Hamry U Hlinska – Masopust, the Chrudimka and the Nature Trail

Hamry U Hlinska combines a landscape surrounding the Chrudimka with an unusually vibrant Masopust tradition. Those looking for more than just a sight on their trip to the Czech Republic, but rather a place with its own history and a clearly recognizable character, will find several different ways to experience it here: a watercourse and foothill landscape, folk architecture, traces of early ironworking, a nature trail and a traditional Masopust procession.

The Chrudimka, Folk Architecture and Local History

The Chrudimka is part of Hamry's landscape. Above the Hamerská Reservoir, it is described in the cadastral area of Hamry u Hlinska as a partially shaded stream 5 m wide. This specific landscape detail complements the town's preserved architectural heritage: Hamry is home to several folk buildings typical of the local foothill landscape, including Log Cabin No. 25 with a decorated lattice gable.

The Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk is also one of the area's defining cultural monuments. It is an immovable cultural monument in Hamry and is also known as Svatojánské lázně. For those exploring the area, this creates an interplay between the landscape and traditional architectural forms, without reducing Hamry to a single motif.

From the Iron Hammer to the Masopust Tradition

The history of the town reaches back to the era of ironworking. In Hamry and in Hamřík, located farther to the north, iron ore was processed at the local hammer mill in the 15th and 16th centuries. Work at the Hamry iron hammer continued until the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, three watermills were in operation in Hamry. This sequence shows how closely local history was connected with water and artisanal use.

On the afternoon before the day of the masked procession, visitors can observe the so-called Prohánění kobyly in Hamry. Young men in horse costumes and other masks go from house to house throughout the municipality, announcing the events of the following day. Prohánění kobyly is preserved only in Hamry and is a unique part of the Masopust processions in the Hlinecko region. The municipality's Masopust procession has had a traditional observance since time immemorial and preserves its old Bohemian character. It can only be experienced in its original municipality. Since 2010, the Masopust procession in Hamry u Hlinska has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On the Krajem Chrudimky Nature Trail

The Vlastivědná stezka Krajem Chrudimky offers another way to place Hamry within an engaging exploration of the town and its landscape. The nature trail passes through Hamry; from Čachnov, Hamry lies at kilometre 14.5 along the route. A total of 37 information panels are installed along the entire trail. The route is marked in green along its full length. If you would like to combine cultural history with the Krajem Chrudimky route on your trip, the nature trail provides a clear thematic framework without requiring you to limit yourself to a single sight.

Other Places to Compare

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Hamry, you can find Tri Bubny, Kamenicky, Míčov-Sušice, Mrákotín, Ronov nad Doubravou, Zaječice, Hodonín U Nasavrk and Hojesin here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Chrudim.