Včelná between forests, hiking and history

Včelná is largely surrounded by forest, lies in the hilly Rožnovský les and is not far from the Vltava. The Kolem mohyl hiking trail, the Včelná–Rožnov cycle path and Tikalka recreation park offer different activity options, while historic buildings add to the character of the town. When planning your trip, you can consider whether outdoor exercise, sports or local history is your main priority. If you are looking for a hotel in Včelná, this thematic overview can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Hiking trail and landscape

The Kolem mohyl hiking trail is described as ranging from moderately difficult to very challenging and passes the last representative haciendas in Včelná. The trail offers views northward over the České Budějovice valley. The difficulty ranges from moderate to very challenging, so do not assume that it is an easy hike. The trail combines views of the haciendas with a northern vista across the landscape—two different features that may shape your hiking plans.

Cycling and sports

The Včelná–Rožnov cycle path lies within the cadastral area of Včelná and leads from the Včelná–Pod tratí stop towards České Budějovice. Compared with Kolem mohyl, the practical points of reference differ: the hiking trail is notable for its difficulty rating and views of the valley, while the cycle path has a named starting point and direction of travel.

Tikalka recreation park includes a multi-purpose sports court, a skate park, a workout area and table tennis. The facilities cater to different types of sporting activity, with table tennis complementing the other options. The recreation park has an online reservation system. If Tikalka is part of your plans, include this system in your preparations.

History and buildings

The settlement of Včelná sprang up spontaneously in 1784 along the new imperial road from Budějovice to Linz. The niche chapel Na rozloučenou dates from the first half of the 19th century and is dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk. It was consecrated again in 2004, and the saint’s statue was restored.

Another chapel is the private Chapel of the Virgin Mary. It is pseudo-Baroque and has a bell turret; it was built in 1900 by the family of Karel Černý and the Vycpálek family from Plzeň. Guardhouse No. 3 is also among the surviving traces of local history: counting from the northernmost point of the Czech section of the horse railway, it is the second guardhouse to survive to this day. Together, these buildings reflect different historical connections—from the founding of the settlement and its chapels to the horse railway.

Getting there and planning your trip

Včelná railway station is on line 196 between České Budějovice and Summerau. Včelná is also within the urban public transport area. These details offer two different points of reference for your journey: the railway line and urban public transport. Check the applicable timetable before setting off so that you can plan your connection in detail.

Discover more destinations: Borownitz, Planá U Českých Budějovic, Hermannsdorf, Polzov, Ledenice, Temelín, Libín, Všemyslice

Go to the regional travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.