Velešín combines cultural history with trails in the surrounding area and an outdoor swimming pool as another leisure option. Two different ways to explore are readily available: preserved buildings and exhibitions on the one hand, and routes with specified lengths on the other. The town is also situated on a plateau between two river valleys. This lets you tailor your visit to your interests, balancing culture, activity and a trip to the outdoor pool.
Landscape between two river valleys
Velešín lies on a plateau between two river valleys. The Malše is just below the town, and there are many views to the south. The landscape thus provides a distinct highlight alongside the town’s historic sites. When planning your stay, you can take both into account: the architectural history and exhibitions, as well as the setting between the valleys. The trails in the surrounding area offer another way to discover Velešín.
Architectural history and exhibitions
At Kantůrkovec, you can see a preserved black kitchen with a smoke hood. It is also home to the permanent exhibition “Malovaný svět” by the naive artists and married couple Šítalovi. These two highlights offer different perspectives: preserved kitchen fittings and an exhibition dedicated to the Šítalovi. If you are interested in cultural history, you will find specific details here rather than just an overview of the town.
The former Church of St. Philip and St. James is another notable site: it was consecrated in 1491, and a tower was added in 1631. Today, the building houses an information centre, the town museum, a gallery and Café Jakub. Near Velešín, Velešín Castle was built as a royal castle towards the end of the first third of the 13th century; it was abandoned in 1487. The dates show that the architectural history of the town and its surroundings spans several centuries.
In Holkov, near Velešín, two stone bridges, a former coach house and a former horse-drawn railway substation have been preserved. This adds another subject: the history of the horse-drawn railway and its surviving structures. Access to some of these preserved sites may be restricted.
Choose trails by length and theme
The “Naučná stezka Velešínsko” educational trail is 5.5 km long and has six stations with information panels. A shorter alternative is the easy circular walk “Procházka historickým Velešínem”: the loop is 2 km long and is intended for walkers, cyclists and families with children. You can compare the routes by their length and format: a longer educational trail with six stations or a shorter, easy circular route.
Another option is the “Po stopách koněspřežní železnice okolím města Velešína” route, which leads through the area around Velešín. Its theme is the horse-drawn railway, which is also represented by the surviving structures in Holkov. Check the latest route information before setting out; availability and route details may change.
Outdoor swimming pool and pilgrimage fair
Velešín’s outdoor swimming pool has a multi-purpose pool with a 250 m² children’s area. The pool water is heated to 24–27 °C, and the facilities also include the “Trio Slide” water slide. Operating details may vary by season, and the slide may only be available seasonally. So check the latest information before your visit.
A recurring event in the annual calendar is the traditional Velešín pilgrimage fair on the first Sunday in September. The programme is for children and adults. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates and programme details before making arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Kienberg, Subschitz, Oberplan, Polletitz, Sirnin, Predni Vyton, Neudorf B. Berlau, Mirkowitz.
For the regional travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.
