Don’t Miss the Colorful Town of Telc in the Czech Republic

The more time I’ve spent travelling in the Czech Republic, the more and more exciting small towns and cities have made it onto my list of underrated Czech destinations. Because the colourful town of Telč is both of those things, small and underrated, despite UNESCO registering its historical center as a heritage site.

You don’t even need one full day visiting Telc to see how scenic and special it is. Even just look at the photos of Telc below, and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a photogenic town. Honestly, every corner seemed to reveal a new view and a new photo opportunity. And while the main square is what Telc is most famous for, I was delighted to learn that there are other things to see in Telc as well, including opportunities to explore the local history and culture. If you’re curious now, let me show you why Telc is not to be missed.

How to get to Telc

Telc is located in the south of the Czech Republic, roughly halfway between the cities of Ceske Budejovice and Brno.

While a little out of the way, you can take public transport to reach it. Direct buses can take you here from Ceske Budejovice and Brno to Telc, while trains are slower and more complicated, with a connection along the way. The one positive to going by train is that it’s often cheaper.

The most convenient option for visiting Telc independently is to rent a car and drive yourself. This frees you up to travel whenever you like, and also explore the wider region around it, maybe visiting places such as Jindřichův Hradec Castle and Bitov Castle.

Finally, you can book a tour to visit Telc. There aren’t as many day trip tours as I expected, but you can book this private tour from Cesky Krumlov, or this (expensive) one from Prague.

Where to stay in Telc

While many pass through Telc or take a day trip, you always have the option of spending a night here.

If you do stay the night in Telč, you have a few options for places to stay. For one night’s accommodation, I found Hotel Pangea to be well-located, with nice staff and generally fine.

However, if you’re looking for something a little more fancy or unique, these are well-rated alternatives:

• Hotel Telč
• Penzion Telč No. 20
• Penzion Kamenne Slunce

Things to see in Telc

Telc is not a big town, and since many of its attractions are visual, it’s not a destination that requires much time. It seems like it’s a convenient lunch stop or rest stop for people exploring South Moravia, travelling between Brno and Cesky Krumlov.

So with your one day in Telc, you can hope to see most of what the town has to offer. Here’s what to do in Telc and why it’s worth the (possible) detour to see it.

Zacharias of Hradec Square

There’s nowhere else you could start a visit to Telc than with the Zacharias of Hradec Square. After all, it’s very much this square that has put the town on the map. Along three sides of this oddly-shaped public square are vibrantly painted houses of Italian Renaissance style.

With one colourful facade after another, they form a wall of ever-changing design and create one of the prettiest old towns you’re likely to see. Along the longer sides of the square, you’ll find two long arcades that run under the edge of the houses. These never-ending tunnels of arches are home to cafes and stores of all kinds.

Among the array of beautiful houses, the one that stood out the most was the house on the corner, number 15. Unlike other houses on the square, this house has a small tower on its corner. Together with the slightly faded sgraffito facade, it manages to look older and more distinctive than its many neighbours.

Ultimately, though, there’s little more to do on this square than walk around and appreciate the spectacle in front of you. If you can, I recommend visiting in the late afternoon as the square is best at sunset when the light amplifies the colours.

Telč Castle

At the one end of the town square, you’ll find Telc’s other major landmark, Telc Castle. Often referred to as a château, this is likely because the castle also shares Italian Renaissance architecture. The way that the castle fits into the city means that up close, it may not seem as spectacular as other Czech castles. Step away, though, and its size and importance to Telč become clear.

Originally a simple Gothic castle protected by a moat, it was Zacharias of Hradec who redesigned the castle in the 16th century. It seems much of Telc’s Italian influences come from Zacharias, who would often travel to Italy and invite Italian artists to help with the castle’s redesign. But it’s thanks to all the subsequent owners through history that this castle has stayed in such great shape.

If you’re in the mood, which I wasn’t, you can take tours through the various halls and castle rooms. Unknowingly, I wandered about the inner courtyards and gardens without purchasing a ticket, as apparently they too require paying full admission.

Castle Park

One place that is free to roam, though, is the huge, sprawling park that sits out behind the castle.

Besides paths that meander about green fields and through trees, you’ll find a charming greenhouse with an elegant design. The park sits along the banks of one of Telc’s lakes, and from it you can get some wonderful views of Telč Castle with all of the city’s elements in frame. There’s really not too much to be said about this park other than it’s a nice place to walk and has some really scenic vantage points.

Telc’s three lakes

I think the three lakes that surround the town are underrated features that make Telc the pretty place that it is. Squeezing either side of the historic centre are two picturesque lakes, Ulicky Pond and Stepnicky Pond, with a third further from the centre.

Both Ulicky and Stepnicky have paths along some sides, and it really pays to walk to their far side. In fact, my favourite view of Telc may have actually been looking across Ulicky pond to the entirety of Telc. With the castle, walls against the blue of the water and green of the castle park, it’s a winning combination.

Other Telč Attractions

Despite its size, there was an attraction that I felt bad I couldn’t visit.

Visiting in April, many church towers in Czechia were not yet open to the public, including the tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit. That was a shame as it’s meant to have a good view of the town square and the rest of Telč too.

Something I felt fine missing, though, was the Telc Underground. Under Telc’s town square, underground passages connect many of the house cellars, and it’s possible to visit them and learn their history.

The reason that doesn’t appeal to me is simply that I get claustrophobic in those kinds of places and know I wouldn’t enjoy it. Of course, you may feel differently.

Have you heard of the town of Telč before? Would you be interested in spending a day in Telc Czech Republic? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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