Schönthal (Krásné Údolí): Hotels and local history

Schönthal is the German name for what is now Krásné Údolí in the Czech Republic. This name connection is important when searching for hotels: verified local facts refer to Krásné Údolí, while the German catalogue lists Schönthal. The town has a church with a long history of construction, monuments and a connection to the Slavkovský les landscape. These features do not imply any particular hotel availability or amenities.

Founding of the town and the church

Krásné Údolí was founded as a town on 22 April 1488 by Jindřich III z Plavna, on the site of the older village of Schickenplos. The parish church of St. Lawrence dates back to the renovation and extension of an older chapel on the southwestern edge of town in 1464. It was remodelled in the Baroque style around 1774. Since 2004, the church, which had previously fallen into disrepair, has been gradually reconstructed. The different dates describe different phases; they should not be conflated into a single date for the building’s origins.

A richly decorated, Neo-Gothic cast-iron cross dating from 1861 stands in front of the north entrance. Another cast-iron cross at the church is freely accessible. In the central square, which is characterised by a park, stands a late Baroque sandstone statue of St. John of Nepomuk dating from 1780. If you are interested in this architectural and local history, you can compare hotels based on their location relative to the square and the church. The facts do not, however, say anything about current interior visits or guided tours.

Landscape and other traces

A stone reconciliation cross dating from the 14th to 16th centuries stands west of the town beside a field path. A section that had once broken off was reattached in its original position during restoration. If you plan to go there, check the current path and accessibility; this description is not a designated visitor route.

Krásné Údolí and Odolenovice are located within the Slavkovský les Protected Landscape Area. Forests lie along the natural boundaries of their cadastral areas, while agricultural land is found at lower elevations. The administrative area of Krásné Údolí also includes the Natura 2000 site EVL 5448 Mezi rybníky. These details describe the surroundings, not a guaranteed hiking route from every accommodation. A stage of the Skokovská stezka pilgrimage route documented in 2016 passed through the town; check current information to see whether the route from that time is still valid for your trip.

The I/20 main road between Plzeň and Karlovy Vary passes through Krásné Údolí. This can help you orient yourself when travelling there, but it does not replace a current timetable or a journey time from a hotel. If you are planning only a short stay, prioritise the sights in the town centre; reaching the reconciliation cross or the surrounding landscape areas also requires suitable route planning. When comparing accommodation, check the exact address, your planned cultural and nature destinations, and the confirmed terms of the specific offer.