In Lutová, you can choose between the village’s architectural history and a named cycling route as distinct focal points. All Saints’ Church dominates the view above the village green; the Mikuláš Ruthard Nature Trail passes two ponds on its way to Lutová and also covers old fruit varieties from the surrounding area.
Landscape and regional setting
Lutová lies in a gently rolling landscape in the southeastern part of the Třeboň Basin. The village is in Zone III of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area and in the Třeboňsko Bird Protection Area. This setting provides a backdrop for a visit, while the village green and church offer particularly vivid insights into its architectural history.
Village green and houses from different periods
The long village green is surrounded by three-part farmsteads with their gables facing the green. The shape and layout of the farmsteads define the character of the village. The masonry buildings also tell the story of a specific period in the village’s history: they date from around the turn of the 20th century. Their simple, sparsely decorated appearance is connected with the rebuilding that followed the great fire of 1875.
The village green is also home to a niche chapel dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from the mid-19th century. Lutová has been designated a village conservation area since 1990. Visitors interested in the character of the village will find several distinct details in a small area: the layout of the farmsteads, the chapel and traces of the rebuilding.
All Saints’ Church and historic building phases
The originally Gothic All Saints’ Church stands on a rise northwest of the village green and dominates the view of Lutová. Its history dates back to 1359, when it was founded by the Vítkovci. It was remodelled in the Late Renaissance style in 1615, and its tower was added in 1875. The foundation, remodelling and tower therefore represent different phases of the building’s history rather than a single period of construction.
Remains of a Stations of the Cross dating from the second half of the 18th century can be seen in the cemetery beside the church. Together with the church, they form another historic landmark in Lutová. The information about the building phases and the Stations of the Cross helps direct attention to different periods: from the medieval origins through the remodelling to later additions and surviving remains.
Mikuláš Ruthard Nature Trail and cycle routes
The Mikuláš Ruthard Nature Trail begins at the dam of Hejtman Pond. From there, it passes the ponds Nový Hospodář and Starý Hospodář on its way to Lutová. It is classified as an easy cycling nature trail and is 10 km long. It introduces visitors to the rich nature of the ponds and the old fruit varieties grown around Lutová.
The three cycle routes 1010, 1011 and 1035 also meet on the village green. For cyclists finding their way around, these are two distinct points of reference: the village green is the shared meeting point of these numbered routes, while the nature trail follows a described sequence from the dam of Hejtman Pond past two other ponds to Lutová and has its own focus on ponds and fruit varieties. This makes it possible to distinguish between a village landmark in the cycle network and a specific themed route. As signage and conditions may change, check the current route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Kostelní Vydří, Suchdol Nad Luznicí, Horní Meziříčko, Slavonice, Hospříz, Hrutkov, Příbraz, Pleše.
For the broader travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.
