Obrataň: Narrow-Gauge Railway, Trails and Architectural Heritage

Obrataň offers several distinct reasons to visit: a narrow-gauge railway with a dual purpose, walking and cycling routes, and buildings with a documented history. Depending on whether you are interested in technology, outdoor activities or architecture, you can give these themes different weight when choosing where to go.

Narrow-Gauge Railway and Routes

Built in 1906, the narrow-gauge railway from Obrataň to Jindřichův Hradec is 46 kilometres long and has a track gauge of 760 millimetres. It is a tourist attraction and also serves regular transport needs. This combination of excursion and everyday travel is part of its distinctive role. Nearby, Sudkův Důl railway station has a romantically situated forest stop on the narrow-gauge railway. If this stop is important to your plans, check the timetable in advance; timetables may change.

The Obrataňské okruhy is a traditional Easter walking event. For 2026, circular routes of 10, 20 and 35 kilometres were planned, each starting and finishing in Obrataň. This gives you a choice of three route lengths without changing the start and finish location. Route 1185 is also relevant for cyclists: it runs from Černovice to Pacov via Obrataň. The surrounding area is suitable for hiking and cycling, as well as cross-country skiing in winter. This brings together several ways to get active and a seasonal option, without requiring the routes to have the same endpoints.

Buildings and History

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Obrataň, formerly called the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, dates back to its founding in 1384. It stands on a rise in the middle of the village square. The T. G. Masaryk monument, created by the Tábor sculptor Jan Vítězslav Dušek, is located near the church. The church and monument can thus be viewed as different aspects of local architectural and commemorative history, without telling the same story.

Another historic building type is the small Neoclassical chapel with a bell turret, built around 1800. The wooden granary dates from the late 18th century and is one of the last surviving examples of timber-framed vernacular architecture in the region. Together, these dates span a period from the church’s founding in 1384 to the chapel and granary, dating from around 1800 and the late 18th century. For those interested in architectural heritage, the focus is therefore on different building types and periods.

Nature and Surroundings

The U Bezděčína Natural Monument lies within the cadastral area of Obrataň. It protects a spring catchment and a stream floodplain with specially protected species. This protected landscape area is therefore defined by specific water features and natural characteristics.

Nearby, the Josafatské Valley extends for about eight kilometres along the Bělá stream, linking Sudkův Důl, Bezděčín and Údolí. The ruins of the small 14th-century Údolský hrádek fortress rise above a pond in the valley. Here, a named valley route and a historic building site come together in the landscape described.

The Rašeliniště u Vintířova Natural Monument is also located within the municipality. It protects a complex of spring, bog, bog-meadow and purple moor-grass meadow communities, woodland and specially protected species. Together with the U Bezděčína Natural Monument, it highlights another feature of the landscape around Obrataň: different protected natural areas, each with its own characteristics.

Discover more destinations: Pošná, Dubovice, Hojovice, Kámen U Pacova, Hořice U Humpolce, Horní Ves, Putimov, Staré Bříště.

For the broader travel overview: Pelhřimov District.