Watermill in Hoslovice

Hoslovice Watermill is a historic mill complex in the village of Hoslovice in the Strakonice district of South Bohemia, regarded as the oldest surviving water mill in the Czech Republic. The whole site is run as an open-air museum by the Museum of Central Pootaví in Strakonice and preserves an authentic picture of rural life and traditional milling craft.

Where is the mill and how do you get there?

Hoslovice sits in the rolling landscape of the Podlesí region on the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, roughly 17 kilometres from Strakonice. The mill stands on the small Hoslovický stream, set apart from the rest of the village. Visitors park in Hoslovice and follow a paved footpath about two kilometres long to reach the site, which is also suitable for cyclists and pushchairs.

What is the history behind the mill?

The oldest written record mentioning a miller in Hoslovice dates to 1352, making it one of the earliest documented milling sites in the country. Part of the surviving structure dates from the second half of the 16th century. In 1829 the mill was bought by the Harant family, who ran it continuously until 2005, when the last miller, Karel Harant, died. From the 1950s onward the family lived in considerable isolation and deliberately rejected modern technical improvements, which is why the buildings, equipment and surrounding land have survived in an almost unchanged, authentic state.

What does the mill complex consist of?

The site comprises three buildings: the mill itself with its residential quarters, a stable with an adjoining shed, and a barn. The complex also includes a small pond with a channel feeding water to the mill wheel, an orchard and meadows. All buildings are thatched, with walls either timbered or built from a mix of stone and brick. The original farming equipment survives inside, along with a functioning milling mechanism, and domestic animals are kept on site, creating a convincing picture of a bygone rural household.

Why is this site significant?

After Karel Harant's death in 2005, the South Bohemian Region purchased the property and placed it in the care of the Museum of Central Pootaví in Strakonice. Following restoration, the mill reopened to the public in 2008, the same year it was declared a national cultural monument. It was also the first open-air museum in South Bohemia. The authentic look of the buildings has made the mill a repeated filming location for Czech fairy-tale films, adding to its popularity with visitors.

What can visitors see on a tour?

Visitors can see the mill's working mechanism driven by the water wheel, the living quarters once used by the miller's family, the stable, shed and barn, plus the surrounding pond, mill channel, orchard and meadows. During the season the museum runs children's programmes, craft demonstrations and tastings of traditional dishes, turning a visit into a hands-on history lesson rather than a walk past exhibits behind glass.

When is the best time to visit?

The site is open seasonally, from April to October, according to the museum's schedule; it is closed to visitors outside this period. Admission is charged according to the current price list published by the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hoslovice Watermill located?

In the village of Hoslovice in the Strakonice district of South Bohemia, on the Hoslovický stream, about 17 km from Strakonice.

Is it really the oldest water mill in the Czech Republic?

It is considered the oldest surviving water mill in the country — the first written mention of a miller in Hoslovice dates from 1352, and part of the building dates from the 16th century.

Does the mill still work, and can visitors see it in operation?

Yes, a functioning milling mechanism survives on site, and the museum that runs the mill holds demonstrations of traditional craft techniques.

Is the walk to the mill manageable for families with children?

Yes, a paved path about two kilometres long leads from the village parking area to the mill and is also suitable for pushchairs and bicycles.

When is the mill open to visitors?

Seasonally, from April to October, according to the museum's current schedule.