Several small ponds, typical of the local landscape, shape the area around Doňov. Lickov is the largest of the old ponds surrounding the village and covers just under 30 hectares. Wetland vegetation and reeds at its inflow, riparian vegetation along the Doňovský potok and a belt of woodland nearby create contrasting features. The area also has chapels, historical connections and archaeological finds. Doňov thus brings together nature and a village history stretching back over many centuries.

Ponds, Valley and Woodland

The Lickov pond lies in the valley locally known as V Sedlicích. In the 15th century, it was called Sedlečko. The inflow area of Lickov has wetland vegetation and stands of reeds; the Doňovský potok has riparian vegetation. Several small ponds also shape the surrounding area. Lickov stands out for its size, while the wetland and riparian vegetation bring other elements of this landscape into view.

A dense belt of woodland begins near Doňov and extends to Jemčina Castle and onward to Třeboň. It is described as rich in mushrooms and blueberries; mushroom and blueberry picking are seasonal activities. If you are interested in them, take the time of year into account when planning your visit. The Doňov landscape is also suited to active recreation, including hiking and cycling.

Chapels and Village History

The Chapel of the Virgin Mary stands on the village green and was built around the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. West of Doňov, a wayside chapel dating from the mid-19th century stands beside the former imperial road. The roads also tell of different periods: State Road I/23 runs through Doňov. From 1827 to 1833, the former imperial road connected the village to the east with Kardašova Řečice and Jindřichův Hradec, and to the west with Veselí nad Lužnicí and Soběslav.

The first written mention of the village dates from 1397 and concerns the obligation of its subjects to pay the church tithe to Dráchov. Doňov belonged to the Třeboň Monastery for more than three centuries. These details give the village’s history a clear timeframe, from its medieval mention to its long association with the monastery.

Artefacts from the Roman Imperial period and the La Tène period were discovered near the V Sedlicích valley. A local legend is also associated with the valley: it tells of a village said to have once existed there. The finds and the legend represent different ways of exploring the area’s past; the village remains part of the local tradition.

Active Recreation and Getting There

Doňov railway station is less than two kilometres from the village, on line 225 from Veselí nad Lužnicí to Havlíčkův Brod. Seasonal visitors use it as a starting point for trips and mushroom picking. If you plan to arrive by train, check the timetable before setting off.

A seasonal option is strawberry picking at Farma Doňov, offered by telephone reservation. Call ahead to check availability before your visit. This makes it easier to plan the activity around its seasonal availability.

Discover more destinations: Domanín U Třeboně, Pleše, Jarosov Nad Nezarkou, Červený Hrádek, Straz Nad Nezarkou, Županovice U Dešné, Kostelní Vydří, Lužnice

For the wider travel guide: Jindřichův Hradec District.