Tips for film trips
Humpolec: Where Czech Film Meets Atmosphere
The Czech cult film „Marečku, podejte mi pero“ made Humpolec famous nationwide thanks to the iconic character Hliník, who “moved to Humpolec.” A playful museum called Hliníkárium now celebrates this legend.
The town also offers much more. In the historic center, visit the Church of St. Nicholas, climb its tower for panoramic views, and explore the Museum of Dr. Aleš Hrdlička, a renowned anthropologist born here.
Just outside town lies Castle Orlík the romantic ruins where the fairy tale „Jak se budí princezny“ was filmed. The iconic tower and castle gate were the backdrop for legendary fantasy scenes including a sword fight with a bear. Today, the ruins are freely accessible and feature a lookout tower and a summer film festival. The surrounding Březina nature trail offers scenic and historical stops ideal for storytelling inspiration.
This area offers a unique combination of cinematic legacy, authentic architecture and atmospheric locations. It is perfect for your next project.
- Start at the Humpolec train stop. Follow the green and yellow trail into the town center.
- Visit the Hliníkárium a small museum dedicated to the fictional film character Hliník.
- Continue to Horní Square the main square. Climb the St. Nicholas Church tower (115 steps) for a great view.
- Explore the Dr. Aleš Hrdlička Museum dedicated to the famous Czech-American anthropologist.
- Walk through the Zichpil district a former poor and Jewish neighborhood with a small open-air museum.
- From the square follow the blue then yellow trail (about 2 km) to the ruins of Castle Orlík known from the fairy tale film “Jak se budí princezny“.
- Enjoy views from the castle lookout tower explore the ruins freely and walk part of the Březina educational trail around the site.
Počátky – Film charm in a timeless setting
“This fountain and the brewer’s wife’s hair are the pride of this town,” declared director Zdeněk Podskalský in the cult Czech film „Postřižiny“. This iconic scene with Magda Vášáryová on a bicycle was filmed right in front of the Hotel U Modré hvězdy in Počátky. It is a picturesque small town on the Bohemian-Moravian border.
Počátky offers more than just a cinematic moment. Its gently hilly landscape, clean air, tree-lined roads and historical buildings create the perfect backdrop for period films and nostalgic atmospheres. The town’s heritage zone features the Church of St. John the Baptist and the fully restored Hotel U Modré hvězdy which also appeared in other films such as „Návštěvníci“ and „Jízda“.
Nearby, the charming St. Adalbert’s Manor combines First Republic elegance with themed rooms named after silver-screen legends. Just a short walk away is the St. Catherine Resort a peaceful retreat surrounded by forests and springs.
This location offers filmmakers a rich blend of heritage, character and untouched natural surroundings. It is ideal for storytelling that needs charm, intimacy or a touch of retro flair.
- Start at Počátky–Žirovnice railway station
- Walk 3.5 km to Palackého Square in Počátky
- Stop at the birthplace of poet Otokar Březina
- Visit Hotel U Modré hvězdy (famous filming site)
- Follow nature trails east of town to Smrčkův Pond
- Continue to St. Adalbert’s Manor (restaurant + stylized rooms)
- Optional: Extend your walk to St. Catherine Resort (2.5 km)
- Return by foot or use the local shuttle bus
Třešť: Home of Mr. Tau (Otto Šimánek)
Think of the TV series where a man in a bowler hat and a flower in his lapel makes children’s wishes come true. That’s Mr. Tau a beloved children’s character from the 1970s–80s portrayed by Otto Šimánek who was born in Třešť.
Follow in his footsteps to the "Greeting from Třešť” a giant forged postcard sculpture featuring Mr. Tau’s levitating hat and umbrella, crafted by local blacksmiths and located above the town. From here enjoy panoramic views of Třešť and its iconic three towers.
Třešť is also known for its unique nativity scene tradition dating back to the early 1800s. During Christmas time, over 20 hand-crafted nativity scenes are displayed in locals’ homes. Visitors are simply grab a map from the info center and follow the "Nativity Trail."
A permanent exhibition is also available year-round at the Schumpeter House on the main square.
- Start at Schumpeter House on the main square – visit the Nativity Museum
- Walk up to the “Greeting from Třešť” sculpture near the cemetery for a view and photo stop
- Return to town center
- In winter: follow the Nativity Trail (map available at info center)
Roštejn: A Fairytale Castle Hidden in the Forest
Just a short drive from Třešť lies Roštejn Castle. It is a favorite location for Czech fairytale films. Surrounded by forest and the castle is easily recognized by its 45-meter-high seven-sided tower offering panoramic views of the countryside. The surrounding parkland is home to mouflons, fallow deer, wild boars, and foxes.
Following a major renovation Roštejn has been restored to its early 20th-century appearance. Visitors can explore a new exhibition The Hunting Lodge Through the Ages which includes hunting horns, decoys and interactive displays explaining forest life and gamekeeping. A special highlight is a giant walk-through ant nest crafted from woven branches with oversized ant models inside.
Roštejn has featured in numerous Czech fairytale and historical productions such as: Jak se budí princezny (1997), O Radkovi a Mileně (1990), Černá fortuna (1991), Z pekla štěstí (1999) a Pravý rytíř (2016). Its authentic medieval atmosphere and well-preserved architecture make it ideal for film crews seeking dramatic, storybook backdrops.
Begin your visit at the Hodice train stop where you’ll find a charming mini railway museum beside the station. Follow the blue hiking trail (marked with a blue stripe) that leads directly through the forest to Roštejn Castle. The walk is approximately 4.5 km long and takes about 1 hour at a moderate pace. The trail is well-marked and offers a pleasant walk through the beautiful landscape of the Vysočina region.
