Ceska Olesna: Castle History, Tumaperk and Via-Czechia

Česká Olešná combines local history with woodland scenery, distinctive memorial sites and a route through the surrounding area. The village is first mentioned in historical sources in 1349. The historical traces range from castle architecture to land surveying.

Castle History at Zámecký rybník

Česká Olešná Castle acquired its present Empire-style appearance after being purchased by Josef Laboriette in 1810. It has been protected as a cultural monument since 1963. The castle is privately owned and is not open to the public. Its historic architecture is visually accentuated by its reflection in Zámecký rybník. The castle is therefore part of the local history, but it is not a publicly accessible sightseeing site.

Tumaperk in the Beech Forest

Tůmův vrch (Tumaperk) is a destination for excursions near Česká Olešná. Tumaperk is an early Renaissance chateau built in 1513–1514 by the brothers Hynek and Jindřich z Vydří. In 1892, it was struck by lightning; the building burned down completely and subsequently fell into disrepair. A beech forest was planted around Tumaperk, so Tumaperk now stands amid the forest.

The ruins of Tůmův vrch (Tumaperk) are freely accessible. They are located just under one kilometre northeast of Česká Olešná and outside marked hiking trails. The planted beech forest now forms the landscape setting for the ruins. Here, the history of the early Renaissance chateau combines with a wooded environment and traces of its subsequent decay. Unlike the private castle, Tumaperk is freely accessible; however, when planning your visit, it is important to bear in mind that Tumaperk lies outside marked hiking trails.

Via-Czechia and Routes to Strmilov

Česká Olešná is a stop on the Via-Czechia “Českomoravská stezka” route. From Česká Olešná, the route continues to Strmilov via cycle path no. 1240 and an unmarked field path. The change from the numbered cycle path to an unmarked field path forms a separate section. If you are planning the connection to Strmilov, you can consider these two types of path separately and take the specific route into account. The connection then continues to Strmilov.

Surveying Pillar and Further Discoveries

The cadastral surveying pillar in Česká Olešná dates from the 18th century. During the Theresian and Josephinian military surveys of the land, it served as a starting point for surveying the landscape and creating cadastral maps. The historic pillar is known locally as “mamlas”; it stands on the northwestern edge of Česká Olešná on the road to Bednáreček and is freely accessible. Another attraction in Česká Olešná is a collection of Soviet aircraft.

Facilities in Česká Olešná include a shelter, accommodation, food supplies and a bus connection. When searching for a hotel in Ceska Olesna, you can therefore first decide whether castle and surveying history, Tumaperk or the Via-Czechia route to Strmilov should be the focus of your trip.

For further research, you can also compare the following destinations: Pluhův Žďár, Cizkrajov, Halámky, Horní Radouň, Deštná U Jindřichova Hradce, Domanín U Třeboně, Popelín and Starý Bozdechov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.