Vlkava combines an early written mention with tangible connections to the landscape and routes: the village was first mentioned in 1046, and the Baroque castle was built in 1736. Vlkavský Pond lies to the west; a cycle path also runs through Vlkava along a former railway line, while a red-marked hiking trail passes along the edge of the village. If you are looking for a holiday rental for a visit to Vlkava, you can decide what to focus on based on whether history, the pond landscape or a particular type of route is the main consideration for your trip.
History Across Several Eras
Vlkava’s first mention and the period when the castle was built refer to two different historical points. The village was first mentioned in 1046; the Baroque castle was built in 1736. This spans the period from the village’s early mention to a specific building from the Baroque era.
Two religious monuments are also among the dated historical landmarks. A reconstructed wayside shrine bearing an image of Jesus Christ was unveiled on 28 September 2024. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in Vlkava was blessed on 20 November 2021. The events mark different occasions: the shrine was unveiled, while the statue was blessed.
The historic brewery is also part of the village’s past: both pale and dark beer were brewed there. The former production of both types of beer adds another dimension to Vlkava’s brewing tradition.
Pond, Fish Farming and a Protected Oak
Vlkavský Pond lies immediately west of Vlkava. It has a water surface area of 20 ha and a retention volume of 320,000 m³; the pond is also used for fish farming. Its size and function both help characterise the body of water.
A protected pedunculate oak stands at the western end of the pond. The recorded measurements for the tree are a trunk circumference of 545 cm and a height of 23 m; however, the height is described as considerably overstated. This qualification is important when considering the measurements: the trunk circumference is recorded, while the height is explicitly qualified.
Distinguishing Cycle and Hiking Routes
The Taxis cycle route runs between Čachovice, Vlkava and Patřín along the track of a former sugar railway. Its sequence of villages and former railway alignment provide a clear reference point for planning a trip. If you are interested in this route, its former sugar railway alignment is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from a path without this historical connection.
A red-marked hiking trail runs from Milovice via Všejany, Loučeň, Jabkenice and Staré Hrady to Mladějov, passing only along the edge of Vlkava. This is a different connection to the village than the Taxis cycle route: the latter passes through Vlkava between three named places, while the marked hiking trail touches the edge of Vlkava and links a longer sequence of other places. So if Vlkava itself is your main focus, bear this edge-of-village stretch in mind when choosing a route.
Getting Your Bearings on Arrival
Čachovice railway station is 1.5 km from the centre of Vlkava and is located within the cadastral area of the municipality of Čachovice. Two details are relevant for orientation: its distance from the centre of Vlkava and its cadastral designation as part of Čachovice. This lets you locate the station on a map without confusing its name with the location of the village centre.
Discover more destinations: Prodašice, Doubravička, Skokovy, Čachovice, Sudoměř, Kochánky, Žehrov, Kosořice.
For the broader travel overview: Mladá Boleslav District.
