A trip through the former settlement of Pfaffenschlag to Slavonice

A Hike from Staré Město pod Landštejnem Through the Czechoslovak Fortifications

Starting point

We took a bus from Slavonice to Staré Město pod Landštejnem.
 

Description of the hike

From the bus stop, we made our way through Staré Město pod Landštejnem and joined the red hiking trail. We left the town via a little-traveled road that climbs gently. We soon left this road and continued along a dirt path. Here, views of the surrounding area opened up before us. The trail led us into the forest, and soon the first structures of the pre-war Czechoslovak fortifications came into view. These bunkers accompanied us the entire way through the forest and provided a pleasant diversion. We continued along the red trail; the path was generally on a downward slope, so we made fairly good time. At the U Pfaffenschlagu junction, we took a short detour to the former settlement of Pfaffenschlag. A brief thunderstorm caught us there, so we took shelter from it in another bunker located right next to the former village.

After exploring the site, we returned to the red trail and continued along a wide path toward Slavonice. Past a series of ponds, we left the hiking trail and followed a path up to the Slavonice Fortress Complex. These are bunkers open to the public with guided tours. There’s an admission fee, but the visit is well worth it. After touring the bunkers, we continued on. We left the forest and followed a dirt road until we reached a paved road where another bunker is located. We continued along the red trail, began a gentle descent, and soon arrived at our destination—the town of Slavonice, where we were also staying.
 

Difficulty

A relaxing outing for families with children. The elevation gain along the route is minimal. The trail follows wide dirt or forest paths the entire way.
 

Water availability

We didn't come across any springs or places to get refreshments along the route. Therefore, it's essential to bring your own supply of fluids.
 

Sleeping options

During our stay in Czech Canada, we stayed in the town of Slavonice.
 

Mountain peaks

There are no peaks along the route; most of the hike takes place in the woods.
 

Danger

The route is completely safe. There are no exposed sections. You walk almost entirely on wide paths.
 

Food

There are no places to eat along the route. There are pubs at the start and end of the hike, in the towns of Slavonice and Staré Město pod Landštejnem.
 

Attractions

The trail passes through the former settlement of Pfaffenschlag. This is a former medieval village that stood on the site of an original Slavic settlement. The settlement was founded in the 13th century. However, during the Hussite Wars, it was burned down by the Hussites because the village belonged to the priests of Slavonice, and the town of Slavonice was opposed to the Hussites. The remains of the village were not discovered until 1958, when archaeological research began there. The ruins of the settlement are open to the public.