Vlašim

Just an hour’s drive from Prague and you will find yourself in a place where history meets legends, a river winds between centuries-old trees and the silhouette of mysterious Blaník looms in the distance. Vlašim is the heart of the Region of the Knights of Blaník, but also a location full of gourmet stops.

The dominant feature of the town, the Renaissance-rebuilt château, will welcome you with the exhibitions of the Muzeum Podblanicka. You will see coats of arms of noble families, weapons and learn interesting facts from local history. And then open the gate and enter the château park, which is perfect for a romantic walk. It was built by the Auerspergs in the 18th century, and to this day you can still find the Chinese Pavilion, neo-Gothic gates and the Old Castle hidden among the trees. The local information centre offers guided tours of the park in the season, where you can also visit the interior of the otherwise inaccessible Chinese Pavilion or the Old Castle during commented walks. The Blanice River gives the park a fairytale atmosphere and each season gives it a different face.

• Tip for you: When you get tired of walking, head to the U Blanických rytířů restaurant right in the château grounds. The stylish environment with vaulted ceilings, pleasant service and Czech cuisine with a modern twist are the ideal way to diversify your trip. Try some honest ready-made cakes or a sweet treat in the form of a homemade dessert. You can drink a regional beer or homemade lemonade. 

Vlašim boasts a number of interesting monuments. The dominant feature is the rebuilt church of St. Giles, whose origins date back to 1303 and which, after a Gothic renovation in the 16th century, has retained its appearance to this day. Nearby stands the statue of St. John of Nepomuk from 1723, which moved several times over the centuries before finding its place in the alley by the rectory. The tower of the Hus Congregational House with the oldest Vlašim bell from 1438 offers a glimpse into the history and a view of the city’s panorama. Vlašim is also decorated with the Dandelion fountain, whose illuminated charm stands out especially after dark. If you don’t want to miss the most interesting places in the city, go game questing with the knight Roland.

• Interesting fact: The lonely Auersperg tomb from 1884, which is surrounded by socialist housing developments, is astonishing. A few decades ago, it was surrounded by a cemetery. The interior is also interesting, where the altar of the tomb is unconventionally oriented to the south, instead of the usual east. The reason is the orientation of the entrance to the church of St. Giles, from where a direct path led through the former cemetery. 

The Vlašim ParaZOO is not a classic zoo with dozens of species of exotic animals. These are injured or handicapped animals that can no longer return to the wild. You will meet a tame fox, a wingless eagle owl or a hedgehog that can no longer hunt. A walk through the area is not only an experience, but also a small lesson in how to protect nature and what to do if you find an injured animal.

No café-goer should miss the local café Kafíčko Vlašim, where the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and home-made desserts wafts under your nose. Enjoy your moment of relaxation in the impressive interior or in the garden with a view of the church of St. Giles. Carnivores will be perfectly satisfied by the neighbouring Kancl bistro & burger. You will love this place from the first bite into the soft bun, juicy beef and home-made fries.

What’s next?

When you say goodbye to the streets of Vlašim, continue on to other experiences in the area. Nearby, the lookout tower on Velký Blaník attracts you, from where you will have a view of the region about which the legend of the sleeping knights is told. You can end your trip in the interactive exhibition of the Dům přírody Blaníku (Blaník Nature House) near Krasovice. Children’s eyes will also light up in nearby Hulice, where you will find two tourist destinations: Bee World and Water House.