Things to Do in Telč
Telč, Česko - Complete Travel Guide
Telč is a breathtakingly beautiful medieval town in the Czech Republic's South Moravian region, renowned for its perfectly preserved Renaissance architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. The town's crown jewel is its stunning main square, surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses with distinctive gabled facades that create one of Europe's most photographed town squares. Built around a 14th-century castle and situated between two scenic ponds, Telč feels like a fairy-tale setting frozen in time.
Despite its small size with just over 5,000 inhabitants, Telč offers visitors an incredibly rich cultural experience with its magnificent castle, charming cobblestone streets, and peaceful lakeside walks. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the Czech countryside and provides an authentic glimpse into medieval Central European life, away from the crowds of larger tourist destinations.
Top Things to Do in Telč
Explore Telč Castle and Gardens
Tour the magnificent Renaissance castle that dominates the town, featuring lavishly decorated interiors, period furniture, and beautiful ceiling frescoes. The castle gardens offer peaceful walks and stunning views over the surrounding ponds and countryside.
Booking Tip: Castle tours cost around 150-200 CZK for adults, with English tours available by advance booking. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds, especially during summer months.
Photograph the Historic Main Square
Marvel at the UNESCO-listed town square with its remarkable collection of Renaissance and Baroque burgher houses, each painted in different pastel colors and featuring unique architectural details. The square is considered one of the most beautiful in Central Europe.
Booking Tip: Free to explore at any time, but golden hour (sunrise/sunset) provides the most spectacular lighting for photography. Consider hiring a local guide for 500-800 CZK to learn about the architectural history and hidden details.
Walk Around the Town Ponds
Take a leisurely stroll around the Štěpnický and Ulický ponds that frame the historic town center. These artificial medieval ponds offer beautiful reflections of the castle and town, plus peaceful nature walks and bird watching opportunities.
Booking Tip: Completely free activity best enjoyed in early morning or evening. Bring comfortable walking shoes as paths can be uneven, and consider packing a picnic from local shops for a scenic lakeside lunch.
Visit St. James Church
Explore this beautiful Gothic church dating from the 14th century, featuring impressive vaulted ceilings and historical artifacts. The church tower can sometimes be climbed for panoramic views over the town and surrounding landscape.
Booking Tip: Entry is typically free, but tower climbs may require a small fee of 50-100 CZK. Check opening hours with the local tourist office as they vary seasonally, and inquire about occasional classical concerts held inside.
Discover Local Crafts and Museums
Visit the Museum of Technology and the local craft workshops where traditional techniques like pottery and woodworking are still practiced. Browse unique handmade souvenirs and learn about regional folk traditions and craftsmanship.
Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around 80-120 CZK, while craft workshops may offer hands-on experiences for 300-600 CZK. Book workshop experiences in advance through the tourist office, especially during peak season.
Getting There
Telč is located about 150 kilometers southeast of Prague and is most easily reached by car, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours via the D1 highway. Regular bus services operate from Prague (3-4 hours) and Brno (1.5 hours) with companies like RegioJet and FlixBus. The nearest train station is in Kostelec, about 6 kilometers away, with connecting bus service to Telč center. Many visitors combine Telč with other South Moravian destinations or arrive as part of organized day trips from Prague or Vienna.
Getting Around
Telč's compact historic center is entirely walkable, with most attractions within a few hundred meters of each other. The town is pedestrian-friendly with well-maintained cobblestone streets, though comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Parking is available outside the historic center for those arriving by car, with designated lots near the castle and main square. Bicycles can be rented from local shops for exploring the surrounding countryside and pond areas, offering a pleasant way to see the broader landscape.
Where to Stay
Historic Center near Main Square
Castle District
Pond-side Areas
New Town residential area
Countryside guesthouses outside town
Nearby Kostelec for budget options
Food & Dining
Telč offers charming traditional Czech cuisine in atmospheric settings, with several restaurants housed in historic Renaissance buildings around the main square. Local specialties include freshwater fish from the town ponds, traditional svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), and regional Moravian wines. The town has cozy pubs serving Pilsner and local beers, along with cafes perfect for coffee and traditional pastries like trdelník. While dining options are more limited than in larger cities, the quality is generally high and prices reasonable, with most meals ranging from 200-400 CZK per person.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Telč is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is pleasant for walking and outdoor photography, and all attractions are fully operational. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest days, but also bring the most tourists. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) provide ideal conditions with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful natural colors around the ponds. Winter visits can be magical with potential snow coverage, though some attractions may have limited hours and weather can be unpredictable.
Insider Tips
Visit very early morning or late afternoon to have the main square almost to yourself and capture the best photographs without crowds
Try the local fish dishes, particularly carp and trout, which are caught fresh from the town's medieval ponds
Climb up to the castle ramparts for the best panoramic views of the colorful house facades and surrounding countryside