Zbytiny: Trails, Cycling Routes and Local History

Zbytiny can be explored through its specific trails and local history. Matýskova Trail leads to the abandoned settlement of Mošna; two cycling routes pass through the village, and St. Vitus Church preserves a portal from the original building. This gives you different ways to plan your trip: a short educational trail, cycling routes with clearly stated total distances, and historical connections ranging from the church to the railway.

Matýskova Trail: a short educational trail to Mošna

Matýskova Trail leads from Zbytiny to the abandoned settlement of Mošna. The educational and experiential trail is 1.3 kilometres long, has nine stops and is designed for the whole family. Its starting point, destination and number of stops make it a compact route with a clear educational and experiential focus. The distinction between hiking and cycling is clear when deciding between them: this is a 1.3-kilometre trail, while the cycling routes are mainly compared by their overall course and stated distances.

Cycling routes through Zbytiny: 32 or 43 kilometres

Cycling Route 1055 is 43 kilometres long and passes through Zbytiny. It runs from Prachatice via Libínské sedlo and Volary to Soumarský most. Cycling Route VI also passes through Zbytiny, is 32 kilometres long, and runs from Kříž V. u Chrobol via Skříněřov, Tetřívčí potok, Arnoštov and Záhvozdí to Pěkná. Based on the stated distances, Route VI is 11 kilometres shorter than Route 1055. This gives you two clear criteria for comparison: the total distance and the sequence of places mentioned.

St. Vitus Church and railway history

St. Vitus Church is originally Gothic and dates from the 14th century. It was rebuilt after the village fire of 1738; the western, moulded portal of the original building has survived. A moulded portal has a surround articulated with projections and recesses. The building phases can thus be distinguished: the Gothic origins and the rebuilding after the fire, alongside the surviving portal from the original building.

The first train reached Zbytiny in 1899; the Prachatice–Volary railway line opened at the same time. The former forest railway operated until 1963, after which it was closed. The railway chronicle therefore offers two distinct historical reference points: the opening of the Prachatice–Volary line and the later operation of the forest railway.

Customs and pilgrimage

Staročeská konopická is a harvest festival custom in Zbytiny, associated with the flax harvest—originally, hemp. It is also an old village entertainment custom reserved for girls and women. The tradition is therefore conveyed both through its connection with the harvest and its traditional social form. Svatá Magdalena, near Zbytiny, is a pilgrimage site. The pilgrimage takes place every year on the Sunday after the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene on 22 July. The Sunday after the feast day is therefore the key date when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Arnostov, Kristanovice, Husinec U Netolic, Bošice, Ktis, Smedec, Malenice, Zdíkov

For the broader travel overview: Okres Prachatice.