Benešov District: Castles, Museums and Nature

Benešov District can be explored through a range of themes: the history of castles and chateaux, landscapes, museums, and activities related to nature and culture. If you are looking for a hotel, deciding which of these themes you want to shape your stay can be a useful starting point. The sights offer different experiences—from historic interiors to fen meadows and beekeeping.

Castles, Chateaux and History

The history of Konopiště began with a Gothic fortress. It was later transformed into a Baroque residence and remodelled again by Franz Ferdinand d’Este. At Konopiště, four guided tours take visitors through interiors featuring rare art collections. Tour offerings may change; check the current visiting options before your visit. The armoury displays hand-to-hand weapons, firearms, powder flasks, cannons and a Renaissance shield. The Asian black bear Jiří lives in the castle moat. The surrounding park has several nature trails and is open year-round.

Český Šternberk is one of the best-known castles in the Benešov region of Central Bohemia. Above the Sázava, it is a destination for canoeists and hikers. One particular landmark is the former bastion known as the Hunger Tower, which serves as a viewpoint overlooking the Posázaví landscape. At Český Šternberk, both the river landscape and a historic part of the castle take centre stage.

Landscapes and Outdoor Activities

The Blaník Protected Landscape Area brings together beech forests, fields, picturesque villages and small chapels. Near Býkovice lies the Podlesí Nature Reserve, with fen meadows and rare plant and animal species. The two landscapes have distinct features: here, forests, fields and settlements shape the area, while there, the distinctive fen meadow environment takes centre stage. The 530-metre-high Čerčanský chlum in the Benešov Uplands is a destination for hiking and sports.

Seasonal guided tours in Vlašim Park also offer special insights: they may include the otherwise inaccessible interiors of the Chinese Pavilion or the Old Castle. Which interiors are included in a tour depends on the seasonal programme; check in advance which tours are running. The Vlašim ParaZOO offers another way to explore nature: it provides a refuge for animals that cannot return to the wild. The Water House presents the Švihov Reservoir, including the flooded village of Dolní Kralovice.

Museums and Regional Themes

The Muzeum Podblanicka was founded by the Central Bohemian Region for the Benešov District and moved to Vlašim Chateau in 1988. Its exhibitions cover topics such as noble families, weapons and local history. The collection comprises more than 49,000 objects reflecting the region’s social and natural history. The museum therefore offers both historical and natural history points of interest.

In Hulice, Bee World is dedicated to the world of bees. Its interactive exhibition features a giant beehive, touchscreens on bee anatomy and displays about honey production. The offerings also include honey, propolis and wax products such as honey-based foods, candles and cosmetics. The selection may change. A visit thus combines an engaging exhibition with products related to bees and beeswax.

On the grounds of Vlašim Chateau, U Blanických rytířů serves Czech cuisine, homemade desserts, regional beer and homemade lemonade. This offering may also change. When choosing your accommodation, the castles, nature destinations, museums and seasonal activities can help guide you towards the focus of your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cercany, Ceský Sternberk, Chocerady, Drachkov, Merin, Neveklov, Porící Nad Sázavou, Rabyne, Sázava, Skalice, Slapanov, Sobesovice, Zahorí U Milicína, Zlenice, Vsetice, Chrást Nad Sázavou, Krivacek, Slapy-Nedvezi, Petriny U Vlasimy, Netvorice, Pysely, Načeradec, Nova Rabyne, Teplysovice, Kondrac, Čechtice, Beneschau, Divišov, Loket U Dolních Kralovic, Kozmice, Bílkovice, Nespeky, Bystřice U Benešova, Chotýšany, Dolní Kralovice, Kamberk, Keblov, Kladruby U Vlašimi, Krhanice, Křivsoudov, Louňovice Pod Blaníkem, Miličín, Neustupov, Jankov, Postupice, Pravonín, Přestavlky U Čerčan, Smilkov, Soutice, Střezimíř, Trhový Štěpánov, Týnec Nad Sázavou, Vlašim, Vojkov, Votice, Vrchotovy Janovice, Zvěstov, Heřmaničky, Řehenice, Ješetice, Vranov, Maršovice, Stranný, Lešany, Bucina, Bukovany, Ctiboř, Čakov, Čtyřkoly, Děkanovice, Drahňovice, Dunice, Olbramovice, Křečovice, Hradiště, Ratměřice, Hulice, Hvězdonice, Chářovice, Chlístov, Chlum, Chmelná, Choratice, Javorník U Vlašimi, Tichonice, Popovice, Krcmy, Krňany, Kuňovice, Mezno, Libež, Lipiny U Radosovic, Litichovice, Lštění, Soběhrdy, Miřetice, Mrač, Nemíž, Radošovice, Pavlovice, Petroupim, Řimovice, Slověnice, Snět, Strojetice, Studený, Čeřenice, Libohošť, Záhorí, Šetějovice, Tisem, Tomice, Václavice, Vodslivy, Vracovice, Xaverov, Zdislavice, Ostředek, Rataje.

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