eight path that is about 4 kilometers long.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach two waterfall viewpoints. The first features a small bridge where you can stop and take in the view, and the second leads to the largest of the falls, which is around 3 meters high.
How to Get There
To reach Wasserfall St. Wolfgang, you’ll need to drive. There are two parking options:
- Option 1: Park in the lot in front of Pension a Restaurant Inge (map). There is an attendant in a yellow shirt who will issue parking tickets. Parking costs 30 CZK per hour (as of 2024) and must be paid in cash.
- Option 2: You can also drive directly into the Vyšší Brod Monastery complex and park there for free (map). Just follow the signs for the café and the free parking. From the monastery, follow the yellow trail markers to start your hike.
Who Is It For?
Families with Children: The trail is suitable for all ages. The path is not too steep, so most children should be able to handle it without too much trouble. However, be aware that some kids may find the walk from the monastery to the falls a bit challenging.
Strollers and Wheelchairs: Unfortunately, the trail is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to rocky terrain.
Opening Hours
The forest and trail are open year-round, but it’s best to avoid visiting in the winter. The cold weather and icy conditions can make the trail difficult to navigate and may take away from the experience.
Cost
There is no admission fee to visit Wasserfall St. Wolfgang. However, parking does come with a small fee unless you choose the free option at the monastery.
Services
There are no services, restrooms, or restaurants along the trail itself, so plan accordingly. However, there is a restaurant at the beginning of the trail, right across from the parking lot, where you can grab a bite to eat before or after your hike.
What Can Be Found Nearby?
After visiting Wasserfall St. Wolfgang, there are other attractions nearby to explore:
- Rafting on the Vltava River: Experience an adventure on the water with rafting trips available on the nearby Vltava River.
- The Devil’s Wall (Čertova Stěna): A dramatic natural rock formation that’s well worth a visit if you enjoy stunning geological features.
- Lipno Lake: Of course, the beautiful Lipno Lake itself offers a variety of recreational activities, from swimming and boating to hiking and cycling along its shores.
Interesting Facts
- Wasserfall St. Wolfgang is not a naturally occurring waterfall but rather an artificial one, yet it blends beautifully with the natural surroundings.
- The falls and the surrounding area are named after St. Wolfgang, a revered figure in local legend who is said to have lived as a hermit in the area.
- The Vyšší Brod Monastery, which serves as the starting point for the hike, is one of the most important historical sites in the region, with roots dating back to the 13th century.
Wasserfall St. Wolfgang is a peaceful and beautiful destination, perfect for a short nature walk while exploring the Lipno Lake area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat into nature or just a place to stretch your legs, this spot offers a lovely experience for visitors of all ages.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Prague Itinerary (3, 4, or 5 Days)
Psst: Planning a trip to Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake? Here are some other posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Lipno Lake in the South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Things to do in Lipno nad Vltavou, Lipno Dam and Lipno Lake
Slideland Bobova Draha Lipno
The Forest Kingdom Lipno
Treetop Trail Lipno
Wasserfall St. Wolfgang
Checklist Before the Flight:
- Air Ticket or Train Ticket to Prague: Ensure you have your travel tickets booked and ready. Find your next flight by Kiwi or Agoda.
- Book your accommodation in advance, preferably in Prague 1.
- Consider purchasing an eSIM card for easy internet access, using the Airalo app.
- Download Applications for Easy Mobility: BOLT for taxis and the PID public transport card application.
- Buy tickets to Popular Attractions in advance to avoid queues at major attractions.
- If you plan to explore out of Prague, consider renting a car for easy mobility.
What questions can I answer? Let me know below!
