Where to go on a trip Svatý Jan

The Orlík Dam was constructed between 1954 and 1961 in the territory of the Písek and Příbram districts, resulting in the flooding of up to 10 municipalities. Its length reaches 68 kilometres, and it forms a part of the Vltava Cascade. It holds the Czech primary position in terms of water volume and is the second-largest dam in the Czech Republic by surface area. At the same time, however, it ranks among the thinnest dams in the world.

The name was derived from the Orlík Castle, which towers on a rock above the reservoir. During the construction of the dam, aside from the aforementioned flooding of certain municipalities, it was also necessary to relocate an entire church. Concurrently, the Orlík Hydroelectric Power Station was built, which was even awarded at the EXPO 58 exhibition in Brussels. The construction of the entire dam was very demanding and therefore claimed several victims among the workers.

After all, the Orlík Dam was marked by sad and tragic events later on as well. Based on investigations, several bodies of Czech businessmen who were supposed to fall into oblivion beneath the water surface were recovered from the reservoir between 1991 and 1993. Even before that, another three victims were found.

However, the Orlík Reservoir also has its better sides. Several campsites with beaches lie along its shores and are frequently used by holidaymakers for swimming or windsurfing. Refreshment stalls and boat rental shops are also available. Visitors may thus choose, for example, Popelíky, Trhovky, Lavičky, Radava, or Charvátská pláň, which is sought after mainly by naturists.

From the harbour in Orlík nad Vltavou, visitors can also reach the nearby Zvíkov Castle via boat transport and thus plan a wonderful trip combining swimming and sightseeing. Orlík is a significant work and inherently belongs to the list of attractive places suitable for recreation. Visitors are simply invited to find suitable accommodation near the Orlík Dam and the holiday may begin.

Areál Monínec is a year-round resort located less than 4 kilometres from the town of Sedlec-Prčice, in the Příbram district, in the Středočeský kraj region. It is an ideal destination for families with children, teambuilding events, or for spending an active holiday.

During the summer season, Areál Monínec offers endless possibilities for hikers and cycling enthusiasts. Visitors need only choose a route that suits their preferences and set off on foot or by bike to encounter new adventures. Furthermore, a swimming pool, golf course, and rope park are available within the resort.

However, Areál Monínec is particularly attractive to winter sports enthusiasts during the winter months. Thanks to a high-quality snowmaking system, the ski resort offers groomed slopes of varying difficulty. For skiers and snowboarders, two red slopes are available. A 170-metre-long slope serves ski schools, where skiing courses are held regularly.

In the lower part of the resort, there is a ski conveyor belt which, at 90 metres in length, is the longest in the Czech Republic. It is part of a ski school where children can learn the proper foundations of skiing skills.

At Areál Monínec, visitors will also find snowtubing and a freestyle fun park. The latter features its own ski lift and artificial lighting, allowing for evening operations. Evening skiing can also be enjoyed on the aforementioned red slopes.

As a proper ski resort, Areál Monínec also offers a free car park, refreshments, and ski equipment rental and service. It is the right place to spend an active day.

If you are unsure where to head for your next winter holiday, you are invited to visit this area, known as Česká Sibiř. Accommodation near Areál Monínec is provided by cosy cottages and chalets; if you require accommodation with services, you may choose from a selection of hotels or guesthouses. Apartments offer an ideal combination. And if you choose private accommodation, there is a good chance that locals will share tips for places not found in guidebooks. This sounds like a wonderfully spent time with plenty of new experiences. Do not hesitate and set off for Areál Monínec as soon as possible.

A Neo-Gothic Residence Surrounded by a Landscape Park, Inseparably Connected with Baroness Sidonie Nádherná.

Zámek Vrchotovy Janovice, originally a water fortress, is located approximately 60 km south of Prague in the Central Bohemian Region. It acquired its current romantic Neo-Gothic appearance following extensive reconstruction in the mid-19th century. The chateau is inseparably connected with its last private owners, the Nádherný of Borutín family, particularly the famous Baroness Sidonie Nádherná, a patron of the arts and friend of Karl Kraus and Rainer Maria Rilke. For more than 50 years, the property has been part of the exhibitions of the Národní muzeum in Prague, which presents permanent exhibitions here in an authentic environment. The dominant feature of the entire complex is an extensive, over two-hundred-year-old landscape park with a pond and rare trees, which ranks among the most admired parks in Bohemia.

Access

The chateau is located in the village of Vrchotovy Janovice. Access by car from Prague is via road number E55 (the D1 motorway) with a turnoff onto road number 3. Parking is available near the chateau. Bus transport provides connections to Benešov and Votice, with the nearest stop located directly in the village. The chateau park is accessible year-round, while the chateau interior is open according to seasonal opening hours.

What to Explore

The Kraj blanických rytířů region attracts tourists to explore. Visitors can set out for Velký Blaník, a memorable mountain with a lookout tower, which is shrouded in the legend of the Blaník knights. Not far away is the town of Votice with the Gothic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. For families with children, an interesting stop is the Modelářský domek and the traffic playground in nearby Štětkovice.