The pseudo-Gothic Church of St. Nicholas, a route to the observation tower on Javorník and winter skiing opportunities give Vacov a variety of attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you are more interested in architectural history, views and trails, or seasonal activities. This can also help you tailor your search for a hotel in Vacov to your personal interests.
Church history north of the centre
The Church of St. Nicholas complex lies north of the centre of Vacov. The present-day pseudo-Gothic church was built in 1889–1890, after the inadequate predecessor church was demolished in 1885. This sequence gives the building a clearly defined local history: the demolition was followed by a new building just a few years later. The church also has historic bells dating from the 16th century. The construction dates and bells therefore point to different historical layers that can be distinguished when viewing the church complex.
Trails, views and distinctive buildings
The Spůlka route passes through Mladíkov. There you can see a hexagonal bell tower with a bulbous dome. Its shape adds a distinctive architectural feature along the route and complements Vacov’s sacred architecture with a differently designed building.
A route from Vacov to the Klostermannova Lookout Tower on Javorník passes through Rohanov and Lhota. The stone observation tower dates from 1938 and offers views of the Šumava Mountains and the inland areas. The route from Vacov to Javorník also takes you past the listed Rotunda of St. Anthony of Padua. It dates from 1939 and was consecrated on 4 August 1940. This section of the route thus links a viewpoint with two buildings whose histories can be placed in context using their different dates.
Seasonal winter activities
Ski lifts are available to visitors in Vacov during winter. The ski slope in Javorník is groomed and lit for popular night skiing. These activities are seasonal: if skiing is important to your trip, check availability for your travel dates before you set off. This makes it possible to distinguish the winter activities from the topics of architectural history and views, without assuming a fixed itinerary for the latter.
Bakery and dated events
Pekárna Vacov is a traditional bakery from the Šumava foothills. Its most popular and best-selling products include Šumava and Žitovec breads, made with traditionally maintained rye sourdough. If one of the breads is particularly important to you, check the current product selection, as the range may change.
Reports on events from previous years also offer insight into various local occasions. At the Masopust carnival on 1 March 2025, a procession of 42 traditional, cheerful and original masks made its way through Vacov. The Mikulášská pouť pilgrimage fair in December 2023 included market stalls, Mikuláš, devils and two angels. Both examples relate to their stated dates and help put the nature of each event into context, without implying a future date.
Plan your stay around your interests
Discover more destinations: Budkov, Horní Záblatí, Ckyne, Pěčnov, Chlumany, Arnostov, Žárovná, Vitějovice.
For the broader travel overview: Prachatice District.
