The Blanice (Czech: Blanice), often referred to as Blanice (Sázava) to distinguish it from another river of the same name, is a river in the Czech Republic. It is a left tributary of the Sázava River.
Geography The Blanice originates in the Křemešník mountain range, approximately 7 km southwest of the town of Pelhřimov, at an elevation of about 735 meters above sea level. It flows predominantly in a northwesterly direction through the Central Bohemian Region. Its course is marked by a relatively narrow valley, especially in its upper and middle reaches. The river eventually empties into the Sázava River near Soběšín, downstream from the town of Vlašim, at an elevation of approximately 300 meters above sea level.
- Length: 58.5 km
- Drainage Basin Area: 297.7 km²
- Average Discharge: 1.55 m³/s (at the mouth)
Settlements The Blanice flows through several towns and villages, including:
- Načeradec
- Louňovice pod Blaníkem
- Vlašim (the largest town on its course)
Significance The Blanice is closely associated with the Protected Landscape Area Blaník (CHKO Blaník), a significant natural and cultural landscape in the Czech Republic. The river flows past the iconic Velký Blaník hill, which is central to the Czech legend of the Blaník Knights. According to the legend, an army of knights sleeps inside the hill, ready to awaken and defend the Czech lands in their time of greatest need. The river valley contributes to the diverse ecosystems within the protected area.
Disambiguation The name Blanice is shared by another significant river in the Czech Republic, the Blanice (Otava), which is a tributary of the Otava River and flows through a different part of the country. This entry specifically refers to the Blanice that feeds into the Sázava River.