Vilémov combines a complex architectural history with churches from different periods and a cycling route that passes through the town. Culture and cycling therefore offer different focal points for planning your trip.
Castle history and current visitor status
Vilémov Castle is temporarily closed from 2026 to 2028 because of roof work. During this period, the castle is not accepting reservations; events and weddings will not take place there either. If you are travelling after this period, check the latest visitor information in advance.
The marquis and his family expanded the castle over 22 years, transforming it from a Renaissance castle into a Baroque one. The expansion and change of style can thus be understood as a continuous development spanning more than two decades. The castle’s history offers a distinct architectural focus, regardless of its closure during the years mentioned.
Churches and historical traces
The Church of St Wenceslas is a spacious Baroque single-nave building, constructed in 1726–1727. Its presbytery has a polygonal termination. A single-nave plan describes a church building with one main nave; the presbytery is the chancel area. The prismatic tower is medieval, and its base is of Romanesque origin. The construction period and the older parts of the tower thus represent two distinct periods.
The Evangelical church in Vilémov has a different architectural history: in 1882, a former factory for Turkish shawls was converted into a church and consecrated. Compared with the Church of St Wenceslas, the difference is not just the date. The first is characterised by its Baroque form and medieval tower, while the former factory’s use is part of the history of the second. Together, the two churches illustrate different paths to their present form.
The monastery in Vilémov is also part of the town’s history. The Hussites destroyed it in 1421; only the foundations remain. While the churches are notable for their architectural form and conversion history, the foundations here point to a destroyed monastic complex.
In Jakubovice, a district of Vilémov, the so-called “Navel of Europe” is represented by a stone menhir. This adds a different kind of local theme to the history of the castle, churches and monastery: a named landmark represented by a menhir.
Cycling route and rail travel
Cycling route 5127 passes through Vilémov and offers another way to include the town in your travel plans. It is described as a moderately difficult, hilly road route for road bikes and trekking bikes. These details describe different aspects of the same route: its difficulty, terrain and the types of bike mentioned. This makes it possible to distinguish the cycling focus from the historical themes.
For rail travel to Vilémov Castle, Golčův Jeníkov město is the nearest town and the rail destination. Trains run there from Prague’s main railway station via Kolín, Kutná Hora and Čáslav. Check current train connections before travelling so you can plan your journey using the timetable.
Discover more destinations: Michalovice, Lipnice Nad Sazavou, Herálec, Kraborovice, Ovesná Lhota, Hurtova Lhota, Prosíčka, Oudolen.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.
