Zlenice – Castle, Sázava and Trails through the Countryside

Zlenice combines a clear historical identity with experiences in the landscape and along routes by the Sázava. Zlenice Castle was first mentioned in writing in 1318. Its most distinctive surviving part is the large Hláska tower. The castle stands on a promontory at the confluence of the Mnichovka stream and the Sázava. In Zlenice, history, the riverside landscape, hiking, cycling, and excursions by train or ferry all come together. Depending on your preferred pace, you can explore the area as a destination for culture, outdoor activity, or a combination of both.

Zlenice Castle and Medieval History

The medieval side of the area comes particularly vividly to life during the annual charity festival “Oživlý středověk.” The festival of medieval crafts from the time of Charles IV takes place on the grounds of the Zlenice castle ruins and supports their conservation. Visitors can sample flatbreads for which they first grind the flour in a grain mill. Craftsmanship, history, and a hands-on culinary activity come together here in an experience that fits naturally into a shared excursion. The castle and its Hláska tower form the historic focal point of the surrounding area.

Ferry, Train and Cycling Route along the Sázava

The “HLÁSKA” ferry crosses an approximately 65 m-wide stretch between Senohrabská plovárna and Zlenice. The short crossing complements the paths along the river with a journey on the water. For further orientation, the Posázavský Pacifik serves the Zlenice stop on the route between Čerčany and Světlá nad Sázavou. The Posázavský Pacifik takes visitors to sights and museums and travels through an attractive landscape along the Sázava. Cyclists also have a connection through several towns: an approximately 40 km-long section of the “Cyrilometodějská stezka” cycling route runs from Sázava via Zlenice and Hláska to Čerčany. This provides a choice of different ways to explore the landscape.

Hiking along the Mnichovka and Sázava

The “Vodnické vycházky” add further options for exploring on foot. The third section runs along the right bank of the Mnichovka to the Sázava and is 4.5 km long. At the end of the “Vodnické vycházky” by the Sázava, visitors can reach Zlenice Castle and its Hláska tower. At 4.5 km, this is a shorter hiking option than the approximately 40 km cycling connection. The different distances help with planning your day and make it possible to choose between a walk by the water and a longer bike ride.

Plan Your Stay around Your Preferred Experience

For a stay that combines different interests, you can choose between a historical visit, a hike, a bike ride, a train journey, and a ferry crossing. Zlenice brings these experiences together with the Sázava and the castle ruins to create a varied destination, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one way of exploring.

Discover More Places

If you would like to research destinations beyond Zlenice, you can find Vlašim, Olbramovice, Rataje, Pravonín, Čeřenice, Trhový Štěpánov, Radošovice and Keblov here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Benešov District.