Háj Ve Slezsku

Háj Ve Slezsku offers impressive reminders of Silesian history. Ostrá hůrka is a hill with a viewpoint; Smolkovská tvrz represents underground fortification architecture. Those who wish to combine cultural discoveries and walks through a history-filled setting during their stay will find a range of themes for days spent together here: fortifications, monuments, chapels, and a viewpoint are among the notable places to visit. The selection ranges from underground fortification architecture to Ostrá hůrka with a viewpoint offering views of Silesian municipalities.

History Between Fortress, Church, and Memorial Sites

Smolkovská tvrz is located on Padařov Hill. It was built between 1936 and 1938 as part of the fortification belt and consists of five underground structures connected to one another. An educational trail leads around the structures through the grounds and complements the underground complex with an outdoor route.

The Church of St. Valentine also represents the history of the locality. Its building, erected in 1911, has preserved its artistic character. In May 2015, the church was declared a cultural monument. The neo-Gothic Chapel of the Virgin Mary has a different character; it was built by local settlers in 1877 and now serves as a gallery. The years of construction place the two sacred sites in chronological context: the chapel was built in 1877, and the church building in 1911.

The Silesian Scouting Memorial was established from 1971 onward in response to the ban on the Junák movement. At the Vladislav Vančura Monument, the bust must be distinguished from the monument itself: the original bust by sculptor Karel Vašut was stolen in 2002 and replaced with a copy. The monument, erected in 1972, stands on the main road in the western part of Háj ve Slezsku.

Ostrá hůrka and Views Across Silesia

Ostrá hůrka is a hill 315 m above sea level that belongs to Chabičov and is considered an important site of the Silesian national revival. On its northern side there is a viewpoint overlooking Háj Ve Slezsku and other municipalities in Silesia. This creates a clear contrast for your day’s itinerary with the underground structures of Smolkovská tvrz: here, the vastness of the landscape is the focus. The elevation of 315 m above sea level refers to Ostrá hůrka Hill itself, while the viewpoint is located on its northern side. The historical connection with the Silesian national revival is combined here with a concrete view of the surrounding municipalities.

Next to the Mohyla slezských skautů are two benches where you can rest after the climb. Depending on your interests, you can focus on the buildings and memorial sites or on the viewpoint and the landscape.

Other destinations in this selection include Štěpánkovice, Závada, Nové Lublice, Šilheřovice, Kravaře, Raduň, Čermná Ve Slezsku, and Lhotka U Litultovic.

For the higher-level travel overview: Opava District.