With the Castle at Your Back

Here’s an inspiring idea for a lovely bike ride through the undulating countryside south of Sedlčany, where you’ll constantly be accompanied by the dominant landmark of the region – Vysoký Chlumec Castle. You’ll be surprised how it “keeps an eye on you,” appearing again and again on the horizon.

Route and What to See

Let’s set off together from Sedlčany along the official Greenways route towards Janov and Dohnalova Lhota. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, with pastures full of horses and other farm animals.

A gentle descent takes you past Radč to Jesenice, where you can also explore the educational trail leading up Kalvárie Hill, even with your bike. Near the church, you’ll find a rest area and a map that will help you continue your journey to Nedrahovice.

If the uphill climb to this village seems daunting and you’re wondering how challenging the rest of the hilly route might be, you can shorten your return trip via Kamenice. At the edge of Nedrahovice, compare the mural of Vysoký Chlumec Castle on the local hunting lodge to the real thing. In Kamenice, don’t miss the old stone footbridge by the chapel, and during the steep ascent to Úklid, don’t forget to glance back at the castle.

In Úklid, be sure to see the successor to the former Hus’s Linden Tree, under which the reformer is said to have preached, according to legend. After passing through the forests of Úklid, you’ll reach a crossroads where you can decide whether to head straight for the castle or return to Sedlčany via Libíň.

More adventurous cyclists can head from Nedrahovice to Zadní Boudy, where you’ll find another educational trail leading to the ruins of the medieval Zvěřinec Castle. However, this route isn’t ideal for bikes, so let’s save this idea for a future hike and continue instead to Nové Dvory. Along the way, you’ll spot an old canal in the woods that drains water from the Novodvorský Pond.

As you curve right above Nové Dvory toward Ředice, see if you can once again spot the castle peeking out between the hills and forests. At the small chapel in Mokřany, take a breather – from this point on, the rolling Sedlčany region becomes more accommodating. After a few climbs, you’ll be rewarded with a pleasant descent to Nechvalice and Veselíčko, where we recommend a break at the local rest stop to soak in the unique view across the landscape.

We probably don’t need to point out the unmissable castle anymore, but the village spread out beneath you is Rovina. From here, you can see all the way to Sedlčany. Still, if you wish, you can extend your ride via Skuhrov and Počepice, where you’ll find a great spot to refresh at the pub and shop at the edge of the village.

Along the road from Počepice to Vysoký Chlumec, you’ll notice two statues of saints – and then the castle itself. Although it is not open to the public, you can visit the information centre in the village or stop by the local open-air museum. If you simply pass below the castle, you’ll also see the Lobkowicz brewery. The return trip to Sedlčany will be the cherry on top of your ride – it’s almost entirely downhill.

What to Experience

• Enjoy views of Vysoký Chlumec Castle and the beautiful rolling countryside
• Climb the Way of the Cross in Jesenice
• In Počepice, try Toulava pastries from the Hejhal family and play Adventure Golf
• Visit the open-air folk architecture museum in Vysoký Chlumec
• Reward yourself in Chlumec with a brewery tour and tasting (reservation required)

With the Toulavka Card

• Adventure Golf Počepice – one free hour with each paid hour
• Open-Air Museum Vysoký Chlumec – second ticket free with each admission
• Brewery Restaurant & Inn Židovna Vysoký Chlumec – free beer tasting with the purchase of a daily menu

Find all bonuses and discounts at: www.toulava.cz/karta