Bednárec can be explored through two distinct themes: the village’s architectural and artistic history, and landscape sites along the stream, around the ponds and at the viewpoint. The village square is home to the Chapel of Our Lady and a railway line that runs directly across the square on an embankment several metres high. The religious building and the transport infrastructure provide two very different points of reference for the village square.

A chapel and art from different periods

The Chapel of Our Lady stands on the village square and was built in 1795. Its polygonal bell tower is topped by a bulbous dome. “Polygonal” describes the tower’s many-sided shape; the bulbous dome refers to its distinctive roof shape. The year of construction and this architectural detail provide two concrete points of reference for understanding the chapel not only by its location but also by its form.

The Pietà of Bednárec takes us back to an earlier period. The Late Gothic wooden sculpture was created at the beginning of the 16th century, while the chapel dates from 1795. This brings two clearly distinct periods together. The Pietà remains the property of the Municipality of Bednárec and is part of the permanent exhibition in Hluboká. If you would like to include the artwork in your plans, check how it is currently displayed in advance.

Lipina and the pond landscape

The Lipina protected area lies in Bednárec along the banks of the meanders of the Žirovnička stream and is a natural monument in South Bohemia. It was established to protect an original lime-oak forest, typical of the warmer areas of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The conservation effort is thus closely tied to a specific type of forest, while the location along the stream meanders provides another distinct connection to the landscape.

East of Bednárec, in Černý les, lies a cascade of four ponds: Jílků malý, Šedivů, Obecní velký and Obecní malý. Ecological measures have also been described for Obecní velký: they increased the pond’s water-retention capacity and biodiversity in its immediate surroundings. Two pools with adjoining wetlands were created at the edge of the pond. This landscape site therefore highlights both water retention and the wetlands at the pond’s edge.

Long-distance views and local tradition

From the upper part of the village, Kopec, the view extends across Jindřichohradecko and Kamenicko, as well as the Novohradské Mountains and the Šumava. How far you can see depends on the weather and vegetation. In exceptionally clear conditions, the Alps may also be visible. This view of the Alps is specifically dependent on exceptionally good atmospheric conditions.

A local historical tradition can also be encountered on the way from Jarošov nad Nežárkou to Bednárec: a reconciliation stone stands before Bednárec. It is believed to mark the grave of a man and a woman from the Swedish Wars. This cautious wording leaves the interpretation open and distinguishes this historical reference from the dated buildings and artworks in the village.

Discover more destinations: Hříšice, Jarosov Nad Nezarkou, Červený Hrádek, Straz Nad Nezarkou, Lodhéřov, Wittingau, Sedlo, Suchdol Nad Luznicí.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.