Lhenice combines a distinctive architectural history with a Stations of the Cross at the edge of the forest and a long-standing fruit-growing tradition. This offers several themes to explore when planning your visit: you can learn about the town’s architecture, explore signposted trails or find out more about local fruit processing. These topics offer different starting points for a stay in Lhenice.

Architectural history in Lhenice

St. James Church is considered Lhenice’s most significant historic monument. Its origins are early Gothic; the oldest records about the sanctuary date from the 14th century. In the 1730s, the church was remodelled in the Baroque style. It therefore combines early Gothic origins and medieval history with a later Baroque transformation, bringing together several historical layers in a single building.

The square also has a more recent history: it was completely revitalised between 2015 and 2018. The restored Charles IV Fountain adorns the square and is fully functional. Panský dům adds another architectural highlight. Built in the first half of the 17th century, it is a renovated Renaissance manor house that was originally a fortified residence of the landed gentry. The church, square and manor house each offer a different perspective on the town’s history.

Stations of the Cross and landscape

The Stations of the Cross in Lhenice were created in the second half of the 19th century and comprise 14 stations. They were completely reconstructed in 2016, including the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. Their setting in natural surroundings above the town, at the edge of the forest, gives this cultural and historical site a connection to the landscape. Together, the stations and chapel shape the layout of the Stations of the Cross.

The Blanský les Protected Landscape Area extends into the Lhenicko area. There, tourist activities are mainly possible on signposted hiking and cycling trails. In the wider region around Lhenice, the Blanský les landscape includes protected mixed forests, flowering meadows, serpentine and limestone habitats, as well as the Vltava Canyon. To understand the area, it is helpful to distinguish between the trails in Lhenicko and this broader regional landscape.

Another route section with a specific stated length is Úvoz u Lhenic: it is about 500 metres long and was reconstructed as part of the original Linecká stezka. The section has tourist facilities and interactive learning elements for children. Alongside the Stations of the Cross, this shorter reconstructed route section and its learning activities offer further topics to explore.

Fruit-growing tradition and local products

Fruit has been grown in Lhenice for a long time, which is why the surrounding area has become known as “Zahrada jižních Čech” (“Garden of South Bohemia”). The fruit-growing tradition is also reflected in local processing: Pěstitelská pálenice a moštárna Karel Gregora in Lhenice processes stone fruits such as cherries, sour cherries and plums, as well as pome fruits such as apples and pears, into pure fruit juice without chemical preservatives.

The business invites visitors to try Lhenická ovocná šťáva on site after getting in touch in advance. Product details may change, so please arrange your visit with the business beforehand.

Lhenice offers a range of themes to choose from: architectural history, with St. James Church and Panský dům; connections to nature along the Stations of the Cross and signposted trails; and the regional fruit-growing tradition. This lets you decide in advance which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Strunkovice Nad Blanicí, Prachatice, Mahouš, Hracholusky, Strážný, Trhonin, Hrbov, Drslavice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Prachatice.