Staré Sedliště: Pond Landscapes, Nature Reserves and Cultural Heritage

Staré Sedliště combines a landscape shaped by numerous ponds with distinctive traces of its local history. Nature reserves, a hiking route, a cycling route and historic buildings offer a variety of things to explore. If you are planning a stay, these themes can help you decide whether to focus mainly on wetlands and birdlife, architectural history or both.

Ponds, Wetlands and Birdlife

The Tisovské rybníky Nature Reserve protects a system of ponds and adjacent wetland ecosystems. It is one of the most important ornithological areas in the Plzeňský Region; cranes also find a breeding habitat here. Alongside the pond landscape, birdlife is a distinctive natural feature of the area.

The Mělký rybník Nature Reserve offers a different set of specific features: it lies about one kilometre east of Staré Sedliště railway station, covers 27.9 hectares and has reed beds as well as an important bird-breeding site. Český les Nature Park is also among the protected areas associated with Staré Sedliště. The reserves therefore differ in the features noted here: at Tisovské rybníky, the pond and wetland system is the main focus, while at Mělký rybník, the area, reeds and breeding site are important points of reference.

Hiking and Cycling

A waymarked hiking route starts at Staré Sedliště railway stop and follows the green trail markers towards Nové Sedliště. It is 21 kilometres long, described as moderately difficult and is not a circular route. When planning, take both the distance and the linear route into account. Check the local waymarks before setting out.

For cyclists, Cycle Route 2167 connects Staré Sedliště and Planá over a distance of 21 kilometres. Both routes are listed as the same length, but differ in mode of travel and course: the hiking route is not described as circular, while the cycle route connects the two towns. Check current waymarks and surface conditions for the cycle route as well.

Baroque Buildings and Earlier History

The late Baroque Staré Sedliště Chateau was built in 1792 by glassmaker František Koler. Archaeological finds have been documented or are reasonably believed to exist on the chateau grounds. The medieval fortress, which was burned down during the Thirty Years’ War, also stood there. The chateau and fortress thus represent different historical periods on the same site.

The Church of St Procopius and St Ulrich has a Gothic core but was extensively remodelled in the Baroque period. It is considered a fine example of valuable Baroque religious architecture and has been preserved without significant later alterations. A historic perimeter wall surrounds the church and cemetery grounds; it was built in stages during different periods. Other surviving landmarks in the town include a valuable statue of St John of Nepomuk from the early 18th century and the remains of a vaulted Baroque bridge.

The rectory is also a cultural monument: the restored Baroque building dates from the 18th century. It can be used for family celebrations and smaller social events.

Townscape and Local Production

Staré Sedliště lost most of its historic buildings during the socialist era. Extensive demolition caused lasting damage to the historic townscape. The surviving buildings therefore stand in a town whose present-day appearance has also been shaped by this change.

The local economic history includes the manor brewery and the production of juniper syrup. The brewery’s origins can be dated to around 1548. Juniper syrup was made in Staré Sedliště and sold throughout Bohemia, as well as in Saxony and Bavaria. These two details highlight different aspects of the past: the brewery points to an early date, while the syrup was sold beyond the region.

Discover more destinations: Brod Nad Tichou, Studanka, Horní Kozolupy, Písařova Vesce, Trpísty, Lestkov, Bezdružice, Lesná.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Tachov.