Telč: Renaissance, Old Town and Routes

Telč brings together a range of reasons to stay: castle and town history, exhibitions, walks and a longer cycling route. When planning your trip, you can first decide which of these aspects interests you most. Each sight and activity gives your stay a different focus, without requiring you to follow a particular order.

Castle and historic centre

Telč Castle was built in the second half of the 16th century on the site of an earlier Gothic castle. As a prestigious residence, it was strongly influenced by the Italian Renaissance. Its original exterior areas have been uniquely preserved and are complemented by historic interiors. The castle grounds also include a French garden and an extensive English park with an orangery.

The historic centre can also be explored through its urban layout: it developed within an unchanged plan bounded by ponds, moats, walls and gates. The castle and the town’s layout thus offer different starting points if you are interested in architecture and the history of the place.

Underground history, railways and art

Telčské podzemí leads into a network of interconnected medieval cellars beneath náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce and part of the castle grounds. A 250-metre section is open to visitors. A multimedia exhibition presents the town of Telč, its surroundings and important moments in its development. The visit thus combines the underground cellars with an overview of the town’s history.

An exhibition at the Telč railway depot explores the history of rail transport in Czechia and Austria. On display are historic railway carriages, technical equipment and other objects from railway history. It complements the themes of the castle and town with a look at transport in both countries.

Městská galerie Hasičský dům presents short- and long-term exhibitions of fine art, photography, sculpture, ceramics and art objects from museum and gallery collections. Several solo exhibitions are held there each year. If you enjoy combining your trip with changing art themes, this is another destination in Telč’s cultural offering.

Views, walks and cycling

The Oslednice observation tower has a viewing platform at a height of 31.2 metres. From there, you can see Telč, Roštejn Castle and Mount Javořice. Directions to the tower are also useful: from the bus and railway station, follow the route to the roundabout; from there, a yellow-marked trail runs for 500 metres to the observation tower.

Another building with its own history is the late Romanesque Tower of the Holy Spirit. It dates from the first half of the 13th century, is 49 metres high and is considered the oldest surviving historic monument in the town. Lipky is another option for walks in the area around Telč: this avenue, protected as a natural monument, is used for walking. At the Štamberk castle ruins, parts of the walls, the foundations of several buildings and a freestanding wall remain; the ruins are freely accessible.

For a cycling trip, route 1113 is a specific point of reference. It starts in Telč, runs via Mrákotín to Jindřichův Hradec and is 44 kilometres long. The stated distance and named places help you include this route as a distinct part of your travel plans.

Tailor your stay to your interests

If the castle, gardens and town layout are your main focus, the Renaissance and historic centre will shape your stay. For art and culture, you can add the gallery, railway depot and Telčské podzemí; walks, the observation tower and cycling route offer different highlights. Use these interests to plan your trip to Telč, then look for hotels for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Jihlávka, Černíč, Brtnice, Vyskytná Nad Jihlavou, Krahulčí, Třeštice, Vápovice, Malý Beranov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jihlava.