Svojetice: In the Footsteps of the Stonemasons

Svojetice is known for its nature trail about the history of granite quarrying, paths in the Voděradské bučiny Nature Reserve, and an active local association culture. Two routes of about 25 kilometers offer different highlights. You can tailor your stay around stonemasonry history, nature trails, or the storybook world of the cat Mikeš.

Svojetice at a glance

• The “Po stopách kameníků” nature trail is about 25 km long in total and passes through six villages, including Svojetice.
• Its 13 stops cover the history of granite quarrying, especially how stonemasons worked the stone.
• Several hiking and cycling trails run through the Voděradské bučiny Nature Reserve.
• The “Cesta kocoura Mikeše” route is 25 km long and runs from Hrusice to Mukařov.
• Obec Baráčníků is the oldest association in Svojetice and is still active.

Nature trail about stonemasonry history

The “Po stopách kameníků” nature trail focuses on granite quarrying and, in particular, the working of granite by stonemasons. Its 13 stops give the craft a clear focus. The trail is about 25 km long in total and passes through Louňovice, Struhařov, Svojetice, Srbín, Mukařov, and Žernovka. Svojetice is therefore part of a route that takes in several villages.

The main consideration when choosing an outing is its theme: the focus is not only on the stone itself, but also on how it was worked. Those interested in local craft history will find a clear subject here. The length and route through six villages also give a sense of the nature trail’s scale, without reducing it to a single point in the village.

Trails in the nature reserve

Voděradské bučiny is a nature reserve with several hiking and cycling trails running through it. One specific route option is the “Okruh přes Voděradské bučiny a naučnou stezku Klokočná” circular trail. It passes through both the National Nature Reserve and Svojetice, giving it a different focus from the nature trail about stonemasonry history.

Access rules for this circular route may vary according to nature conservation regulations. Signposting and trail surface conditions may also change. Check the applicable conservation rules and current trail conditions before setting out. This will help you keep the features of a route through a protected area in mind as you plan.

The route dedicated to the cat Mikeš

Another themed route is “Cesta kocoura Mikeše.” It is 25 km long and runs from Hrusice to Mukařov. Since spring 2023, it has included 14 stops with signs featuring excerpts from Ladov’s book about the cat Mikeš. Stone kilometer markers stand between the stops. Details of the route may change during future maintenance or redesign.

The two routes, each around 25 km long, offer different highlights: “Po stopách kameníků” passes through six villages and covers granite quarrying and stonemasonry. “Cesta kocoura Mikeše” connects Hrusice and Mukařov with stops about Ladov’s book. So when choosing between them, consider not only their similar length but also which theme appeals to you.

Local associations and finding accommodation

Local culture also includes Obec Baráčníků, the oldest association in Svojetice, which is still active. Alongside the historical themes of the trails, this association offers a glimpse into the village’s current community life.

If you are looking for a hotel in Svojetice, the “Okruh přes Voděradské bučiny a naučnou stezku Klokočná” circular trail, which passes through the village, can be a useful starting point for planning outings. The “Cesta kocoura Mikeše” route runs from Hrusice to Mukařov; take its own course into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Vyžlovka, Strancice, Hlavenec, Popovičky, Květnice, Žernovka, Říčany, Stirin

Frequently asked questions about Svojetice

How do the two routes of around 25 kilometers differ?

The “Po stopách kameníků” nature trail is about 25 km long in total and covers granite quarrying, especially the work of stonemasons. “Cesta kocoura Mikeše” runs 25 km from Hrusice to Mukařov and features excerpts from Ladov’s book at 14 stops. The routes are similar in length, but differ in their themes and the places mentioned.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.