Explore Film Highlights in Pelhřimov, Telč, Třebíč, and Beyond

Region Vysočina is not just about lush hills, fragrant meadows, dense forests, and historical towns. This stunning region acts like a versatile actress, seamlessly switching between medieval kingdoms, small villages from the First Republic, and gritty backdrops for action movies from abroad. Filmmakers discovered Vysočina’s charm in the 1930s, and since then, it has served as a picturesque setting for numerous beloved films from both childhood and modern cinema. Pelhřimov, known as the city of records, inspired the comedic films of director Oldrich Lipsky, and it features a film museum.

The industrial site of Šlakhamr has transformed into a delightful family retreat called Plugs on the Water. The magnificent Želiv Monastery served as the backdrop for Good Pigeons. Meanwhile, Třebíč and its UNESCO-listed charm have contributed to a myriad of historical and modern tales sprinkled with unique allure. How about Telč? This city has consistently demonstrated its ability to embody an icon, offering a new perspective every time. Whether you are eager to re-watch familiar scenes or explore the beautiful spots where reality intersects with film, this adventure with A Way Out of Boredom invites you into the world of cinema without needing to plant yourself in a movie theater.

Pelhřimov: a town of records that can play itself

City Pelhřimov is a place where reality happily mingles with exaggeration – and it is a favorite of filmmakers. So, what films have been shot in Pelhřimov? For instance, the feature film The Greatest of Bohemia dramatically showcases scenes on Masaryk Square, where a brave man was “dropped” into icy waters and remained there for many minutes. The film featured performances by professional actors Anya Geislerová, Igor Bareš, and Marek Taclík, along with real-life record holders.
Pelhřimov encapsulates not only the festival of records, the vibrant energy of small towns, and intriguing arcades, but it is also home to the Lipsky Hall and the First Czech MUSEUM. This space pays tribute to the comedic films of director Oldřich Lipský and the artistic flair of his brother, actor Lubomir Lipsky. It’s no wonder that Pelhřimov frequently “acts” as itself on screen, hosting filming for many productions including the cult classic sci-fi series The Visitors.
Tip for beating boredom: Stroll around Masaryk Square and visit the Museum of Records and Curiosities. You cannot miss the huge pink teddy bear, Kuky, within the museum, which is a nod to the film Cuckoo Returns: this film was also shot in the picturesque Vysočina region. The story of Kuky, directed by Jan Svěrák, came alive in a magical, mossy forest on Mount Melechov near the nature reserve Stvořidla, nestled between Ledčí nad Sázavou and Světlá nad Sázavou. The teddy bear in the museum is larger than its film counterpart: this hand-sewn Kuky stands at four meters tall, boasts a paws span of 3.5 meters, weighs 25 kilograms, and took less than two days to create. It had its debut at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Šlakhamr: industrial romance near Sázava

An aged water hammer mill engulfed by forest and river embodies the essence of the Highlands, representing its industrial heritage and the poetic beauty of iron. In the film Splash on the Water, Šlakhamr, located near Hamry nad Sázavou, evolved into a venue for a golden wedding celebration featuring Dana Syslova and Arnost Goldflam, who played the parents of the main characters Jiří Langmajer and Hynek Čermák. When you visit, you’ll find that this technical monument with exhibitions focused on hamer and woodworking remains vibrant, owing to the thoughtful restoration and management by the Technical Museum in Brno. This place has a rhythm that is readily felt both onscreen and in person.
Tip for beating boredom: You can arrive by foot or bike along the scenic cycle path beside the Sázava River. During events hosted by the Technical Museum, you can observe the hammer’s operation, and afterward, enjoy a trip around the area to see the playful and whimsical sculptures created by Michal Olšiak.

Želiv: monastery and film story

Actors Miroslav Macháček, Vladimir Menšík, Milan Kňažko, Rudolf Hrušínský, Pavel Zedníček, and Josef Somr all graced the Premonstratensian monastery in Želiv in 1988 for a blend of drama and comedy. In The Good Pigeons, the monastery was transitioned into an alcohol rehabilitation center, where patients sang The Alcoholics’ Hymn on the staircase of the garden wing. The old baroque monastery provided a unique backdrop for the film, combining dignity with fragility.
Tip for beating boredom: Begin with a tour of the monastery, visit the monastery brewery, and enjoy a tranquil moment in the monastery garden, where the lighting is best in the late afternoon. Admire the facade of the monastery church and the stunning vault lines designed by Santini within the interiors, then head to the Trnávka reservoir for an enjoyable sightseeing adventure. And guess what? You can even spend the night at the monastery!

Třebíč: a UNESCO monument that will conquer every camera

The city of Třebíč is like a beautiful scenery right out of a natural film script – the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius can set the stage for various historical eras without requiring much alteration. The basilica has appeared in numerous TV and film projects, from the drama Jan Hus to the biographical piece A Voice for the King of Rome, while the Jewish quarter has been featured in Gendarmerie Humorettes and other films. For those who visit, Třebíč is primarily about light, storytelling, and love at first sight.
Tip for beating boredom: Begin your exploration at the Rear Synagogue and enjoy navigating through the various alleyways, passageways, and staircases of the Jewish Quarter. While at the basilica, don’t miss the crypt familiar from various film and TV projects. You might even want to ascend to the photo viewpoint at Hrádek. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll down Havlíčkův Embankment where the ambiance and photogenic glow of lanterns create a magical atmosphere. You might even find inspiration for your own film here!

Telč: a compositional school not just for filmmakers

What can you explore in Telč? This city is a symbol of cinematic déjà vu – its famous Renaissance square and castle provide cinematographers with an impeccable rhythm of lines and colors. As early as 1952, filming took place for The Proud Princess, and Telč has also been featured in fairy tales such as How Princesses Wake Up, From the Hell of Happiness, The Magic Purse, as well as the adult fairy tale When the Cat Comes Home and the comedy Baykers. The entire urban landscape serves as an extraordinary storyboard. If you’re a film enthusiast, you’ll understand how even a slight adjustment can shift compositions dramatically.
Tip for beating boredom: Don’t keep a low profile in Telč! Venture underground and view the town from above, either from the Church of St. James tower or from the surrounding ponds – just rent a boat. And capture the beauty of the city from the photo vantage point at the Panský dvůr!