Benešovice: History and Cycling Routes

In Benešovice, a history shaped by the past meets peaceful opportunities for walking and cycling. In the Middle Ages, the town lay on a trade route between Prague and Nuremberg; two numbered cycling routes pass through Benešovice. The historical themes and specific routes offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Trade Route and Local History

In the time of Charles IV, the trade route was called the Golden Road. Benešovice is believed to have been established on the area’s wet, infertile soil because of this route. Its economically significant location also played a role in the town’s history: the nearby monastery in Kladruby sought to acquire Benešovice and disputed its ownership with the nobility for centuries. The history thus links the trade route with a long-running dispute over ownership of the town.

Chapel and Remembrance

The Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Panny Marie) is located in Benešovice. It was relocated in 1974; at the time, its relocation served as a dress rehearsal for moving the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Nanebevzetí Panny Marie) in Most. The chapel is therefore associated with a distinctive construction history.

The war memorial in Benešovice offers a different historical perspective. It was erected in the 1920s in memory of 14 residents who did not return from the First World War. The chapel and memorial represent different aspects of local history: the relocation of a building and the remembrance of residents who did not return from the war.

Walks and Cycling Routes

Benešovice is a great place for peaceful walks and bike rides. The lack of large hills is considered advantageous for less experienced cyclists and hikers. Two numbered routes pass through the town for cycling trips. Cycle Route No. 2203 runs via Damnov, Benešovice, and Vrbice u Stříbra and is 18 km long. Cycle Route No. 2211 runs via Prostiboř, Brod u Stříbra, Výrov, Benešovice, Lom u Stříbra, and Svojšín; it is 17.5 km long.

The routes differ in length by just 500 metres. When choosing, you can therefore consider the towns listed along each route as well as the distance. It is a good idea to check the route details before setting off.

Landscape and Natural Swimming

The D5 runs through Benešovice. The surrounding area is considered relatively sparsely populated and includes forests, fields, and villages surrounded by nature; tourism has yet to make a significant impact here. Nearby, the Výrovský rybník lies in the forest and is visited as a natural swimming spot. If you plan to swim there, check the conditions on site. This adds another possible focus for your stay alongside walks and cycling trips, complementing the area’s historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Prostiboř, Stříbro, Vranov U Stříbra, Trpísty, Planá U Mariánských Lázní, Kšice, Únehle, Přimda

For the broader travel overview: Okres Tachov.