🇬🇧 English St. Wolfgang’s Waterfalls near Vyšší Brod
The so-called St. Wolfgang’s Waterfalls (also known as Wolfgang Falls) are located near the town of Vyšší Brod, upstream on the Menší Vltavice stream. They can be reached via the Abbot’s Trail (Opatská stezka) from Vyšší Brod, following the yellow hiking trail.
The term "waterfalls" may seem somewhat exaggerated to some, as these are actually a cascade of smaller waterfalls over massive boulders in the streambed of the Menší Vltavice. However, during heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt, when water rushes over the rocks, the "waterfalls" become very impressive.
Below the largest waterfall, you can stand on a wooden footbridge and enjoy a scenic view of the wild and lively waters while listening to their sounds. This spot is a beautiful place to rest in the heart of unspoiled nature. It’s also a rare location where you might spot a white-throated dipper or a kingfisher. Mossy streambeds provide habitat for torrent-loving invertebrates, and occasionally the rare stone crayfish can be seen.
The local water is acidic (pH 6.6–6.8) and its temperature can drop to freezing in winter; even in the hottest summer it rarely exceeds 10°C.
How to get there
The waterfalls are accessible via the Abbot’s Trail from the Vyšší Brod Monastery and town center, marked with a yellow hiking trail. The distance from the town center is just under 2 kilometers.
