From Benešov to Týnec nad Sázavou, via Konopiště castle: 14 km

• The historic and photogenic Konopiště castle/chateau is a popular destination for a day trip reasonably close to Prague. For walkers, there are several options for hikes in the vicinity of Konopiště, starting with a simple exploration of the extensive park area. Routes around the Konopiště park area covered on this page.
• For a slightly longer and more varied walk, incorporating a visit to Konopiště, consider taking the trail between the two historic towns of Týnec nad Sázavou and Benešov. Both towns have regular train (and bus) connections with Prague, so it is possible to make this a ‘one way’ route of around 14 km, starting at either location.
• Týnec is scenically situated on a bend in the Sázava river and is famous for having one of the best-preserved Romanesque castles in Bohemia, dating from the late 12th century. It was probably a royal castle built by a Přemyslid monarch. Even older is the 11th century Rotunda that is attached to the castle tower. Both of these important historical buildings can be visited as part of the museum tour.
• Benešov is nearly as old as Týnec, but has no surviving buildings from its medieval past, partly due to destruction wrought on the town during the 15th century Hussite Wars and the 17th century 30 Years War. However, there is some interesting Baroque architecture, including the Piarist College and monastery, which are next to St Anne’s cathedral. Both were designed by the famous Baroque architect, G.B. Alliprandi.
• The route shown in the map assumes a start at Benešov, with a finish at Týnec. This puts the visit to Konopiště and its park towards the start of the route and involves less ascent (180m) than taking the route in the opposite direction (280m).The total route, from station to station, with a short diversion into Benešov center, is 14.5 km long, all on easy footpaths, with a couple of sections beside the public road.
• There are various good refreshment options along the way, including the excellent Cafe U Piaristů, situated in part of the old Piarist monastery. At Konopiště try the well sign posted restaurant Stará Myslivna with its popular terrace and finally in Týnec there are two super ice cream stands, selling excellent Gelato. Both are indicated in the map below.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Starting at Benešov station, join the YELLOW hiking trail at the roundabout
• If wanting to visit Benešov center, follow the YELLOW trail to the right for 800m to get to the Piarist monastery and town square
• Return back to the roundabout and take the YELLOW trail in the direction of Konopiště
• The castle is reached after 2.1 km
• Continue past the castle down to the lake and at the information center join the RED trail, heading in the direction of Plíhalův mlýn
• Continue on the RED trail beside the stream (and then a short section beside the main road) to reach the Plíhalův mlýn junction after 2 km
• At the junction, join the YELLOW trail heading in the direction of Týnec
• Stay on the YELLOW trail for 7.9 km to reach Týnec castle
• The train and bus stations are on the opposite side of the river, a further 800m following the YELLOW trail