The Vodní mlýn Hoslovice water mill complex comprises a mill with living quarters, stables with a shed, and a barn. In June 2008, the complex was declared a national cultural monument. Alongside the historic buildings, rural everyday life, crafts and views are presented as distinct themes.
Water Mill and Rural Life
Visitors to the water mill complex can see preserved, working milling equipment, a pantry, a log-built room, and a living room with a stove and tiled stove. The tour also includes various agricultural implements. So the focus is not solely on the mill technology: rooms and objects related to domestic life and farming are also part of the complex.
The permanent exhibition “Ze života šumavského Podlesí” adds several themes of rural life to this architectural and technical experience. It covers agricultural work, the cultivation and processing of crops, and livestock farming. Other topics include traditional regional dishes, the storage and preparation of food, and customs throughout the year. The themes thus range from working with crops and animals to handling food and observing recurring traditions.
Distinguishing the Exhibition from Events
The permanent exhibition presents these topics on an ongoing basis, while events bring selected aspects to life through demonstrations and programs. Regular events include children’s programs, starting up the mill wheel, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Craft demonstrations also include tastings of traditional dishes and freshly baked bread.
This distinction is useful when planning your visit: if you are mainly interested in agriculture, livestock farming and food culture, you will find these topics in the exhibition. If you specifically want to attend a demonstration or tasting, check the date of the relevant event in advance. Specific program dates are separate from the topics covered in the permanent exhibition.
Views and Local History
The observation platform near Hoslovice offers a different perspective. A telecommunications tower with a viewing platform was built nearby in 2005. From the platform, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Šumava peaks, Horažďovicko and Strakonicko. While the mill complex draws attention to buildings, technology and rural everyday life, the viewpoint offers a landscape perspective on these named areas. The structures also differ considerably in age: the chapel is Late Baroque and dates from the second half of the 18th century, whereas the telecommunications tower with its viewing platform was built in 2005.
The Chapel of St. Wenceslas is also part of the local history: it is a protected Late Baroque chapel dating from the second half of the 18th century. Hoslovice also celebrates the St. Wenceslas fair, a local tradition. Together with the water mill and the viewpoint, these attractions offer a picture of the area that encompasses architectural heritage, agricultural themes, landscape and traditional festive culture.
Discover more destinations: Radesov, Litochovice, Kladruby, Buzice, Radomyšl, Velká Turná, Metly, Kalenice
See the overview of the wider area: Okres Strakonice.
