Leštinka: Granite History and Diving Worlds

Leštinka combines a turbulent granite history with an unusual underwater world. The town lies in the hilly outer area of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands between Skuteč and Vrbatův Kostelec. The lower part of the town stretches through a gorge along the right bank of the Žejbro stream. In the first half of the 20th century, Leštinka was an important centre of granite quarrying – a past that remains visible today in quarries, historic transport routes, exhibitions and preserved buildings.

Granite, Quarries and Traces of Local History

A system of disused quarries lies on the Horka hill. These include Andrůzův lom, Zvěřinov, Kaňon, Leštinka II – Ekhardka, Holubák and Družstvo. Quarrying ceased at the end of the last century. At the height of the industry, 400 to 500 stonemasons worked in the surrounding quarries. Those who want to get to know Leštinka not only as an excursion destination but also as a former industrial site will therefore find an unusually tangible connection between the landscape and its working history here.

The history of stone extraction and processing associated with Leštinka is documented by the newly opened exhibition at the Městské muzeum Skuteč. Traces of the historic quarry railway have also survived, including a viaduct and a developed but overgrown railway spur from the “Mikšov” quarry to Žďárec u Skutče. In the town itself, an iron cross with Christ stands on the upper village square; it was erected in 1833. The bell from the wooden bell tower dating from 1832 is now built into the roof of the fire station.

Further small discoveries await in the surrounding area. In the adjacent Dusaveci forest lies the artificial Drápka cave, carved into a block of sandstone. Above the left bank of the Žejbro stream are the remains of the medieval hrádek Cejřov, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The hrádek retains a high, well-preserved circular rampart with a ditch. The history around Leštinka thus stretches from the medieval fortification to modern stone quarrying.

Lom Leštinka: Diving Among Quarry Traces

A special side of the town can be seen at Lom Leštinka. The open-air underwater museum begins at a depth of 13 metres and includes wooden houses, rails, pickaxes and mine carts. The quarry has a terraced underwater profile and is up to approximately 26 metres deep. Training platforms are available for diver training at depths of 3, 6 and 13 metres. A diving school has also been established in the “Družstvo” quarry.

Both complete beginners and experienced divers can dive at Divepark Leštinka. Introductory dives are supervised by an experienced certified diving instructor, who explains the process and helps with putting on the equipment. Access to the water is via a spacious jetty that is also suitable for larger groups of divers. An important distinction should be noted for orientation: Public swimming is not permitted at Divepark Leštinka. The former flooded quarries scattered around Leštinka, on the other hand, are popular swimming spots and should not be confused with the Divepark.

The cold season also offers its own opportunity: ice diving is possible at Leštinka in winter, provided the water surface freezes over. The quarry area may only be visited with the owners’ consent and in compliance with the safety and organisational-technical regulations. This requirement is part of the specific way the area may be visited and should be taken into account when planning.

Family Outing, Cycling Route and Water Experiences

For family recreation, Lom Leštinka offers a pirate ship for children, a sand play area, a swing and a climbing frame. Alongside the quarry-history and diving-related attractions, there are therefore also facilities for a stay with children. A signposted local cycling route also runs through the northern part of Leštinka. It expands the excursion options with an active exploration of the town, without limiting Leštinka to just one type of experience.

Discover More Places

For further options, you can also explore Podhořany U Ronova, Parizov, Rozhovice, Vrbatův Kostelec, Lozice, Nabočany, Hluboká and Jenišovice U Chrudimi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Chrudim.