Vlkava: History, Castle and Landscape at Vlkavský rybník

Vlkava combines a long history with a distinctive waterscape and various routes through the surrounding area. If you would like to combine culture, nature and activity on your trip to the Czech Republic, you will find specific starting points here for your planning: Vlkava was first mentioned in 1046, while the Baroque castle of Vlkava was built in 1736.

Historical traces in Vlkava

The Baroque castle of Vlkava was built in 1736. A reconstructed wayside shrine featuring an image of Jesus Christ was unveiled in Vlkava on September 28, 2024. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in Vlkava was blessed on November 20, 2021. Both dates belong to the more recent chapters of the town's history and stand alongside the older references from 1046 and 1736.

The historic brewery also points to the local past. Both pale and dark beer were brewed there. For your travel planning, this means a place where architecture, memorials and regional history can be viewed together, without reducing Vlkava to just one attraction.

Vlkavský rybník and the protected pedunculate oak

Vlkavský rybník lies immediately west of Vlkava. Its water surface covers 20 ha, and its retention volume is 320,000 m³; the pond is used for fish farming. A protected pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) stands at its western end. It is listed as 23 m tall with a trunk circumference of 545 cm; at the same time, the stated height is described as significantly exaggerated. At the pond, water, fish farming and old trees come together as different elements of the landscape.

Cycling and hiking in the surrounding area

The Taxis cycle path runs between Čachovice, Vlkava and Patřín along the route of a former sugar railway. The historic character of the route gives the connection its own theme. A red-marked hiking trail passes along the edge through Vlkava and leads from Milovice via Všejany, Loučeň, Jabkenice and Staré Hrady to Mladějov. The routes differ in their course: the cycle path connects three towns along the route of the former sugar railway, while the red-marked hiking trail leads from Milovice via several stops to Mladějov. This allows you to choose between cycling with a historic route connection and hiking through a succession of different places.

Čachovice railway station is also relevant for orientation on site: it is 1.5 km from the centre of Vlkava and is located in the cadastral area of the municipality of Čachovice. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether the historical themes, the waterscape or the signposted routes should be the focus of your trip.

More places for your Czech Republic research

If you would like to compare Vlkava with other destinations, you can also look at Benátky nad Jizerou, Ledce, Zakopaná, Semčice, Kosořice, Tuřice, Dobsin and Obruby.

For the higher-level travel overview: Mladá Boleslav District.