What Makes Holašovice So Special?

Holašovice is not just another pretty village. It earned its spot on the UNESCO list in 1998. This happened because it is a complete example of a traditional Central European village. You can see the original medieval ground plan here. The buildings date mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. They represent a rare mix of rustic utility and artistic flair.

The village survived the 20th century with its structure intact. Many other villages lost their character during the post-war era. Here, you can learn what makes Holašovice village a UNESCO site through its architecture. The gables are the stars of the show. They feature curves, scrolls, and folk motifs. These details were created by local master builders for wealthy farmers.

Visiting Holašovice feels like stepping into a peaceful past. There are no modern billboards or tall office buildings. Instead, you see fruit trees and open fields. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful. It is the perfect escape from the busy streets of Prague or nearby cities. Make sure to bring your camera for the best shots.

12 Top Sights in Our Holašovice UNESCO Village Guide

This list covers the best things to see in the village. It also includes the best day trips nearby. Many visitors use Český Krumlov as a base. From there, you can easily reach these historic spots. Here is our recommended list for your 2026 itinerary.

1. Name: The Village Green Type: sight Why go: This is the heart of the village. It is a massive rectangular space surrounded by historic farms. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Center of Holašovice. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the village parking lot. Tip: Stand in the center to see the full ring of baroque gables.
2. Name: St. John of Nepomuk Chapel Type: sight Why go: A small, picturesque chapel built in the mid-18th century. It sits right on the green. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Central square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the middle of the village green. Tip: Look for the small bell tower on top.
3. Name: Farmstead No. 13 (Museum) Type: museum Why go: This farm serves as a small museum of rural life. You can see old tools and traditional interiors. Best for: Families and culture seekers. Where: On the village green. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (usually ~50 CZK). Getting there: A short walk from the chapel. Tip: Check the courtyard for traditional farming equipment.
4. Name: Holašovice Stonehenge Type: experience Why go: A modern megalithic circle built by a local man. It offers great views of the countryside. Best for: Nature lovers and spiritual seekers. Where: On a hill just outside the village. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for upkeep. Getting there: Follow the marked path from the village edge. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting and atmosphere.
5. Name: The Pottery Workshop (U Tří draků) Type: experience Why go: Watch local artisans create traditional South Bohemian ceramics. You can buy unique souvenirs here. Best for: Shoppers and craft fans. Where: One of the historic farmsteads. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to browse. Getting there: Look for the sign on the main square. Tip: The blue and white patterns are very traditional for this region.
6. Name: The Village Fish Pond Type: sight Why go: A small pond used for fish farming, which is a big part of local culture. Best for: A quiet moment. Where: North side of the square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from the main road. Tip: Look for the ducks that usually hang out here.
7. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: day trip Why go: Often called the most beautiful castle in the country. It looks like a fairy-tale palace. Best for: Romantic travelers. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou (30 mins away). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Paid tours; grounds are free. Getting there: Follow our Hluboká Castle day trip guide for transport tips. Tip: Book your interior tour in advance during summer.
8. Name: České Budějovice Main Square Type: day trip Why go: The regional capital features one of the largest squares in Europe. Best for: Foodies and city explorers. Where: 15 km from Holašovice. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: See our České Budějovice sightseeing guide. Tip: Try the local Budvar beer at a traditional pub.
9. Name: Dívčí Kámen Castle Ruins Type: day trip Why go: Romantic ruins of a Gothic castle on a rocky cliff. Best for: Hikers. Where: Near the village of Třísov. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Use our guide for the Dívčí Kámen castle ruins hike. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be steep.
10. Name: Zlatá Koruna Monastery Type: day trip Why go: One of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in Bohemia. Best for: Architecture and peace. Where: Between Holašovice and Krumlov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid tours available. Getting there: Read about the Zlatá Koruna monastery visit. Tip: The cloister garden is very peaceful in spring.
11. Name: Mount Kleť Lookout Tower Type: day trip Why go: The highest peak in the Blanský Forest. It offers views all the way to the Alps on clear days. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Near Holubov. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small fee for the tower or chairlift. Getting there: Check the Mount Kleť hiking and cable car details. Tip: Take the chairlift up and hike down to save your knees.
12. Name: The Annual Peasants' Fair Type: experience Why go: A massive festival held every July with crafts, food, and music. Best for: Culture lovers. Where: Entire village square. Time: Full day. Cost: Entry fee applies during the fair. Getting there: Special buses often run from nearby cities. Tip: This is the best time to visit Holašovice for rustic baroque architecture in a lively setting.

Planning Your Visit to Holašovice

Getting to Holašovice is easiest by car. There is a large parking lot at the entrance of the village. If you use public transport, check the bus schedules from České Budějovice. Buses are frequent on weekdays but rare on weekends. Plan your timing carefully to avoid long waits.

Respect the locals while you are here. Remember that people actually live in these historic houses. Do not enter private yards or gardens without an invitation. Stay on the public paths and the village green. This helps keep the village peaceful for everyone.

Photography is best in the morning or late afternoon. The light hits the colorful facades perfectly at these times. For more information on the area, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website. They provide great historical context for the site. Most people spend about two hours in the village itself.