Řasnice – Natural Area on the Golden Trail

Řasnice lies in a narrow valley of the Řasnice between Horní Vltavice and Strážný, about 3 km east of Strážný. The village combines a distinctive landscape with traces of the historic Golden Trail and remarkable rural architecture. Those looking for a peaceful place in the Czech Republic with nature- and history-related attractions will find several different starting points for planning their trip here.

Landscape along the Řasnice

The settlement lies in the lower part of the slope of the narrow Řasnice Valley. The boundary of Šumava National Park, which runs through Řasnice along the Řasnice River, is particularly characteristic. The Splavské rašeliniště nature monument is also located near Strážný and the river. It protects a valley peat bog with typical vegetation and complements the river course with a distinctive natural area of its own.

Between the former Salzer Mill and Hliniště, the Řasnice forms wild landscapes that are almost untouched by people.

The Golden Trail and local history

Řasnice probably originated around 1720; the village was first mentioned in 1790. The settlement developed along the route of the Golden Trail between Vimperk and Strážný. Historically, Řasnice is classified as a loosely arranged, short forest-strip settlement. The former name Pumperle was derived from a water pumping station, with “pumpe” indicating the linguistic origin.

Several specific buildings form part of the historic village character. The preserved ensemble of the former Salzer Mill comprises the mill and two associated houses. The former Salzer Mill on the Řasnice retains its original building fabric and numerous characteristic details. Houses No. 20 and 24 are also among the best-preserved buildings in Řasnice. South of Řasnice, a mill was built on the right bank of the Řasnice in the second half of the 19th century.

The original residential buildings belonged to the Šumava log-house tradition. Shingles were used both as roofing and to clad the vertical sides exposed to the weather. The Tomaschkových farmstead is also part of Řasnice’s historic village character.

A route with varying levels of difficulty

The Řasnatá Vltava route runs via Lenora, Vlčí Jámy, Řasnice, the Splavské rašeliniště and the Radvanovický hřbet before returning to Lenora. It therefore connects the village with river landscapes, wetlands, forests and higher-elevation sections. The route includes moderate ascents and descents, some of them steep. It also features soft ground in places, slippery rocks, tall grass, forest paths and the need to climb over fallen trees. Anyone planning this route should take these specific trail conditions into account when organising the day, especially when family members have different ideas about what a hike should involve.

Another historical reference can be found near Strážný: there is a system of preserved road remnants of the Vimperk branch of the Golden Trail extending for almost 1 km. Its end lies about 100 m north of the Řasnice stream. These road remnants add a visible link to the former connection between Vimperk and Strážný to the local history.

Řasnice as a starting point for further choices

Řasnice’s strengths lie in the combination of its valley setting, the national park boundary, wetland landscape, historic settlement structure and individual preserved buildings. During a stay, the focus can therefore be placed on nature, local history or a combination of both. The Řasnatá Vltava route additionally offers a clearly described and varied route option with more demanding sections.

For further orientation within the same broader selection, Repesin, Nová Pec, Zbytiny, Zálezly, Těšovice, Prachatice, Želnava and Strážný are available.

For the broader travel overview: Prachatice District.