Český Rudolec brings together local history, brewing tradition and a distinctive granite landscape. Specific points of interest include the church in the centre, Malá Hluboká, a marked circular trail and rock formations in the surrounding area. This lets you choose whether to focus on culture, hiking or scenery.
The Graselova Trail and local history
The Graselova Trail begins in the village square by the Church of St John the Baptist. Dating from 1440, the church is a landmark in the centre. The trail is marked with a yellow circle bordered by a white letter “G”. As a circular route, it joins a red-marked hiking trail at Radíkov and leads back to Český Rudolec. Markings may change over time, so check the current signs before setting out.
Visible traces of historic silver mining have been preserved at Kutiště along the Graselova Trail. On the Český Rudolec–Slavonice section, the Chapel of the Holy Cross can be seen shortly after leaving Český Rudolec. The chapel and the mining traces offer different insights into local history: one is a structure on a named route section, the other, preserved traces of earlier mining along the trail.
Malá Hluboká: castle and garden culture
Malá Hluboká is a protected immovable cultural monument. After the fire of 1860, it acquired its present Romantic appearance in the Tudor Gothic style through reconstruction. The complex includes an English park, whose layout began towards the end of the 17th century. The orangery was used to grow exotic fruits, including pineapples. These details connect the history of the building with the history of the gardens and plant cultivation.
Visitors can buy tickets for guided tours of the castle at the tourist centre at Malá Hluboká. Visiting arrangements may vary seasonally, so check the options before your trip.
Brewing history and tastings
According to surviving records, beer was brewed at the present site of Pivovar Grasel as early as 1539; the brewing tradition continued until 1897. In 2015, Zámecký pivovar Český Rudolec was rebuilt from the ruins. The dates mark different stages in local brewing history: early brewing, the end of the tradition and its revival later on.
Pivovar Grasel in Český Rudolec invites visitors to taste its own beers. As the visitor offer may change, please check what is currently available before your trip.
Granite formations and a water-powered sawmill
Nearby is Skalka, also known as Kofrštán or Měděný vrch: a rocky granite peak rising to 679.3 metres. Its north side has rock walls 10 to 15 metres high. Also nearby, Filipovy kameny is a granite rock formation about 100 metres long. The Hornoradíkovský potok disappears beneath it, and there are plunge pools among the large boulders. The two places showcase different forms of granite terrain: at Skalka, the peak’s elevation and north-facing walls stand out; at Filipovy kameny, the formation’s length and its relationship to the stream are the defining features.
The completely preserved small wooden water-powered sawmill Vodní pila Peníkov is near Český Rudolec and is protected as an immovable cultural monument. It can be reached via the Graselova Trail or the blue-marked hiking trail, in about a 40-minute walk. Treat the walking time as an estimate, as it may vary depending on trail conditions.
The Zkrášlovací spolek Rudolecko beautification association offers guided tours and sawmill demonstrations at Vodní pila Peníkov. Visiting arrangements and availability may change, so enquire in advance if you are planning a tour.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Třeboň Ii, Strmilov, Hrutkov, Nová Hlína, Blato, Světce, Jarosov Nad Nezarkou, Halámky.
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.
