Schönwald: Nature, Educational Trail and Cultural History

Special Habitats along the Hornohradský potok

The Hornohradský potok Natural Monument also extends across the cadastral area of Krásný Les. Its character is shaped by a mosaic of Natura 2000 habitats. These include ash-alder floodplain forests, wet meadowsweet meadows, wet cabbage thistle meadows and fringes along mountain streams. The different habitats form a diverse ecological mosaic. The wet meadowsweet and cabbage thistle meadows bring open areas into this mosaic; the fringes along mountain streams form another habitat. For those interested in nature, this creates a differentiated landscape impression that makes the interaction of the habitats directly visible on site, beyond individual species.

Individual species also make the Hornohradský potok particularly noteworthy: it is home to the largest wild garlic population in the Karlovy Vary Region. There are also stands of ostrich fern. The stream serves as a breeding habitat for the fire salamander. Those who wish to consider nature and regional characteristics when planning their trip will therefore find a clearly distinctive experience here alongside the cultural and historical attractions.

Educational Trail and Castle Landscape around Horní hrad

Along the educational trail around Horní hrad, information boards provide information about sights in the castle’s surroundings, the history of the region and the remarkable landscape with a romantic park. The park landscape complements the information about the castle and regional history with a natural aspect, so that the trail addresses landscape and culture together. The educational trail is suitable for school groups and families with children. For families with children, the signs provide an opportunity to combine observations along the way with brief historical explanations. In this way, it combines the visible landscape, regional information and historical topics without limiting the visit to the castle alone.

Cultural events and guided tours are offered at Hauenštejn. These two forms of experience emphasize different aspects: at a cultural event, the program is the focus, while the guided tour accompanies the visit. When selecting excursion destinations, you can therefore distinguish between an event date and an organized castle tour.

Historic Buildings in Krásný Les

The parish church of St. Peter and Paul in Krásný Les is an early Baroque church built around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. A new bell tower was added to the church in 1794–1795. The church also shows how the early Baroque building was supplemented by a later addition; the date 1794–1795 makes this development concrete. The local architectural history also includes a chapel with a triangular gable and a niche containing a Madonna.

An important distinction should be noted for visits: the Church of St. Peter and Paul has been partially restored and is accessible only occasionally. The chapel in Krásný Les stands beside a road on the northwestern edge of the village.

Other Places for Orientation

Other place names for orientation: Schwarzenbach, Schaub, Sodau, Töppeles, Dallwitz, Gängerhof, Pechöfen, Welchau.

For the overarching travel overview: Karlovy Vary District.