Kirchschlag (Světlík) offers a choice of pilgrimage route, church architecture and a hike to Pasovary Fortress. The South Bohemian Way of St. James leads to the Church of St. James in Světlík; a walking option from there goes to the ruins in Pasovary and back. The different destinations give your plans a clear focus: pilgrimage, architectural history or a tour through the hilly Pošumaví landscape.
The Way of St. James and Church Architecture
In the countryside, the South Bohemian Way of St. James is marked with scallop-shell symbols. The section from Světlík to Frymburk is 11 kilometres long. The Church of St. James the Elder, a point on the route, is documented as far back as 1258. It was burned down in 1423 and restored in the mid-15th century.
Its architectural history extends further: the church was enlarged in 1663, demolished and rebuilt in 1872. Only the lower part of the tower survives from the original building. The church complex also includes a two-storey rectory dating from the 18th century. Near the rectory stands the plastered, masonry niche chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, also dating from the mid-18th century.
Another architectural detail is the Boží muka wayside shrine, dating from 1665, on the road to Frymburk. It stands slightly off to one side by the steps at the cemetery in Světlík; its forms show late Gothic features. Carved into it are the Christogram IHS and the Arma Christi, with a cross and nails. The presumed initials of the donor and the date 1665 are also visible.
Pasovary Fortress and Its Surroundings
The Gothic Pasovary Fortress dates from the 14th century. Its ruins stand on the site of the vanished village of Pasovary, in the hilly Pošumaví landscape about 15 kilometres southwest of Český Krumlov. It has been a protected monument since 1958. The remains include a two-storey prism-shaped tower, stone window and door surrounds, corbels, and cellars belonging to the Gothic and Renaissance palaces.
From Světlík, a walk of about six kilometres leads to the ruins and back. This distance covers the entire round trip; the 11-kilometre Way of St. James section to Frymburk is a separate route distance. Conditions on the path to the fortress may change, so check them before setting out.
Cycling Routes, Getting There and Village History
Světlík is a hub for numerous cycling routes. The cycle tour “Po méně známých místech Českokrumlovska” follows a cycle path uphill to Světlík alongside a stream. Check seasonal trail-surface and access conditions locally before taking this route. If you take road II/162 on the journey from Český Krumlov to Vítkův Hrádek, it continues from Větřní via Světlík towards Frymburk.
A stone fountain stands in the village square in Světlík. It is said to have lain buried underground for 80 years; water flows in it again today. The fountain adds another story to the village’s architectural heritage, one you can discover even on a stay focused on the village itself.
Events and Horse Rides
Pasovarské tvrzení is a charity event with music, held annually on the second Saturday in August. The programme includes live music and a guided tour about the history of Pasovary. Voluntary contributions can be made towards restoring the fortress. As the event format may change, check the current calendar and programme before travelling.
Horse rides through the surrounding countryside can be arranged from Pasovary by prior agreement. Confirm current availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kienberg, Prisnitz, Krumau, Polletitz, Kalsching, Ceske Chalupy, Moyne, Goldenkron
For the higher-level travel overview: Český Krumlov District.
