Samšín: Village History, Cycling Route and Blueberries

Samšín offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: a chapel in the village square, historical ties to Pacov, a cycling route that passes through the village, and a blueberry farm with seasonal pick-your-own. Conditions vary depending on what you have in mind: for the farm, the season and an arrangement by phone matter; for the route and events, base your plans on the relevant current information.

Village Square and History

The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk stands in the village square in Samšín, near Pacov. It gives the village a tangible cultural landmark, while its historical records reach further back in time. Samšín is first mentioned in a land register of Oldřich of Rožmberk before 1373, in the form “Sampschin.” Another historical connection is with the Pacov estate: Samšín belonged to it until the abolition of patrimonial administration in 1849. The first mention marks the earliest written record of the village’s name; 1849, by contrast, marks the end of its affiliation with the Pacov estate. The chapel in the village square and these two distinct historical milestones thus stand side by side.

Viewpoint and Cycling Route

From the bus stop opposite the turn-off to Samšín, you can enjoy a view of Stražiště mountain and the neighboring municipality of Velká Chyška. For orientation during your visit, this precisely identified viewpoint is different from cycling route No. 1218 Pacov–Želiv, which passes through Samšín. At the bus stop, the focus is on the view; on the cycling route, it is the route through the village. If you include Samšín as a stop on a bike tour, check the route before setting out.

Blueberries and Visiting

Borůvková farma Samšín grows Canadian blueberries and also offers seasonal pick-your-own. Picking is available only during the season, so it is advisable to confirm before travelling. The farm can only be visited in person by prior arrangement over the phone. Arrange your visit by phone and confirm the arrangement again before setting out. These are two separate requirements for planning: the season applies to blueberry picking, while the phone arrangement applies to an in-person visit. If picking is the main reason for your trip, plan your visit only after confirming both points.

Events and Timing

On July 20, 2024, Samšín hosted the fourth round of the Pelhřimovská hasičská liga. The Samšín Cup is a sporting and social event held annually near Samšín. Its described format includes a volleyball tournament for pairs, including mixed pairs, played on an unusual court designed specifically for the event. The two events differ in how their dates are specified: the league round took place on a specific date in 2024, while the Cup is held annually. If you want to plan your trip around the Cup, check the current date and program in advance. This will help you distinguish the event as a reason to visit from the historical and seasonal reasons to stay in Samšín.

Discover more destinations: Žirovnice, Střítež Pod Křemešníkem, Hojovice, Želiv, Křeč, Řečice U Humpolce, Buřenice, Velká Chyška.

For the broader travel overview: Pelhřimov District.