Rozhledna Soumarský most

The Soumarský most observation tower is a wooden lookout on the Šumava, a few kilometers west of Volary, standing near the spot where the medieval Golden Trail (Zlatá stezka) once crossed the Teplá Vltava river. The tower rises in the middle of a nature trail running through the Soumarské rašeliniště peat bog, and it's the kind of stop that turns an easy walk into a proper viewpoint experience.

How do you get there?

The starting point sits roughly 5–6 km west of Volary, right by the historic Soumarský most bridge over the Teplá Vltava. From there, a nature trail leads across the peatland to the tower itself. The walk is short and doesn't require special preparation, though sturdy footwear helps since the ground around the bog can be damp. By car, the easiest approach is to park near the bridge and continue on foot.

What can you see from the tower?

The tower stands about 9 meters tall, and 31 steps lead up to the viewing platform at a height of just over 6 meters. From there, the view opens toward Stožec, the Boubín ridge, and the Želnava plateau — a landscape typical of this part of the Šumava, with rolling forested hills framing the open bog right below the platform.

The nature trail the tower belongs to also tells the story of the renaturalized peat bog known as Haidfilz, along with the area's industrial past: a water hammer, a sawmill, a small hydroelectric station, and a railway stop that has since vanished without a trace. It's worth pausing at the information panels along the way rather than just climbing the tower and turning back.

When should you visit?

The tower and the entire nature trail are freely open every day from June to October. Outside that window, access is closed to protect the highly endangered black grouse (tetřívek obecný), which winters in this part of the peatland. It's worth keeping this closure in mind when planning a trip, especially in early spring or late autumn, since the dates tend to be enforced strictly.

Who is this spot for?

It's a good pick for families with children and anyone after a calm, short walk with something to learn along the way — nature, industrial history, and a viewpoint all packed into one easy route. Photographers will appreciate the open outlook from the platform, especially in the early morning when mist often settles over the bog.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Soumarský most observation tower? The tower is about 9 meters high, with a viewing platform at just over 6 meters, reached by 31 steps.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the tower is freely accessible without charge during the open season from June to October.

Why is the tower closed in winter? The nature trail and tower close outside the June–October season to protect the highly endangered black grouse, which winters on this stretch of the peatland.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Right next to the tower is the historic Soumarský most bridge over the Teplá Vltava, plus trail panels covering the area's former water hammer, sawmill, hydroelectric station, and a now-vanished railway stop.