Educational Trail around Bělčice

Bělčice lies in the Blatná Uplands, 8 km north of Blatná. It is the birthplace of poet and writer Ladislav Stehlík, author of Země zamyšlená (“The Contemplative Land”). The Blatná–Březnice railway passes through the town. In the centre stands the Church of St Peter and Paul, built in 1240 in Romanesque style, notable for its unique diamond-patterned cellared vault. Beside it rises a freestanding, 39 m high bell-tower, the dominant feature of Bělčice. Other sights include the town hall, an 1894 fountain, and Baroque statues of St John of Nepomuk and St Barbara. Another famous native is Jindřich Kučera, mycologist, botanist and writer, who taught here for over 30 years.

The interpretive trail is about 9.5 km long, suitable for walking or cycling, and starts at J. Kučera Square in Bělčice, heading towards Újezdec.

Just behind the square stands a glass workshop run by the Vlasák family, producing replicas of historical glassware. Their pale-green products – mugs, goblets, jugs and full sets – bear the “Regional Product Prácheňsko” label and are both decorative and practical. Nearby is the birth house of Ladislav Stehlík, displaying his books.

Leaving town, a quiet road offers views of the 46 ha Great Bělčice Pond. Beyond Bělčice you pass the „Višňovka“ motocross track. In Újezdec you reach the ancient Church of St Ursula (Romanesque origin). In front stands a monumental sycamore maple named after L. Stehlík. About 50 m further opens a panorama across the village to the Brdy Forests with Mount Třemšín.

Following the yellow trail, you come to the Great Bělčice Pond, ideal for swimming and sport fishing (permit required). In the garden of the fish-keeper’s lodge grows the 260-year-old protected Huťská Lime. Continue along a lane past Pond Velký Škrabák to Závišín, linked to painter Mikoláš Aleš, who spent part of his childhood here. On his school walks to Bělčice he admired a holy image on a pear tree by the Klusák Pond dyke; today the tree is protected as the Aleš Pear. Along the Závišín Stream gold-panning mounds (“sejpy”) are still visible. From Závišín it is a little over 1 km back to Bělčice.

Municipality of Bělčice: http://www.belcice.cz/
Blatensko Municipal Union: http://www.blatensko.eu/