Church of Saint Stephen

Church of Saint Stephen stands right in the center of Kvilda, the highest-situated village in the Czech Šumava mountains, at an elevation of 1065 meters — making it the highest-altitude church in the entire Czech Republic, its slender tower visible above the rooftops long before you reach the village.

What is the history behind the church?

The first church on this site was built in 1765 as a wooden, single-nave structure. It was funded by Ernst Wilhelm Malovec, then owner of the Zdíkov estate, which included Kvilda. The wooden church stood for more than a century, but in 1889 a major fire swept through the village and destroyed it along with much of the settlement.

How did the current stone church come to be?

Reconstruction began in 1892, this time with a more durable stone building in the neo-Gothic style, modeled on the church in nearby Knížecí Pláně. Funding for the new building came from Prince František Thun von Hohenstein, who held extensive estates across the Šumava region. The new church was consecrated in 1894 and has served the local congregation ever since, despite the region's turbulent 20th-century history.

What stands out about the tower and its bells?

The church's distinctive tower is one of Kvilda's landmarks. In 2002 an additional bell, dedicated to the Virgin Mary Help of Christians, was hung in the tower — weighing 174 kg, it rings three times a day, marking the rhythm of village life for residents and hikers passing through on the surrounding trails.

When was the church restored?

A comprehensive restoration took place between 1994 and 1999, addressing decades of neglect that affected many churches across Šumava during the postwar period. The work returned the building to a condition suitable for regular use and helped preserve its historic character.

What role does the church play today besides worship?

Beyond its religious function, the church now also serves as a concert venue for sacred music. The building's acoustics and the intimate setting of the village make it a popular spot for concerts drawing both locals and visitors passing through Kvilda.

Why is this church worth a stop on a Šumava trip?

Kvilda sits along several popular hiking and cycling routes leading deep into Šumava National Park, and the Church of Saint Stephen serves as a natural landmark and resting point in the middle of the village. It is one of the few places in the Czech Republic where a church stands at such high elevation, surrounded by mountain meadows and forest.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Church of Saint Stephen located? In the center of the village of Kvilda in Šumava, at an elevation of 1065 meters.

Is it really the highest-altitude church in the Czech Republic? Yes, the church in Kvilda is considered the highest-situated church in the entire country.

When was the current church building constructed? Construction began in 1892 and the church was consecrated in 1894, after the earlier wooden church from 1765 burned down in a village fire in 1889.

Who funded the reconstruction of the church? The new stone church was funded by Prince František Thun von Hohenstein.

Are concerts held at the church? Yes, in addition to religious services, the building also functions as a venue for sacred music concerts.