*A long circuit around the legendary hill of Velký Blaník, starting in Vlašim: 27 km*

• Velký Blaník (638m) is the highest point in the Blaník Protected Landscape Area. The hill is associated with the legend of the Knights of Blanice, who are supposed to be sleeping in a cavern beneath the hill. The knights will awake in the country’s darkest hour and will be led from the cavern by St. Wenceslas on his white horse to defend the realm from invaders.
• The source of the legend is unknown but may have a Celtic origin. Velký Blaník is the site of an Iron Age fortress dating from the 5th century BC. The outlines of the ramparts, which were fortified with stone, are still visible on the summit (which is today occupied by a wooden observation tower). Historically, the area had deposits of gold, silver and copper ore. The fortress may have been used to control these resources.
• The quickest way to climb Velký Blaník is to park in the (paid) parking just below the hill, on the Louňovice side of the nature reserve, and walk directly up the red hiking trail. The summit is reached in little more than 1 km. However, if wanting to make the ascent of this legendary hill part of a full day’s walk, then the approach from the historic town of Vlašim is highly recommended.
• The suggested circular route approaches Velký Blaník from the northwest on nicely varied terrain and offers excellent views towards Blaník and the surrounding hills. The route passes through Louňovice pod Blaníkem, which has an interesting Renaissance chateau, now housing the town museum (and a pub). The return journey back to Vlašim follows the first section of the classic Blaník to Říp pilgrimage trail, passing the House of Nature, which is worth a quick visit.
• Vlašim itself is worth exploring, either as part of this longer tour or on a standalone trip. The town is mostly known for its neo-Gothic chateau and large English-style landscaped park, filled with unusual ‘romantic era’ buildings. Late 18th century travel writers considered Vlašim to be the most beautiful of all the parks in Bohemia. The first part of the route described below passes through the park area.
• The route is around 27 km long (assuming a start and finish at Vlašim train/bus station). Shortly after leaving the Vlašim park, it is necessary to follow a public road for a section, but otherwise the route is mostly on open meadow and forest footpaths. The ascent and descent paths on Velký Blaník are relatively steep, but not difficult. Overall, there is 570m of height to ascend-descend on the route.
• For refreshments, there are a number of good cafés in Vlašim. Near the chateau there is Kafíčko (map point 2) and on the lower square (Žižkovo náměstí), try kavarna spolu. Louňovice has a couple of classic pubs and there are snacks available at the lookout tower on Velký Blaník and at the House of Nature.

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

• If travelling by bus or train to Vlašim, it is a 750m walk to the park entrance from the stations, following the BLUE hiking trail. If driving there are paid parking areas on the two main squares in the center of the town
• Cross the park heading for the neo-Gothic Znosim Gate. There are several possible routes – the one shown on the map above is the most direct
• Exit the park through the Znosim Gate and join the public road leaving Vlašim
• Follow the road for 4.3 km until reaching the village of Nesperská Lhota. Here, join the RED trail heading towards Veliš
• After 2.9 km reach the village of Veliš
• Continue on the RED trail for a further 4.9 km to reach the town of Louňovice pod Blaníkem
• In Louňovice pod Blaníkem, join the GREEN trail heading in the direction of Velký Blaník
• The GREEN route leads directly up the hill. Halfway up take the RED trail on the direct ascent to the summit
• Leave the summit from the opposite side to the ascent, following the RED trail down the hill for 2.3 km to reach the House of Nature
• From there, continue on the RED trail for 7.7 km back to Vlašim train and bus stations