Hrčava – Tripoint, Wooden Church and Trails Through the Landscape

Hrčava combines a distinctive tripoint with a unique wooden architectural tradition and several signposted trails. This makes the village interesting for you if, while travelling through the Czech Republic, you do not want to view natural and cultural experiences separately: From the village, trails lead to a border point, up a mountain and across three countries, while the church, customs house and pilgrimage site offer insights into the village’s history.

The Hrčava Tripoint

At Hrčavské Trojmezí, the borders of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia meet. The border point is marked by three granite monoliths; a covered wooden rest area stands nearby. From the centre of Hrčava, a yellow-marked route leads there over 2 km. For orientation on site, the signposted car park at the village entrance, with sufficient capacity, is also relevant.

The landscape on the Czech approach is characterised by wooden houses, meadows and small fields on a plateau. An old customs house still stands beside a forest path between Hrčava and Jaworzynka. It primarily protected the border from smugglers and complements the border point with a historical detail away from the monoliths themselves.

Wooden Church and Local History

The wooden Church of St Cyril and Methodius was built in 1936. On the outside, it combines a wooden architectural style typical of the Těšín region with modern architectural elements inside. It was designed by Karel Náhůnek; its furnishings include a carved wooden baptismal font by Ondřej Zogata, who came from Hrčava. The church is described as the youngest traditionally designed wooden church in the Czech Republic and as an important example of interwar ecclesiastical architecture.

Local culture also includes the regional mini-museum in Hrčava’s primary school. It can be visited accompanied by Mr Vojkovský; further information is available at the self-service shop. The Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage takes place in Hrčava every year on 5 July. The Lurdská jeskyně is also associated with the pilgrimage: the place of devotion was consecrated on 5 July 1937 on the occasion of the Hrčava pilgrimage. According to tradition, the water at the grotto is said to heal eye ailments.

Signposted Routes for Different Excursion Ideas

In addition to the 2 km trail to the tripoint, a red-marked hiking trail leads from Hrčava over 5.5 km to Gírová. A longer circular route is “Kolem Trojmezí”: It begins in Hrčava, runs via Jaworzynka and Čierne, and returns to Hrčava after 11 km. Hrčava lies at kilometre 10.9 on the “Za den přes tři státy” route. There, the route passes the wooden Church of St Cyril and Methodius, the three granite monoliths and the Polish border crossing.

Hrčava can be reached by bus from Mosty u Jablunkova railway station.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

You can also include Bukovec U Jablunkova, Moravka, Frydek-Mistek, Žabeň, Hukvaldy, Písečná U Jablunkova, Mosty U Jablunkova and Pazderna in your research as further destinations.

For the higher-level travel overview: Frýdek-Místek District.