Kaplice between urban history and river landscapes

Kaplice brings together a historic townscape, striking buildings, and trails through a river landscape. Visitors can enjoy culture, hiking, and seasonal leisure activities. Two marked routes start at different points in the town; the outdoor swimming pool and fishing waters are accessible seasonally.

Town History and Architecture

The historic center of Kaplice was designated an urban conservation area in 1990. A Renaissance town hall stands in its central square; at the same square, House No. 215 features figurative sgraffito. The stone fountain is another notable historic feature: it was built in 1646. Renovations from 1717, 1775, 1901, 1934, and 1996 are recorded on its central stone column.

The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is an important example of South Bohemian Late Gothic architecture. It is a Gothic two-aisled church with a tower on the north side of the west façade. The tower and nave date from the 13th century. The Late Gothic Church of St. Florian stands immediately beside it. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was used to store military supplies and was badly damaged.

The former hospital is located by the Chapel of St. Barbara and St. Joseph. This Baroque monument has unusually thick walls and served the poorest sick people and travelers. Another trace of the town’s history leads to the Bělidlo Brewery: it was built in 1648 outside Kaplice, on the Malše River.

Hiking Trails and River Landscapes

The blue-marked Z Kaplice na Pořešín route starts in Kaplice town park and leads through a wild river canyon landscape. Chains are installed along rocky sections of the riverbank. The route and these secured sections give the hike a different character from the marked Přechod Slepičích hor, which can start at the Kaplice information center.

The Přechod Slepičích hor is listed as 18 kilometers long, with a walking time of about six hours. It is considered moderately challenging and follows paved forest and field paths as well as asphalt roads. This makes it possible to estimate the time required more precisely; the canyon route, by contrast, is characterized by its landscape and the chains along rocky banks. The nature trail is in the foothills of the Novohrad Mountains. It includes information boards with supplementary QR codes and simple observation activities for children.

Seasonal Activities

Access to Koupaliště Kaplice outdoor swimming pool is seasonal. The facility has a pool for small children, a larger training pool with a slide, and a 200-meter pool for adults. Different activities are available at the Nádrž Květoňov reservoir near Kaplice: this seven-hectare stillwater is used for fly fishing. Spinning for pike and fishing from a boat are also permitted. Local arrangements may determine the fishing rules; access to the fishing waters is seasonal and by prior arrangement.

The Krampus Gallery also offers a glimpse into the cultural history of the area. A 2016 exhibition description places it in reconstructed cellars of a former Rožmberk brewery in Kaplice. It describes masks carved from wood or leather, original Krampus clothing and equipment, photographs of Krampus shows in Kaplice, and a film of earlier Krampus processions. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Pořešín, Hradiště, Vyšný, Přísnice, Větřní, Český Krumlov, Zlatá Koruna, Terezino Údolí.

Return to the main travel overview: Český Krumlov District.