An early Gothic church from the 13th century, a nature trail about the history of Czech glassmaking, and routes of significantly different lengths give Bohdaneč a distinctive cultural and historical character. For planning, the 9.2- and 19.2-kilometre routes, bus operating days and access to Rozhledna Bohdanka are particularly relevant. This lets you take cultural highlights and practical travel conditions into account together.

Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is an early Gothic building from the 13th century; its original apse has been preserved. The five-sided presbytery also dates from the 13th century and has a late Gothic ribbed vault. The building thus brings together early architectural features and a vault form shaped by a later period. The preserved apse and presbytery point to the building’s original period, while the ribbed vault adds a late Gothic touch.

The original Gothic limestone portal is richly moulded and bears reliefs of human masks. Alongside the building’s form and vault, the portal brings material and figurative ornament to the fore as distinctive features. The chandeliers come from the nearby glassworks in Tasice. Glass is thus present not only as the subject of a nature trail, but also in the church’s furnishings.

Nature trails by theme and length

The “Historie českého sklářství” nature trail around Bohdaneč is 9.2 kilometres long and is considered physically undemanding. Its nine stops include a historic glass furnace where, among other things, the television series “Synové a dcery Jakuba Skláře” was filmed. The route thus links the history of glassmaking with a specific connection to film production. Check local conditions before setting out.

The “Putování po vodních plochách” nature trail is 19.2 kilometres long. Compared with the glass trail, it is ten kilometres longer. The named themes also differ: the former is titled after the history of Czech glassmaking, while the latter focuses on bodies of water. When choosing, you can therefore weigh up two specific points: the route’s theme and its length.

Further cultural themes

At an outbuilding near the distillery, visitors can learn about a large apiary. Arrange your visit in advance. A museum of folk costumes is currently located in the complex at Ostrov. These themes complement the church architecture and glassmaking history with beekeeping and traditional dress, offering further points of interest for a trip focused on culture and local traditions.

Getting there and finding your way around

Bohdaneč is most easily reached by car; buses to Bohdaneč run only on weekdays. The nearest rail connections are via Zbraslavice, Ledeč nad Sázavou and Zruč nad Sázavou. Check the current timetables before travelling. If you are planning to travel by public transport, take the day of the week into account: buses run only on weekdays, while the places named above are the rail connections.

Rozhledna Bohdanka is closed to the public. Check access again before your trip. This lets you plan realistically around the observation tower instead of treating it as a definite stop without checking first.

Discover more destinations: Miskovice, Vlastejovice, Šebestěnice, Černíny-Krasoňovice, Zleby, Vlkaneč, Paběnice, Vavřinec

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Kutná Hora.