Kaplice combines historic buildings with a variety of ways to spend time outdoors. The historic centre is characterised by the town hall, churches and fountains; marked trails also start in town, and an educational trail leads into the landscape of the foothills of the Novohradské Mountains. This gives you several options when planning your visit: architectural history, a hike or seasonal waterside activities.
Historic Centre and Architectural History
Kaplice’s historic centre was declared an urban conservation area in 1990. The central square is home to a Renaissance town hall; the building at No. 215 on the square features figurative sgraffito. Another landmark that can be dated is the stone fountain, built in 1646. Its central stone column records renovations in 1717, 1775, 1901, 1934 and 1996. These dates document a long sequence of renovations while keeping the original construction in view.
The Church of St Peter and Paul is a Gothic, two-aisled church with a tower on the north side of the west façade. The tower and nave date from the 13th century; the church is also regarded as an important example of South Bohemian Late Gothic architecture. The Late Gothic Church of St Florian stands right next to it. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was used to store military supplies and was badly damaged. Together, the two neighbouring churches offer different architectural and historical perspectives to explore on a walking tour.
Buildings with their own history can also be found beyond the churches. The former hospital near the Chapel of St Barbara and St Joseph is a Baroque building of historic interest, with unusually thick walls. It served the poorest of the sick and travellers. The Bělidlo Brewery was built in 1648 outside the town, on the Malše River. These sites add a glimpse of former social and economic functions to the impression of the conservation area.
Marked Trails and Landscape
The blue-marked Z Kaplice na Pořešín route starts in Kaplice’s town park and leads through a wild river canyon landscape. Chains are installed along rocky sections of the riverbank. This specific route is distinct from Přechod Slepičích hor: the latter can be started at the information centre, is 18 kilometres long and has a stated walking time of about six hours. It is marked and moderately challenging; its route uses paved forest, field and asphalt paths. The approximate walking time is a helpful guide for planning. These descriptions refer to two different routes, not one shared trail.
The educational trail in the foothills of the Novohradské Mountains offers another way to experience the surrounding area. It includes information panels with supplementary QR codes and simple observation activities for children. Alongside the marked routes, it offers short informational and observational activities. If you are planning activities for different interests, you can pair the architectural history in the centre with a trail or the educational path as a separate focus.
Seasonal Waterside Activities
Koupaliště Kaplice outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally. It has a pool for small children, a larger teaching pool with a slide, and a 200-metre-long main pool for adults. The pools are designed for different uses; seasonal availability is part of the offering to keep in mind when planning.
Nádrž Květoňov reservoir is a seven-hectare still-water venue for fly fishing. Access is seasonal and available by prior arrangement. Permitted fishing methods include fly fishing, spinning for pike and fishing from a boat; fishing rules may be subject to local agreements. If you plan to visit the lake, check the prior arrangements and applicable conditions in advance.
Krampus Tradition
A description from 2016 locates the Krampus Gallery in reconstructed cellars of a former Rožmberk brewery in Kaplice. The exhibition described includes masks carved from wood or leather, as well as original Krampus clothing and equipment. It also features photographs of Krampus shows in Kaplice and a film compilation of past Krampus parades. If you would like to include the gallery in your visit, check current access arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pořešín, Hradiště, Netřebice, Dolní Dvořiště, Angern, Brloh, Vyšší Brod, Vyšný.
Return to the main travel overview: Český Krumlov District.
