Vacovice: Local History and Trails

Vacovice combines a distinctive village history with cycling and hiking trails that run through the village. Farmstead No. 5 stands in the historic village centre; the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a folk architecture house add further points of interest to its architectural history. The region also has a centuries-old tradition of flax cultivation and linen weaving. Vacovice therefore offers a variety of starting points for a trip focused on local history and landscape.

Cultural Heritage and Architectural History

Farmstead No. 5 was declared a cultural monument on 17 July 2025. It is located in the historic village centre and is in an almost authentic state of preservation. In the central section of the residential building is an almost intact black kitchen with vaulted ceilings, an oven and a cement floor. These details also make the farmstead interesting for its preserved historic domestic architecture.

Construction of the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus began in 1911 and was completed after the First World War. The chapel contains a Baroque altar from the church in Dobrš. House No. 6, a folk architecture building dating from around 1865, stands directly beside the chapel. The chapel and neighbouring house represent different historical points of interest: for the chapel, its construction date and the altar’s origins; for the house, its folk architectural style and approximate date.

There are numerous well-maintained roadside crosses in Vacovice and its surroundings. Well-known folk traditions in Vacovice include the so-called Konopice and Masopust processions. Flax cultivation and linen weaving also have a centuries-old tradition in the area around Vacovice. The last loom in Vacovice itself was still in operation in 1928. This specific historical reference to the village distinguishes its textile history from the wider regional tradition.

Cycling and Hiking Trails

Cycle Route 1071 passes through Vacovice between Javorník and Volyně. If you plan to use it, check the current signage and surface conditions before setting out, as both can change.

A blue-marked hiking trail connects Kašperské Hory and Bavorov and also passes through Vacovice. The two routes differ in their markings and endpoints: Cycle Route 1071 runs between Javorník and Volyně, while the hiking trail runs between Kašperské Hory and Bavorov. Markings and trail conditions can change on this route too, so check them before setting out.

Landscape and the Year

Vacovice lies in the Šumava foothills at an average elevation of around 706 metres. Its landscape features include a peaceful setting, unspoilt nature, forests and wide views. Agricultural land within the Vacovice cadastral area is predominantly used for grazing. Together with the routes passing through the village, this landscape offers a different focus from visiting the historic buildings.

Every July, the SDH Vacovice Volunteer Fire Brigade Association organises the “Pohár starosty obce Vacovice” competition. Men’s, women’s and veterans’ teams take part. If you would like to include the competition in your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Milčice, Velká Turná, Čečelovice, Nahorany, Kuřimany, Úlehle, Strunkovice Nad Volyňkou, Cehnice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.