Droužetice – History, Landscape and Cycling

Droužetice lies two kilometres north of Strakonice and brings nature, local history and cycling together within a compact geographic area. This makes the locality suitable for a trip combining historical themes, rural landscapes and physical activity.

Forest, Pond and Stream North of Strakonice

The forest north of Droužetice offers good opportunities for relaxation. The Dražský pond is also located within the cadastral area. The Řepický Stream crosses the northern part of the area for a short stretch. The forest, body of water and stream are therefore among the defining landscape features around the locality. In Černíkov, several farmsteads, two small ponds and a chapel together form a classic South Bohemian rural settlement. These landscape features give your choice a clear direction if you would like to combine nature and rural impressions with culture.

Archaeology and History of Droužetice

Three burial mounds lie west of Droužetice. Fragments of heavy vessels from the Hallstatt period were found there; this was the first reported archaeological find in the surrounding area. The locality's history also reaches far back: from 1398, Droužetice was a noble estate held by squires from Miloňovice. The manor fortress and Droužetice were burned down in 1467. A visit therefore brings together early traces of settlement and the recorded history of a former noble estate.

The Madonna of Droužetice

A special cultural point of reference is the Madonna of Droužetice. The sculpture, created around 1410, belongs to the period of the Beautiful Style, is carved from lime wood and comes from the Dominican monastery in Pilsen. It was kept in the chapel of Droužetice from the 1940s onwards; in 1981, it was donated to the museum. Today, it is held in the collections of the Muzea středního Pootaví in Strakonice. Its creation, the wood used and the changing places where it was kept make it a distinct chapter in the region's cultural history.

Cycling through Droužetice and Černíkov

Cycling route 1062 leads from Strakonice via Droužetice to Radomyšl. Another cycling tour passes through Droužetice by the chapel, climbs uphill and then continues towards Podolí. For a comprehensively described loop, the tour Za památkami Radomyšle is available: it passes through Droužetice and Černíkov, is 35 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 339 metres, takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes and has a moderate difficulty level. On the 35-kilometre tour, distance, approximate duration and level of difficulty can be weighed up together. The different route details help you define the preferred focus of your trip more precisely.

Transport and Further Orientation

Road III/13914 runs through Droužetice and Černíkov north of Strakonice. The Březnice–Strakonice railway line runs along the eastern side of the municipality; the nearest stop is Řepice. There is a bus stop in both Droužetice and Černíkov. This means that the road, railway and bus stops can be considered separate points of orientation for further travel planning.

For further searches, you can also visit Prední Zborovice, Cehnice, Vodňanské Svobodné Hory, Čepřovice, Sloucín, Blatná, Starov and Lažánky.

To the higher-level travel overview: Strakonice District.