Vysoký Chlumec offers cultural and historical attractions relating to rural life, brewing traditions and architectural history. The open-air museum focuses on rural living and working; the brewing exhibition connects objects with the history of brewing.

Open-Air Museum: Buildings and Rural Life

Visitors to the Vysoký Chlumec Open-Air Museum can see 24 buildings in total; 14 of them are accessible through interior or special exhibitions. Residential, agricultural, technical and smaller religious buildings are gradually being relocated to the natural setting in the stream valley. The interior exhibitions illustrate rural living and working. The site thus brings together objects in a natural setting and indoor exhibitions about rural daily life and work. There are two ways to visit: a self-guided walk and a guided tour. Since tour options may change depending on museum operations, check in advance which type of tour is scheduled for your visit.

The annual programme includes the traditional Masopust celebration; individual dates may vary. The programme also includes all-day events called Den řemesel. If an event date is important to your trip, check the specific dates in advance.

Castle Site and Chapels

The castle site at Vysoký Chlumec was probably built in the second half of the 14th century by Purkart Strnad z Janovic. Vysoký Chlumec Castle is not open to the public, so do not plan it as a publicly accessible stop on your itinerary. The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is at the eastern end of Vysoký Chlumec, in the settlement of Vápenice. The nearby Chapel of St. Anne is also in the vicinity of Vysoký Chlumec; it was the first work by local builder František Holan. The chapels are distinguished by their different associations: the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by its location in Vápenice, and the Chapel of St. Anne by its connection to Holan’s first work.

Brewing Exhibition and Regional Context

The brewing exhibition in Vysoký Chlumec displays old beer bottles, coopering tools, labels, beer mugs and beer mats. It dates the first written references to brewing there to 1466. This year provides a timeframe for the written references; the exhibits supplement this historical context with insights into craftsmanship and everyday culture. Visits to the exhibition can be arranged in advance through the local information centre. Arrange your visit ahead of time and confirm the current arrangements if you are making a firm plan to see the exhibition.

Vysoký Chlumec lies in the picturesque landscape of Střední Povltaví, which is part of the Toulava tourist region. Střední Povltaví refers to the landscape, while Toulava is the tourist-region designation. The natural site of Vápenská jezera lies near Vápenice. It is a protected area because of its rich population of waterbirds. Before visiting, check whether access restrictions apply to the natural site.

For the broader travel overview: Příbram District.