Article Small Javor Lake
A lake with a mystical atmosphere of the Šumava wilderness
At the northwestern foot of the highest mountain in the Šumava region, Velký Javor, lies the Small Javor Lake (German: Kleiner Arbersee).
It is a quiet, romantic place hidden in the Bavarian Forest just a short distance from the Czech border. Surrounded by dense forests and a quiet atmosphere, it feels like a fairy-tale corner of nature. The road to it is pleasant and manageable even for recreational tourists. There is no road leading to the lake, so the place is not as overpopulated as the Great Javor Lake.
Glacial lake
Malé Javorské jezero lies at an altitude of 918 meters and was formed, like other Šumava lakes, by the retreat of a glacier more than 10,000 years ago. It is one of nine Šumava glacial lakes, has an area of 6.36 hectares and a maximum depth of 12 meters.
The lake only reached its current size in 1885, when it was dammed for timber floating. In the spring, the felled timber was transported by the tidal wave into the valley.
Round trip
There is a nature trail (approx. 3 km) around the entire lake. It is an easy walk that you can do even in sandals. The path takes you through dense forests, past peat bogs and offers the best angles for photos of the floating islands.
Romantic surroundings
A lake wall (Seewände) rises above the western shore. The lake provides a home to rare animals such as otters, beavers and grouse, and is part of a 307.5-hectare nature reserve with strict regulations to protect the unique flora and fauna.
Floating islands
The lake is home to a unique feature in the world: floating islands. They were created by rising sea levels when the heathland, thanks to its light peat content, found itself on the surface.
These peat and moss formations are not firmly connected to the seabed. They can be up to 3.5 meters thick and move freely depending on the wind and water level. Entry to the islands is strictly prohibited! They are home to rare carnivorous plants and the critically endangered capercaillie.
Chalet
Right on the northwestern shore of the lake stands the Seehütte mountain hut, which offers excellent Bavarian cuisine and a terrace from which you can observe the dark lake surface.
Outlet
The Seebach stream flows out of the lake, which is the source of the White Regen River.
