Žďárky – Cycling Route, Landscape and Mining History

Žďárky combines an unusual local history with landscape experiences and a concrete opportunity for active days. Here you can discover traces of charcoal production, historical hard-coal mining and a reconstructed sandstone bell tower. At the same time, a cycling route between Žďárky and Velké Poříčí passes through surroundings offering views of the Orlické Mountains and the Jirásek Cottage at Dobrošov. When choosing accommodation, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider whether you would like to focus on cycling, the landscape or the history of the place.

Local History with Unusual Traces

The name Žďárky itself points to the past: it derives from the historical production of charcoal by charring wood. The first written mention of Žďárky dates from 1415. The documented history of the place therefore reaches far back, while the later references to mining add another, distinctly different historical layer.

Hard coal was already being mined at the Vilemínin-Důl mine in Žďárky in the 18th century. This coal was not only associated with the place, but was also transported for firing the bricks used to build the Josefov Fortress. The connection with the fortress places the local raw-material history in a broader historical context, without reducing Žďárky to a single attraction.

Another historical testimony can be found in Mokřiny. The original sandstone bell tower was completely reconstructed. The bell's suspension, including its wooden and metal elements, as well as the roof of the bell tower, was also restored. A stylish restaurant is open from spring to autumn in the reconstructed administrative building of the mine. Anyone wishing to include this restaurant in their stay should take its seasonal opening period into account.

Cycling Route and Landscape

For an active excursion, the cycling route between Žďárky and Velké Poříčí follows a clearly described course. It offers views of the Orlické Mountains and the Jirásek Cottage at Dobrošov and passes by the airfield. The route is therefore characterized by several different viewpoints: the mountains, the cottage and the airfield form distinct impressions along the cycling route. You can take this aspect into particular consideration when choosing accommodation if cycling is to structure your stay.

The landscape of Žďárky also brings together several characteristic elements. It includes forests, meadows, evergreen hills, the settlements of Mokřiny and Závrchy, and Bartoňova hora. This mixture offers a different way of experiencing the place than its mining history: rather than a single structure being the focus, it is the combination of various landscape features and settlement areas.

The sports area includes a children's playground and a workout area. The children's playground is intended for children, while the workout area is intended for physical activity. For families with different interests, this contrast can play a practical role in planning the day, without requiring any additional facilities.

Other Places to Consider

For comparing other places, you can also visit Horní Radechová, Hynčice, Slatina Nad Úpou, Kramolna, Žernov U České Skalice, Nový Hrádek, Rožnov and Rychnovek.

For the overview of the wider area: Náchod District.