A trip to Lešany offers several themes to explore: an extensive collection of historic military technology, the architectural history of Zámek Lešany, an exhibition about František Hrubín, and educational trails through the municipality and its surroundings. Choosing which of these themes to focus on can give your plans a clear direction. Cultural history and trails offer different areas of interest, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one way of exploring.
Military Technology and Events
The Vojenské technické muzeum Lešany displays more than 700 historic tanks, cannons, motorcycles, armored vehicles, trucks and passenger vehicles, missile technology, communications and engineering equipment, as well as logistics equipment. The collection spans the period from 1890 to the present day. Its scope therefore ranges from early technological developments to the present. Since 1996, the museum has been located in the former artillery barracks between Krhanice and Lešany, near Týnec nad Sázavou.
Events are also part of the museum’s annual calendar: as part of the annual opening of the exhibition season, demonstrations of historic military technology in motion take place in the museum arena. The Tankové dny are among the largest events of the year. They take place on the last Saturday at the end of the summer holidays. If you want to plan your trip around one of these events, check the exact date in advance.
Castle History and Literature
Two important phases in the architectural history of Zámek Lešany can be distinguished. In the mid-16th century, the castle was converted from an older manor house. After 1683, the Chapter of St. Vitus at Prague Castle gave the building its present four-winged form. The time between these stages makes clear that its present form is the result of a later development than the conversion of the older manor house.
The Pamětní síň Františka Hrubína offers a literary focus. Its exhibition is devoted to the life and work of the writer František Hrubín, both of which are connected with the region. The memorial is located in the Lešany municipal office building. Check access locally before visiting so you can plan this stop accordingly.
Educational Trails and Hiking Routes
The Historií Lešan educational trail runs through the area around Lešany and introduces the nature, history and sights of the municipality and the local region. The Podlešanský mlýn educational trail starts at Krhanice railway station and ends in Lešany-Nová Ves. It is 5.5 kilometers long and has six information-board stops. The length, boards or route may change, so check local conditions before setting out.
Two described hiking routes provide additional guidance. The “Za Františkem Hrubínem do Lešan” route follows a yellow-marked section between two ponds to the edge of Lešany, then continues to the village square. The route from Zámek Lešany follows yellow markings to the edge of Nová Ves, then continues along green markings to Kamenný Přívoz. Descriptions of both routes were published in March 2020. Check the current markings before hiking. You can then choose a route based on whether you are most interested in views of the municipality and region, the information boards, or a specific described itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Teplysovice, Pavlovice, Řimovice, Merin, Zdislavice, Libohošť, Slapanov, Zlenice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Benešov.
