Discover Vlašim

Vlašim brings together several distinct themes for a stay: the 75-hectare Castle Park, the early history of the castle, as well as the gallery, observatory and paraZOO. If you’re looking for hotels in Vlašim, deciding what matters most to you can help you plan your stay: are you mainly interested in nature and cultural monuments, history and art, or regular observations?

Castle Park and nature trail

Vlašim Castle Park is one of the largest castle parks in Central Europe. It covers 75 hectares, is a protected monument and is part of the European Natura 2000 protected area network. The park thus combines a large area, protected monument status and a connection to European nature conservation.

The “Naučná stezka Vlašimským parkem” nature trail has 18 stops. It provides information about the park’s cultural monuments and natural features, placing both topics at its heart. Before your visit, check local notices for any changes to the trail due to maintenance work.

From castle to exhibition

The original Vlašim Castle was founded around 1300 on a spur above the Blanice River, together with a market settlement. It is first documented as the property of Hynek of Vlašim in 1318. Its founding around 1300 and the first record of ownership in 1318 refer to different historical milestones.

The Mannerist addition to the tower of Vlašim Chateau offers views of the town, the chateau and the park. The “Tajemství sklepení” exhibition offers a different glimpse into the chateau’s history: it explores the history of the chateau’s underground and includes the legend of Jan Vostrovec of Kralovice’s treasure. The treasure story should be understood as a legend. An addition to a tower means extending an existing structure upwards.

Art at Vlašim Gate

Vlašim Gate houses the Podblanická Gallery, which features works by regional artists. The gallery is headed by painter Stanislav Příhoda. During the season, it is open to the public as part of the tour through the park or for individual visits. If you plan to visit the gallery, bear in mind that it is open seasonally.

Stargazing and nature education

Vlašim Observatory holds regular public observation sessions with explanations every Friday from early May to the end of September. As the regular schedule may change, check it before travelling. Visits outside these times can be arranged by phone; confirm the arrangements before your trip as well.

paraZOO introduces visitors to animals from the Podblanicko region and uses their stories to teach about the relationship between people and nature. Together with the observations at the observatory, it offers a clear distinction in focus: here, the emphasis is on regional animals and human-nature relationships; there, on public observations with explanations.

Discover more destinations: Teplysovice, Dolní Kralovice, Hradiště, Kondrac, Neustupov, Heřmaničky, Strojetice, Popovice

For the overview of the wider region: Benešov District.