Vacovice can be considered a destination for a stay combining rural architectural history with routes through the Šumava foothills. In the historic village centre is Farmstead No. 5, which was declared a cultural monument in 2025; a chapel and a folk-architecture house represent further chapters in the village’s history. At the same time, a cycle route and a blue-marked hiking trail pass through the village. Flax and linen weaving, local traditions and the rural surroundings round out the picture. This gives you several distinct areas of interest to consider when planning your trip: architectural history, local heritage, or exploring by bike and on foot.
Chapel, Farmstead and Historic Architectural Styles
Farmstead No. 5 was declared a cultural monument on 17 July 2025 and is located in the historic village centre, in an almost authentically preserved condition. The central section of the residential building includes an almost completely intact black kitchen, with vaulted ceilings, an oven and a cement floor.
House No. 6, a folk-architecture building dating from around 1865, stands directly beside the Chapel of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Construction of the chapel began in 1911 and was completed after the First World War; it contains a Baroque altar from the church in Dobrš. The dates refer to different things: around 1865 is the approximate date of the house, 1911 marks the start of the chapel’s construction, and 17 July 2025 is the date the farmstead was declared a cultural monument.
Traditions with Regional Roots
The region’s cultural history extends beyond individual buildings. Flax cultivation and linen weaving have a centuries-old tradition in the area around Vacovice; the village’s last loom was still in operation in 1928. This brings regional craft history together with a specific moment in the village’s past. Well-known folk traditions include the so-called Konopice and Masopust processions. There are numerous well-maintained wayside crosses in Vacovice and its surroundings.
Every July, the Vacovice Volunteer Fire Brigade Association, SDH Vacovice, holds the “Pohár starosty obce Vacovice” (Vacovice Mayor’s Cup) competition. Men’s, women’s and veterans’ teams take part. If you plan to attend the competition during your trip, check the exact date in advance.
Cycling and Hiking Routes through Vacovice
Cycle Route 1071 passes through Vacovice between Javorník and Volyně. A blue-marked hiking trail also runs through the village, connecting Kašperské Hory with Bavorov. The routes differ in activity and the places they connect, so you can first decide whether cycling or hiking is your priority. Trail signs and conditions can change, so it is worth checking for current information before setting out.
A Rural Setting in the Šumava Foothills
Vacovice lies in the Šumava foothills at an average elevation of around 706 metres. Agricultural land in the Vacovice cadastral area is used predominantly for grazing. Forests and wide views are part of the landscape, along with peaceful surroundings and unspoilt nature. Together, the elevation, pastureland and forests define the village’s rural character.
Discover more destinations: Krty-Hradec, Lnáře, Třešovice, Přešťovice, Bílsko U Vodňan, Cejetice, Velká Turná, Prední Zborovice.
For the broader travel overview: Strakonice District.
