Discover Světlík: St. James’s Church, Pasovary and Cycling Routes

Světlík combines the history of the Church of St. James the Greater with routes for walking and cycling. From here, a walk of about six kilometres there and back leads to the ruins of Pasovary Fortress. The South Bohemian Way of St. James also passes through the village and leads to the church. Architectural history and different ways to explore the surrounding area thus come together at one destination.

The Church and the History of the Village

The Church of St. James the Greater in Světlík is documented as far back as 1258. It was burned down in 1423 and restored in the mid-15th century. It was extended in 1663, then demolished and rebuilt in 1872; only the lower part of the tower remains from the original building. The building’s history therefore spans several distinct periods.

There is also a niche chapel dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk near the rectory. The masonry chapel is plastered and dates from the mid-18th century. A stone well stands in the village square. According to local accounts, it was buried underground for 80 years; water flows in it again today.

Wayside Shrine and Pasovary Fortress

At the cemetery in Světlík, the Boží muka wayside shrine stands slightly off to one side by the cemetery steps. It features recognisable late Gothic forms. Carved into it are the Christogram IHS and the Arma Christi, with a cross and nails, as well as the presumed initials of the donor and the date 1665. These details combine religious imagery with a specific date and a distinctive location in the village.

The Gothic Pasovary Fortress dates from the 14th century. Its ruins stand on the site of the vanished village of Pasovary, in the hilly landscape of Pošumaví and about 15 kilometres southwest of Český Krumlov. The fortress in Pasovary near Světlík has been a protected monument since 1958. Features that remain include a two-storey prismatic tower, stone window and door surrounds, corbels, and cellars belonging to the Gothic and Renaissance palaces. These architectural features give the ruins their distinctive character.

Walking, Cycling and the Way of St. James

A walk from Světlík leads to the ruins of Pasovary and back, covering about six kilometres in total. A cycling route with the Czech name “Po méně známých místech Českokrumlovska” follows a cycle path uphill along a stream to Světlík. The village is also a junction for numerous cycling routes. Check seasonal route and access conditions for cycling, and check the condition of the walking path locally.

A longer section can also be covered on foot: the Way of St. James section from Světlík to Frymburk is 11 kilometres long. The South Bohemian Way of St. James is marked on the ground with scallop shell symbols and leads to the Church of St. James in Světlík. For a drive from Český Krumlov to Vítkův Hrádek, road II/162 runs from Větřní through Světlík and onwards towards Frymburk.

Event and Horseback Rides

Pasovarské tvrzení is an annual charity music event held on the second Saturday in August. The programme includes live music and a guided tour of Pasovary’s history. Voluntary contributions can be made towards restoring the fortress. As the event format may change, check the current events calendar before travelling. Horseback rides through the surrounding countryside can also be arranged from Pasovary; confirm current availability in advance.

Choosing Accommodation in Světlík

When looking for a hotel in Světlík, first consider which local sights and activities you want to shape your stay: architectural history, the walk to Pasovary, the Way of St. James or a cycling trip. Check the location of specific properties against your own plans. Be sure to factor the relevant route conditions into your preparations for the walk and cycling trip.

Discover more destinations: Tritesch, Priethal, Gojau, Höritz, Kaplitz, Netrobitz, Groß Umlowitz, Krumau.

Go to the regional travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.