Okrouhlo – Stream Landscape, Varta and History

Okrouhlo combines a distinctive stream landscape with a local history stretching from medieval gold mining to later tramping settlements. The Zahořanský potok and many tributaries run through the area; above the village rises Varta, 376 metres high. Okrouhlo lies on the edge of the Střed Čech Nature Park. The landscape and history offer a range of starting points for a stay.

Stream Landscape and Change at Varta

The ecologically valuable Zahořanský potok flows through the Okrouhlo area, joined by many tributaries. Numerous protected animal species live in the wooded Zahořanské Valley. Traces of medieval gold mining can be found around the stream and in the adjacent side valleys. Varta reflects a different kind of landscape change: its slopes were once farmed in terraces; the summit was originally bare, covered only in sparse grass and heather. After 1963, black pines and mixed woodland were planted there.

Timber Farmstead, Charter and Tramping Culture

The area’s built history is tangible, too: House No. 32 preserves part of a former, larger timber farmstead. Okrouhlo was first mentioned in a written record in 1228. A charter of the Monastery of St. George in Prague recorded that Okrouhlo had long belonged to the Monastery of St. John the Baptist on Ostrov near Davle. Other traces appeared in the 20th century: tramping cabins began to spring up in the Zahořanské Valley in 1919, later developing into named settlements, including Havaj, Orlík and Sedm jezů. The dates mark different developments: 1228 is the first written mention, and 1919 marks the start of tramping cabins in the valley.

Walking Trails, Cycling and Bus Services

For walkers, two different route descriptions are available. The municipal history, last revised on 30 August 2006, describes the blue hiking trail from Libeř to Davle: it passes through Zahořany and follows the Zahořanský potok. A hiking description published on 24 May 2025 gives a 5.7-kilometre route through Okrouhlo on the yellow trail; at map point 4, it meets cycle route 19A. The descriptions therefore differ in focus: the blue trail is identified by its endpoints and the course of the stream, while the yellow route is described by its length and meeting point with the cycle route. Check trail conditions before setting out. There are also cycle routes in the Zahořanské Valley. Okrouhlo is connected to the regional bus network; check the latest timetable before travelling.

Find Hotels Based on Your Travel Interests

If your main interest is walking, you can take the described routes into account when planning your trip. If you are interested in local and landscape history, the timber farmstead, the monastery connection, tramping culture and the changes at Varta take centre stage. Tailor your search to the kind of trip you want and compare the specific offer details and availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Hvozdnice, Čisovice, Jíloviště, Ohrobec, Pohoří, Chýnice, Sloup, Bojanovice and Prahy.

Back to the overview of the wider region: Okres Praha-Západ.