The ruins of Tumaperk now stand in the middle of a planted beech forest; a cadastral surveying column recalls the land surveys of the 18th century. Česká Olešná is also a stop on the Via Czechia route “Českomoravská stezka.” This combination gives the choice of location a distinctive profile: you can connect the history of historic buildings and surveying with a named route stop. Česká Olešná Castle is also part of the town’s history, but it is privately owned and not open to the public.

Tumaperk: Building History and Forest Setting

Česká Olešná is first mentioned in historical sources in 1349. Tumaperk offers a particularly vivid way to trace the town’s later history: the early Renaissance château was built in 1513–1514 by brothers Hynek and Jindřich z Vydří. In 1892, it was struck by lightning, the building burned down completely and subsequently fell into ruin. Its construction, destruction and present-day ruins mark three distinct stages in the history of the same site.

A beech forest was planted around Tumaperk; today, the ruin stands in the middle of the forest. Its woodland setting is therefore part of its history, not merely a description of its present surroundings. The ruins are freely accessible and lie just under a kilometre northeast of Česká Olešná, away from marked hiking trails. Bear this in mind when finding your way if Tumaperk is part of your visit.

Surveying Column and Castle History

Another historical trace leads to the cadastral surveying column from the 18th century. During the Theresian and Josephine military land surveys, it served as a starting point for surveying the landscape and creating cadastral maps. The column stands on the northwestern edge of the town, on the road to Bednáreček, and is known locally as “mamlas.” Unlike Tumaperk, it does not recall the history of a ruin, but the surveying work that transferred the landscape onto maps.

Česká Olešná Castle can also be understood through its architectural history: after Josef Laboriette bought it in 1810, it acquired its present Empire-style appearance. It has been protected as a cultural monument since 1963. As it is privately owned and not open to the public, a visit to the castle is not among the available sightseeing options. The historic architecture of Česká Olešná is visually highlighted by its reflection in Zámecký rybník.

Via Czechia and Practical Information

For travellers on the Via Czechia route “Českomoravská stezka,” Česká Olešná is a stop. From here, the route continues to Strmilov via cycle route No. 1240 and an unmarked field path. The route therefore includes different types of sections; factor in the unmarked field path when finding your way if you are planning to continue along it.

The Via Czechia route information lists a shelter, overnight accommodation, food supplies and a bus connection for Česká Olešná. Check the bus timetable and the availability of overnight accommodation before planning if either is important to your stay. When looking for a holiday apartment, this can help you weigh whether local history, the route or both will be the deciding factor for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lužnice, Číměř, Rosička U Deštné, Dolní Žďár, Dívčí Kopy, Velký Ratmírov, Deštná U Jindřichova Hradce, Kamenný Malíkov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.