Vrchovany

Vrchovany between a castle ruin, horse farm and wooded mountain

Vrchovany combines several very different travel experiences within a small thematic area: historical traces, a striking castle ruin, equestrian activities and the landscape of Berkovský vrch. The village lies on the southwestern slope of this mountain, which is part of the municipality’s cadastral area. Those who want to choose between culture, nature and active experiences during their trip will therefore find not an interchangeable backdrop here, but clearly recognizable highlights.

Starý Berštejn: history with far-reaching views

The highly visible Starý Berštejn ruin stands on basaltic Berkovský vrch. It dates from the 15th century and was built shortly after 1400 by Jindřich Hlaváč of Dubá. Since 1958, Starý Berštejn has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic; at the same time, the site is classified as an immovable cultural monument. The ruin therefore provides a particularly vivid introduction to the history of the landscape, as its location on the mountain directly connects the historic structure with the geological and natural character of the place.

The ruin’s tower offers very far-reaching views. Starý Berštejn can be visited by prior arrangement with the castle’s lessee.

Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and preserved village architecture

The village itself also contains remarkable historical evidence. A large amount of original folk architecture has been preserved in Vrchovany. Southeast of the village, the Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands on elevated ground. The central plastered masonry building has a regular octagonal floor plan. The present late Baroque chapel was built in 1801, possibly by extending an original 17th-century structure. The chapel and the associated plots of land are protected as heritage sites.

At the same time, you should take its current condition into account: the chapel is currently dilapidated and has no windows. Its heritage character and architectural form are therefore part of a historical tour of the village in which not only restored buildings, but also visible conservation issues contribute to an understanding of the place.

Horse experiences around Farma Vrchovany

Since 1991, Vrchovany has been home to a horse farm. The main focus of Farma Vrchovany is breeding Haflingers. This offers a distinctly different way to experience the region than a purely cultural stay: horse enthusiasts can focus on breeding, while various activities take participants’ level of experience into account.

Beginners at Farma Vrchovany receive lunge training with horses. More experienced riders can go on rides into nature. By prior arrangement, a dressage arena, a show-jumping course and a free-jumping area are also available. Jezdecká společnost Vrchovany-Obrok organizes show-jumping competitions in Vrchovany twice a year. In addition to spending time with horses individually, the village therefore also hosts recurring sporting events.

Woodland landscape and other active pursuits

Berkovský vrch is predominantly covered with pine and spruce forests. Maple, linden and beech trees grow on the scree slopes. These different tree communities give the landscape a clearly recognizable structure and complement the historical sights with a natural-history dimension.

Another option is the Skály u Nového Berštejna climbing area. It can be reached from the Nový Berštejn and Vrchovany bus stops and, if necessary, from Dubá.

More places to choose from

For further research, you can also explore Skalka U Doks, Bohatice U Zákup, Prysk, Zákupy, Stružnice, Beškov, Horní Police and Noviny Pod Ralskem.

For the overarching travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.