Budyně brings together a blacksmithing tradition, a historic religious building and surroundings shaped by agriculture. The forge dates from around 1850, the Chapel of St. Wenceslas from 1885; meadows, fields and pastures lie around the town. This gives you three different perspectives to consider when planning your trip: craftsmanship, local history and landscape. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Budyně, you can also check whether a local event date will determine when you travel.
Blacksmithing tradition and local history
The forge in Budyně dates from around 1850. The artistic blacksmith Václav Ebel continues the local blacksmithing tradition using traditional artistic forging techniques. Two periods therefore sit side by side: the forge reflects the history of blacksmithing, while Ebel’s work carries the tradition forward today. Anyone interested in local craft history will find a specific point of reference here, going beyond a general mention of traditional trades.
The Chapel of St. Wenceslas stands in the town centre and dates from 1885. Its central location and year of construction give it a distinct place in Budyně’s history. The forge and the chapel represent different themes: local craftsmanship on the one hand, and a religious building in the town centre on the other. This allows you to explore Budyně’s cultural history from more than one perspective.
Agriculture and wildlife watching
Meadows and fields worked by local farmers lie around Budyně. The pastures are used to raise beef and dairy cattle. Agriculture is therefore not only part of the landscape, but also a practical use of the land. North of the town, beside a road, is a fallow deer enclosure where the animals can be observed from a short distance. Agricultural land and the deer enclosure offer different ways to experience the rural surroundings: here, the cultivation of meadows, fields and pastures; there, wildlife watching.
Events: different occasions
A regional planning document dated 23 November 2020 lists Masopust in Budyně as an annual festival. The St. Wenceslas pilgrimage offers a different schedule: a Mass is held in the chapel in the morning, followed in the afternoon by a programme aimed mainly at children. The religious focus of the morning thus differs from the afternoon programme, which is primarily intended for children. The specific afternoon activities may vary from year to year, so check that year’s programme before travelling.
A traditional Christmas concert is also held regularly. At the 2018 St. Wenceslas pilgrimage, a local nature photography exhibition featuring images by the young photographer Vašík Ebel was also on display. The events therefore differ both in occasion and timing: Masopust, the pilgrimage and the Christmas concert offer different points of reference when choosing your travel dates.
Plan your stay around your interests
When choosing your travel dates, it is worth distinguishing between the cultural and historical attractions and specific event dates. The forge and the chapel reflect the town’s history; the pilgrimage, Masopust and the Christmas concert are events whose dates should be checked for the year in question. This will help you decide whether to include Budyně in your travel plans mainly for its craftsmanship and architectural history or for a particular event.
Discover more destinations: Volyně, Strakonice, Mnichov, Radošovice, Řepice, Jinín, Cejetice, Stozice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.
