Discover Bessenitz: Hiking, Views and Local History

Landscape and Hiking

Bessenitz lies at the foot of the Slepičí hory in a shallow basin that forms the watershed between the Malše and Stropnice rivers.

Bessenitz is a good starting point for excursions to the peaks of the Slepičí hory. One specific destination is Slabošovka, a 36 m-high telecommunications tower that also serves as a lookout tower and was built in 2002. The route starts in the village square: first follow a green hiking trail marker, then take an unpaved field track to Slabošovka. As the condition of the track may change, it is best to check the trail conditions before your hike.

The viewing platform is 24 m above the ground. From there, you can see Kohout, the highest peak of the Slepičí hory, Kleť in the Blanský les, the peaks of the Novohradské hory and Poluška. The two height figures refer to different parts of the tower: 36 m is the height of the tower, while 24 m is the height of the platform.

Churches and Local History

The listed Baroque Church of St. Procopius dates from 1738. It stands on elevated ground in the northern part of Bessenitz and is a prominent feature of the townscape and landscape. The complex includes statues of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. John of Nepomuk. It also includes gravestones, a mortuary and the walls of the historic cemetery.

The niche chapel of St. John of Nepomuk stands in the centre, a few metres southwest of the municipal office building. It can be reached by a seven-step stone staircase. A polychrome statue of the saint stands in its niche. The chapel therefore makes a different impression from the St. Procopius complex: here, the niche and statue define its appearance, while St. Procopius is a protected complex comprising several elements.

Museum, Events and Getting There

The museum in Bessenitz has a permanent exhibition on civil defence. Another permanent exhibition is devoted to Vojtěch Smolík DFC, a Czechoslovak RAF pilot. Alongside the churches, it also offers a look at topics from modern history.

To commemorate the victims of the Poříčská disaster, Bessenitz hosts the nationwide accordion gathering Setkání heligonkářů every year. Event dates may vary; check the date if you would like to plan your visit around the gathering.

Regular services are held at the Betlémská Chapel on the first and third Saturday of each month, starting at 10 a.m. Check the information before you travel. For planning purposes, the schedule differs from that of the annual accordion gathering: the services follow a monthly schedule, while the event takes place on varying dates.

Bessenitz can be reached by bus; the nearest railway station is in Kaplice. As timetables may change, check your connection for the day of travel.

Discover more destinations: Černá v Pošumaví, Kájov, Křemže, Nová Ves nad Vltavou, Dolní Dvořiště, Vyšší Brod, Třísov, Poděšín.

See the overview of the wider region: Český Krumlov District.