Vlhlavy: Rural Baroque and Pond History

Vlhlavy brings together rural Baroque architecture, a long local history, and Vlhlavský Pond. On the village square, the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk and Farmstead No. 5 stand opposite each other; there are also traces of a medieval fortress and two cycling routes that pass through the village.

Vlhlavy at a glance

• Vlhlavy was first mentioned in writing in 1273; its history probably reaches back more than 7,000 years.
• The portal of the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk is dated 1841; inside is a polychrome statue of the saint.
• Farmstead No. 5 is considered the best-preserved example of rural Baroque architecture in Vlhlavy.
• Vlhlavský Pond was created in 1387–1388 and is one of the five largest ponds in the Budějovice-Hluboká pond system.
• The Vlhlavy area is part of the Českobudějovické rybníky Bird Protection Area.
• Two cycling trips pass through Vlhlavy: a circular route of about 24 kilometers and a cycling excursion of about 25 kilometers that runs mostly along marked cycling paths.

Rural Baroque on the village square

Vlhlavy has a number of rural Baroque farmsteads. Farmstead No. 5 is particularly notable and is considered the best-preserved building in this style in the village. Its gables are designed in the Blata style and painted with St. Wenceslas and St. Florian. Here, rural Baroque can be recognized through specific architectural features: the named gable style and the two saints depicted on it.

The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk stands on the village square opposite Farmstead No. 5. Together, the two buildings provide a clear point of reference for the village’s history and rural architecture. The chapel portal is dated 1841. Inside is a polychrome statue of St. John of Nepomuk. The portal and statue belong to different parts of the chapel: one detail is dated on the exterior, while the other describes its interior furnishings.

The dates also tell different chapters of the story: Vlhlavy was first mentioned in writing in 1273. This is distinct from the historical assessment that the village’s history probably reaches back to the Neolithic, more than 7,000 years ago. Another chapter concerns the former fortress of Vlhlavy. In the autumn of 1420, Hussites under Jan Hrůza of Vlhlavy captured the fortress and burned it down. Traces of its ditches remain in the terrain.

Pond history and protected nature

Alongside its historic buildings, Vlhlavský Pond adds a second defining element to the village’s history: it was created in 1387–1388. It is also one of the five largest ponds in the Budějovice-Hluboká pond system and the tenth-oldest pond in South Bohemia. These comparisons describe two different aspects—its size within the pond system and its age in South Bohemia.

Nature conservation is another distinct part of the village’s character. The Vlhlavy area is part of the Českobudějovické rybníky Bird Protection Area. The Velký Karasín Natural Monument is also nearby. Alongside rural architecture and the history of the fortress, ponds and protected nature are therefore also options to consider when planning a trip.

Cycling: comparing two routes

For an active exploration, two cycling trips that include Vlhlavy are available. “Na Zbudovská blata za selským barokem” is about 25 kilometers long and runs mostly along marked cycling paths. The second tour, “Za památkami a přírodou Zbudovských Blat,” is described as family-friendly and is a circular route of about 24 kilometers. The distances are approximate; the two options also differ in their routes.

Cycling route No. 1083 also runs through Vlhlavy. The circular tour uses existing cycling routes 1085, 1083, 1084, and 1081. Check the local signage before setting off. You can choose a route based on its approximate length and whether you prefer a circular route or an excursion that runs mostly along marked paths.

Choose the focus of your stay

The two tours differ in length and route; you can take these aspects into account when choosing a hotel in Vlhlavy, depending on your own travel interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Polzov, Nuzice, Malé Chrášťany, Dívčice, Běčice, Kamenná, Hosín, Drahotěšice.

FAQ / Frequently asked questions about Vlhlavy

Is the “Za památkami a přírodou Zbudovských Blat” tour a circular route?

Yes. The approximately 24-kilometer tour is a circular route using the existing cycling routes 1085, 1083, 1084, and 1081; Vlhlavy is one of its stops. Check the local signage before setting off.

Go to the regional travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.