Vacovice: Landscape, Trails and Village History

Vacovice lies in the foothills of the Bohemian Forest at an average altitude of approximately 706 metres. Vacovice offers peaceful surroundings, unspoiled nature, forests and far-reaching views. In the Vacovice cadastral area, agricultural land is used predominantly for grazing. For visitors who want to understand the village through more than individual cultural sites, the altitude, forests, far-reaching views and predominant use of the land for grazing are therefore specific features of the landscape.

Cycle Route 1071 runs through Vacovice between Javorník and Volyně. A blue-marked hiking trail connects Kašperské Hory and Bavorov and passes through Vacovice.

The historic village centre is home to Farmstead No. 5, which was declared a cultural monument on 17 July 2025 and is in an almost authentic state of preservation. The central section of the residential building at Farmstead No. 5 contains an almost intact black kitchen with vaulted ceilings, an oven and a cement floor. Dendrochronological dating of the granary at Farmstead No. 5 ranges from the mid-15th century to the beginning of the 18th century. The historic village centre, black kitchen and granary provide several specific architectural points of reference for understanding the village's history.

The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vacovice is another historical landmark in the village. Construction of the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vacovice began in 1911 and was completed after the First World War. The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vacovice contains a Baroque altar from the church in Dobrš. House No. 6 next to the chapel is a folk-architecture building dating from around 1865.

Flax cultivation and linen weaving have a centuries-old tradition in the area around Vacovice. The last loom in Vacovice was still in operation in 1928. A distinction should therefore be made between the regional craft tradition in the area around Vacovice and the specific historical reference within the village itself.

The folk traditions known in Vacovice include the so-called Konopice and Masopust processions. Every July, the SDH Vacovice Volunteer Fire Brigade Association organises the “Pohár starosty obce Vacovice” competition, in which men's, women's and veterans' teams take part. The local culture is thus reflected both in traditional processions and in a recurring team competition.

There are numerous well-maintained wayside crosses in Vacovice and its surroundings. A village tavern offers pilgrims a place to refresh themselves. Both elements complement the historical and landscape themes with religious symbols and a specific resting place for pilgrims.

The same wider area also includes Metly, Krejnice, Krajníčko, Milonovice, Chlum, Droužetice, Štěchovice and Volenice.

For the wider travel overview: Strakonice District.