Lesser-known places around Český Krumlov

The circuit runs directly from the Svornost' Square in the centre of Český Krumlov, but you can connect to it in Linecká Street or Za Tavírna Street. Right at the beginning you will see a long climb up the slope of Křížová hora towards Slupenec (known in Krumlov as the seat of the riding club). Follow the cycle path from Slupenec to Spolí and Práčov.

From Práčov, the path leads along the horizon with beautiful views of the church in Svéraz and the surrounding countryside.

Be careful when descending to Zátoň, the descent is steep in places, and in Zátoň you will have to walk about 300 m along the main road. Then you will climb along the cycle path along the brook to Světlík, on the way you can ride about 1.5 km to the church in Svéraz.

Světlík was sacked and burnt by the Hussites in 1423, but worse times befell it in the second half of the 20th century, when it was basically isolated from the world. This is no longer the case; the picturesque and friendly village is almost a hub of many cycling routes, and so especially in the summer season it is very lively. On the village square you can see a stone fountain that was supposedly hidden underground for 80 years, but today water is flowing in it again. Head north from Světlík, but soon make a slight right turn off the trail onto a forest path that will lead you to the extensive ruins of the Pasovary fortress.

The Gothic fortress of Pasovary dates back to the second half of the 13th century and was rebuilt in Renaissance style in the second half of the 16th century and later in Baroque style. It has been abandoned since the end of World War II. One of the cellars is currently managed by the association 'Z Pasovar', running a small museum where you can learn more about Pasovary.

Once you have seen the ruins, get back on the road and you can head for another fortress, this time in the village of Slavkov. It is in a much better condition, but unfortunately is inaccessible. The massive Slavkov lime tree, under monumental protection, will provide pleasure for your eyes and cooling shade on the village square.

The remains of the fortress are also found in Slavkov. It is in much better condition than the one in Psauvaros, but unfortunately it is not accessible to the public. A massive Slavkov lime tree, a protected tree, will provide you with pleasure for your eyes and cool shade in the village square.

There are 10 km to go, but the village of Větřní is still ahead of you, with a tall chimney with a red and white stripe towering over it like a beacon to guide you safely in the right direction. It belongs to the Větřní Paper Mill (JIP), one of the largest paper mills in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1867 by Ignác Spiro and during his lifetime it was the largest in Austria-Hungary and later in the whole of Central Europe.

From Větřní continue to the right across the bridge and you will reach the rock called Papouščí. Here you can watch the paddlers manage the descent of the weir. Then the path leads along the river to the centre of Krumlov.