Kirchschlag: St. James’s Church, events and routes

Kirchschlag brings together historic religious and defensive buildings with routes for walking and cycling to help you plan your trip. In Světlík, the history of the Church of St. James the Greater is a key focus; the ruins of Pasovary Fortress offer a different perspective on the region’s architectural history. The Way of St. James, a cycling route and a walk also differ in their routes and lengths. If you are looking for a hotel in Kirchschlag, these topics can help you choose the focus of your trip.

Church and religious buildings in Světlík

The Church of St. James the Greater in Světlík is documented as far back as 1258. After it was burned down in 1423, it was restored in the mid-15th century. An extension was added in 1663; in 1872, the building was demolished and rebuilt. Only the lower part of the tower survives from the original building. The church complex also includes a two-storey rectory dating from the 18th century.

Near the rectory stands a plastered, masonry niche chapel dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, dating from the mid-18th century. The Boží muka statue by the steps to the cemetery also makes its own impression: it stands slightly askew and bears the carved images IHS and the Arma Christi, with a cross and nails. It also features what are believed to be the donor’s initials and the year 1665. The different dates and building elements invite visitors to look out for the different forms and construction phases on a walk around the site.

Pasovary Fortress and its surviving features

The Gothic ruins of Pasovary Fortress date from the 14th century and have been a protected monument since 1958. They stand on the site of the vanished village of Pasovary, in the hilly Pošumaví landscape, about 15 kilometres southwest of Český Krumlov. The fortress’s surviving features include a two-storey prismatic tower, stone window and door surrounds, corbels, and cellars belonging to the Gothic and Renaissance palaces. These elements make the surviving architecture more tangible than simply viewing the ruins as a whole: door and window surrounds frame openings in the masonry, while corbels project from the wall.

The ruins make a clearly identified destination for a walk: from Světlík, a route of about six kilometres goes to Pasovary and back. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. The distance explicitly refers to the return journey and should therefore not be confused with a one-way stage length.

The Way of St. James and cycling routes

The South Bohemian Way of St. James leads to the Church of St. James in Světlík and is marked along the route with scallop-shell symbols. The section from Světlík to Frymburk is eleven kilometres long. This clearly distinguishes the stage from the walk to the fortress: the eleven kilometres refer to the section of the Way of St. James, while the approximately six kilometres refer to the return trip to the ruins.

Cyclists can also follow a specific route description: the “Po méně známých místech Českokrumlovska” tour climbs uphill to Světlík along a stream on a cycle path. Světlík is also a junction for numerous cycling routes. For this tour, check seasonal conditions for the surface and access locally. A stone well stands in Světlík’s village square. It is said to have been buried underground for 80 years; water now flows in it again.

Event and planning information

Pasovarské tvrzení is a benefit event featuring music, held annually on the second Saturday in August. The programme includes live music and a guided tour about the history of Pasovary; voluntary contributions may go towards restoring the fortress. As the event programme may change, check the current events calendar before your trip. Horse rides through the surrounding countryside are available from Pasovary by arrangement; confirm current availability in advance.

For road directions, there is a separate connection: when travelling from Český Krumlov to Vítkův Hrádek, road II/162 continues from Větřní through Světlík towards Frymburk. Together with the clearly designated walking and cycling routes, this offers different ways to plan a trip around historic buildings, a route or an event.

Discover more destinations: Neudorf B. Berlau, Zwickau, Cerna V Posumavi, Bessenitz, Sirnin, Predni Vyton, Unterbreitenstein, Mirkowitz.

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.