Discover Vlašim: Castle Park, History and Observations

Vlašim between Castle History and Nature

Vlašim combines a tangible history with a protected park landscape and unusual opportunities for shared discovery. Those planning a stay can experience cultural monuments, natural assets, regional art, animal stories and public observations in a variety of ways. The options range from an educational trail through the park to regular events at the observatory.

Castle, Park and Educational Trail

The original Vlašim castle was founded around 1300 on a spur above the Blanice together with a market settlement, and was first documented in 1318 as the property of Hynek of Vlašim. This early connection between the castle and the market settlement provides a concrete starting point for the town's history. The location on the spur above the Blanice is just as much a part of Vlašim's historical character as the development around the market settlement.

Vlašimský zámecký park covers 75 hectares, is one of the largest castle parks in Central Europe, is a protected monument and forms part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The educational trail “Naučná stezka Vlašimským parkem” comprises 18 stops and provides information about the park's cultural monuments and natural assets. The stops give an exploration a clear thematic structure. For planning a day, the park is therefore more than a green addition to a castle visit. The 18 stops organise the route thematically and bring cultural monuments and natural assets together in a shared exploration. Those travelling with different interests can shift their focus between history and landscape.

Views, Exhibition and Regional Art

The Mannerist addition to the tower of Zámek Vlašim offers views of the town, the castle and the park. The exhibition “Tajemství sklepení” presents the history of the castle's underground areas, including the legend of Jan Vostrovec of Kralovice's treasure. Historical architecture and narrated castle history thus stand side by side.

Vlašimská brána houses the Podblanická Gallery, featuring works by regional artists under the direction of painter Stanislav Příhoda. During the season, the gallery is open to the public as part of the tour through the park or for individual visits. This complements the historical impressions with a direct view of regional art. Time in the park can thus be combined with alternating outdoor activity and art appreciation.

Animal Stories and Observations

paraZOO presents animals from the Podblanicko region and uses the stories of the animals there to teach about the relationship between people and nature. The focus is therefore not only on wildlife, but also on the stories that help explain how people and animals interact. This perspective expands the castle and park themes with an exploration of regional animals and their relationship to the human environment.

Vlašimská hvězdárna regularly holds public observations with explanations every Friday from the beginning of May to the end of September. Outside the regular observation times, a visit to Vlašimská hvězdárna can be arranged by telephone. This means that the observatory can be included in travel planning either through the fixed Friday appointment or through an individual arrangement. Those wishing to attend the public observations can specifically combine the period from the beginning of May to the end of September with the Friday appointment; for another time, arranging a visit by telephone provides a separate planning option.

More Places to Explore

Find more destinations for your travel planning here: Skalice, Kamberk, Vranov, Týnec Nad Sázavou, Mrač, Strojetice, Dolní Kralovice and Řimovice.

To the overarching travel overview: Okres Benešov.