Staré Bříště offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: a protected area along the Jankovský Brook, wildlife watching at Vilímek Pond, historic religious buildings and local traditions. You can focus on nature, architectural history or a specific event in the annual calendar; the customs are especially relevant when planning your visit.

Nature by the brook, at the pond and along the route

The main conservation objective in the protected area along the Jankovský Brook is a unique population of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. The protected area covers the watercourse and the valley floor over a distance of about 13 kilometres. This connects the protection of the species with the brook and the valley landscape included in the protected area.

At Vilímek Pond, a different aspect of nature takes centre stage: the setting is peaceful, without extensive leisure development, and you can observe waterfowl and other animals there. The two nature themes are clearly distinct: the pond is a place for wildlife watching, while the Jankovský Brook is about protecting a threatened mussel population.

The Southern Circuit around Humpolec passes through Staré Bříště, then continues through the Vlčí hory landscape and along the shore of Vlčehorský Pond towards Lipovky. It offers another way to experience the landscape, alongside the protected area by the brook and the wildlife-watching spot at the pond. If you would like to plan your trip around a named route, you can use the circuit as a reference point.

Religious buildings with distinct features

The wayside shrine near house number 29 and the chapel on the village square are two different historic structures. The wayside shrine is a state-protected immovable cultural monument: an octagonal stone pillar with a wider, carved chapel-like structure, dating from around the 17th century. The chapel on the village square was built in 1865 and has a small bell tower and a rectangular nave. Their features offer different clues for understanding them: the wayside shrine is characterised by its octagonal shape and approximate date, while the village-square chapel is distinguished by its year of construction and rectangular nave.

Chapel gatherings and the Starobříšťská pilgrimage festival

Since 2004, a gathering with Christmas carols and a short ceremonial address has been held at night in the local chapel on Christmas Eve; this has grown into a tradition. Another tradition comprises four Advent gatherings at the chapel, each on the eve of one of the Advent Sundays. If you would like to include one of the gatherings in your stay, check the specific dates and arrangements locally.

The Starobříšťská pilgrimage festival was established to mark the feast of Saint John of Nepomuk; the local chapel is dedicated to the saint. The pilgrimage programme included a ceremonial service and games for children and adults. The tradition also includes treats prepared and offered for the occasion by local women and girls. If you are considering visiting for the pilgrimage festival, find out in advance about the next date and the specific programme.

Discover more destinations: Eš, Libkova Voda, Želiv, Křeč, Hořepník, Putimov, Kojcice, Pacov

For the broader travel overview: Pelhřimov District.