Discover Želnava

Želnava combines a distinctive local history with themes of the Vltava landscape. St. James’ Church, a stone water distributor in the village square and the history of the Schwarzenberg Timber Flume each add a different dimension; the Naučná stezka Želnavskem nature trail brings nature and history together on a circular route. When choosing a hotel destination, Želnava offers several specific themes to help you plan your trip.

Getting There and Local History

Želnava is easy to reach via the main road between Volary and Horní Planá. The village is home to the originally Gothic St. James’ Church, dating from the 14th century. The village square also features an unusual historic waterworks structure: a large stone cylinder that served as a water distributor. It dates from the early 19th century. Spring water was carried through wooden pipes and distributed by gravity to the village’s individual buildings. The church and water distributor represent different aspects of local history: ecclesiastical architecture on the one hand and technical infrastructure on the other.

Moorland and Summit Views

West of Želnava, in the Vltava Valley, lies the Houska Nature Reserve. It protects a moor that transitions into moor pine forests and waterlogged spruce forests. The landscape can therefore be understood through several habitats, rather than just a single viewpoint. Želnavský vrch offers a different perspective on the surrounding area: at 815 metres, it is the highest point of the Vltavická brázda. From the summit, the panoramic views take in the meanders of the Vltava, the Bohemian Forest mountains and the church in Želnava. The protected moorland and forest transitions at Houska and the summit panorama offer two distinct ways to experience the landscape.

The Nature Trail to Želnavský vrch

The Naučná stezka Želnavskem nature trail uses information boards to introduce visitors to local nature and history. The circular route is just under seven kilometres long, starts and ends at St. James’ Church, and leads to Želnavský vrch. Two separate figures are useful for planning: just under seven kilometres is the length of the route, while 815 metres is the summit’s elevation.

Waterways and History

The history of timber transport is also linked to the Vltava. The Želnavský smyk made it possible to transport timber from the forests to the Vltava. This meant that the Schwarzenberg Timber Flume remained important even after the end of the Vienna timber rafting operation in the late 19th century: along its more than 22-kilometre section between Rasovka and Světlá voda, near the Bavarian border. The village’s water supply and the transport of timber from the forests thus offer two distinct historical connections to water. Another historic site is Waltershausen Castle, built in the 1360s on a prominent hill between Želnava and Pernek. It was intended to protect the Zlatá Koruna settlements occupied by Vyšehrad.

A Glimpse of Farm Life

In Slunečná, a settlement belonging to Želnava, visitors can see animals at Biofarma na Slunečné and learn about its farming practices. Homemade organic products such as meat, milk, cheese, eggs, honey and potatoes are available to buy there. As activities and product availability may change, check what is currently on offer before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Libotyne, Svatá Maří, Chvalovice U Netolic, Dvory U Lažišť, Husinec U Netolic, Micovice, Pravetín, Pěčnov

For the wider travel overview: Okres Prachatice.