Vimperk Walking Circuit

Vimperk and the Golden Path

At the lower end of today’s Steinbrener Street stood the town gate through which mule caravans once departed along the Golden Path to Passau. The Golden Path connected the Czech lands with the German Danube region and further south. The name "golden" was used from the early 16th century to express the wealth generated by local trade. Earlier names reflected the route’s destination (Passau, Prachatice) or the goods transported (salt).

Though possibly used since prehistoric times, the first recorded mention of the Golden Path is from the 11th century. The original route led from Passau to what is now Stará Prachatice. Increasing traffic led to additional branches, and Vimperk became a destination for one of these in the early 14th century. The Vimperk branch is first mentioned in a charter dated July 9, 1312. In 1359, a document from Charles IV refers to the road as the “salt road.” To protect the route, Kunžvart Castle was built in the first half of the 14th century near the present-day Strážný border crossing.

The Vimperk branch split from the main Prachatice route near Ernsting in the Passau bishopric, crossed the Czech border near present-day Strážný, and continued through what are now Horní Vltavice, Kubova Huť, Arnoštka, and Solná Lhota to Vimperk. Salt from Alpine deposits was the main commodity imported to Bohemia. Other goods coming from Passau included fine textiles, southern fruits, spices, and wine. Goods exported included grain, malt, honey, hops, wool, leather, beer, and livestock. The Golden Path reached its peak in the 14th and especially the 16th century. The Thirty Years' War and competition from Bavarian and Austrian salt imported via Linz to České Budějovice caused a decline in the 17th century, and the route disappeared completely in the early 18th century. The town gate at the start of the Vimperk branch was demolished in 1842 due to disrepair.

Klášterský Viaduct

Also known as “Klášterák,” this significant technical monument lies on the Vimperk–Volary railway. The large masonry four-arch bridge was built at the end of the 19th century. The full route opened on July 9, 1900.

Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Built in 1852. Its interior was painted in 1935 by master painter Stingl of Vimperk and his apprentice Scheckinger of Klášterec. Since 1898, one mass per year was permitted to be held in the chapel. The bell was confiscated for wartime purposes in 1941. A new bell was purchased and consecrated in 1942 by dean Gabriel of Vimperk. The last service was held on June 21, 1946. The chapel was restored to its current state thanks to the Protiva family of Plattling, especially Mrs. Protiva, a native of Klášterec. Restoration work took place in 1993.

Water Supply – Solar System

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the town gained essential infrastructure, including a water supply system. Construction began in 1888 and was completed a year later. Reconstruction and upgrades took place in 1908–1909.

Map download available at: ftp2.vimperk.cz