Gängerhof – Chodov, Homolka and Slavkovský les

Chodov was established in the 18th century near the Gängerhof estate, which had already been founded in the 16th century. The chronological sequence of the estate and the settlement gives Chodov two clearly distinguishable historical layers. Exploring the area therefore combines local history, St. Anne’s Chapel, and geological and biological features.

Chodov: Chapel, pilgrimage and an old tree

The Baroque St. Anne’s Chapel, dedicated to Saint Anne, stands in the centre of Chodov. It is built into a slope on the left-hand side of the road to Bečov nad Teplou. The traditional Svatoannenská pilgrimage takes place every July in the square in front of the chapel. Thus, in addition to its historic buildings, Chodov also has a recurring cultural event.

The centre of Chodov is also home to the approximately 200-year-old memorial beech tree „Chodovský buk“. The tree is about 18 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 420 centimetres. It therefore forms an independent natural and commemorative site within the town centre, which you can take into account when finding your way around Chodov.

Protected landscape and the Homolka basalt hill

The entire municipal area of Chodov lies within the Slavkovský les Protected Landscape Area. The terrain around Chodov is highly varied. The Homolka natural monument is located near Chodov: a basalt hill and evidence of Tertiary volcanic activity. Its massive basalt rock displays columnar jointing and contains inclusions of the green mineral olivine.

The summit of Homolka also rises about 12 metres above the surrounding terrain and offers a good view. There is also a small platform on the summit, measuring approximately 8 × 3 metres. The height above the surrounding terrain, the view and the platform each provide a different focus for spending time on the hill.

Species-rich nature and an excursion

The Chodov area, which is significant at European level, is small but unusually rich in species and diverse. Frogs, snakes and butterflies can be observed there. On 25 April 2025, an approximately 2-kilometre excursion through this area took place from 3 to 6 p.m.; it was suitable for all age groups. The date, time and route length provide a clear temporal and spatial framework for this past event.

Vitriolka: forest history with several layers of time

Vitriolka is a former sheepfold from the 18th century in the forests northwest of Chodov. Since the 1980s, a forester’s lodge has stood on the site and continues to serve this function to this day. At the beginning of the 19th century, Anton Liewald from Pernink established a sulphuric acid production facility on the Vitriolka site. Vitriol was the historical term for sulphuric acid.

A signposted cycle route

The signposted Cycle Route 2026 runs from Karlovy Vary via Hlinky to Chodov u Bečova. Anyone wishing to explore the region by bicycle can use this sequence of places to plan their own cycling tour.

More destinations in the same overview

If you would like to extend your research to other places, you can find Donawitz, Petschau, Breitenbach, Grasengrün, Nové Hamry, Horn, Gießhübl-Sauerbrunn and Sichlau here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Karlsbad District.

More travel destinations

More places under the same destination:

Nové Hamry, Horn, Gießhübl-Sauerbrunn.