Bohumilice: Trails and history in the Šumava foothills

Bohumilice lies in the Šumava foothills, on the right side of the Volyňka Valley. Its landscape, trails and historic sites give a trip different points of focus: you can explore the surrounding area, plan longer hikes or learn about the town’s architectural and literary history.

Location in the valley and the linden avenue

The Bohumilická alej lines the road from Bohumilice to Bošice. The avenue is just under one kilometre long and has 76 lime trees, estimated to be around 150 years old. There are benches for visitors at a viewpoint. The avenue offers a manageable way to experience the landscape, while the marked hiking route through the town covers a considerably longer distance.

Hiking trails with different points of focus

A 27-kilometre hiking route marked in yellow and blue leads from Mařský vrch to Stachy via Bohumilice. The named destinations and route length make it easy to identify this as a longer hiking option. The Sudslavická stezka runs around Bohumilice v Čechách railway station. It is currently not fully accessible because of a landslide on a staircase. Before planning your trip, check which sections are currently passable.

The Sudslavický okruh focuses on the local history of limestone quarrying and lime production. It also covers the former use of a stream’s water power: a cascade of mills and other facilities harnessed the water. In the area around Bohumilice, the northern section passes through the Opolenec Nature Reserve and through wooded, rocky terrain. Check the current condition of the trail before setting out, too.

Church, chateau and literary history

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity (“Nejsvětější Trojice”) dates from the mid-13th century. The archaeological site by the church is in the cemetery on the eastern edge of Bohumilice. Another historic landmark is Zámek Skalice: significant parts of a Renaissance fortress built in 1549 have been preserved. These two dates provide a concrete timeframe for the town’s long history, without reducing the sites to a single visit.

Bohumilice also has a literary connection: Karel Klostermann wrote the novel “Strejček z nebe” here. Zámek Skalice also combines its historic architecture with a present-day use. The entire chateau complex, including its extensive park, is used year-round as an equestrian facility, which also offers riding lessons.

Visits to Zámek Skalice are possible from April to October by telephone appointment in advance. Confirm the current visiting arrangements by phone before travelling. This keeps your visit plans subject to the stated advance booking requirement and time period.

Trip-planning information

The “Bohumilice rozcestí” bus stop is named as a local reference point for arrival. If you are looking for a hotel in Bohumilice, you can first consider whether local history, the linden avenue or a longer hiking route will be the main focus of your stay. Then compare the locations listed for the hotel options with your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Husinec U Netolic, Těšovice, Nebahovy, Šumavské Hoštice, Kristanovice, Želnava, Dvory U Lažišť, Budkov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Prachatice.