Discover Chvojenec: Water Fortress, Žernov and Cycling Routes

Chvojenec combines an unusual local history with protected landscapes, signposted cycling routes and vibrant traditions. Those interested in a trip combining culture and nature will find various reasons to explore here: the water fortress points to the Middle Ages, the Chapel of svatá Anežka Česká to more recent local craftsmanship, while the Žernov Nature Reserve and the Mordýř and Šmatlán ponds define the character of the landscape.

Water Fortress and Chapel of svatá Anežka Česká

The water fortress in Chvojenec was first mentioned in 1336. Its foundation dates to the period of royal colonisation and served to protect the road from Hradec Králové to Vysoké Mýto. The site thus represents an era in which roads and fortified places were closely connected. The water fortress was surrounded by three moats and an embankment – a specific feature that vividly illustrates its historical form.

Another aspect of the local history is the Chapel of svatá Anežka Česká. It was ceremonially opened on 28 September 2019. Its windows depict the figures of svatá Anežka Česká and svatý Václav. The altar and the cross were made by the local woodcarver Radek Kreizl. In Chvojenec, you can therefore encounter both a water fortress mentioned in medieval records and a chapel whose furnishings are connected with a named local craftsman.

Žernov Nature Reserve and Ponds

The Žernov Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of Chvojenec. It encompasses an oak-hornbeam forest on the slopes of Žernov Hill, as well as the Mordýř and Šmatlán ponds at its foot. The protected area was established by Regulation 3/2015 of the Pardubický kraj Region. This regulation has been effective since 1 July 2015 and remains valid.

The area around the ponds is characterised by natural wetland and forest vegetation. Chvojenec therefore appears not only as a place with historical traces, but also as a landscape with clearly recognisable transitions between forest, slopes and bodies of water. When planning an excursion, you can thus explore the village from two perspectives: through its cultural history and through the natural area around Žernov.

Signposted Cycling Routes and Local Activities

Cyclists can reach or pass through Chvojenec along two signposted routes. Cycling Route 4120 runs from Opatovice nad Labem to Dašice directly through Chvojenec. Cycling Route 4236 from Vysoké Chvojno to Dolní Ředice also runs directly through the village. The two routes open up different directions for a cycling trip, without limiting Chvojenec to just one connection.

For a break, cyclists have two rest areas with seating and an information board available in Chvojenec. There is also a multi-purpose sports court. Entry is free, but advance reservation is required. The court can be reserved for tennis, nohejbal, volleyball or basketball. This clearly regulated sports facility complements the cycling routes and landscape destinations.

Traditional Events

The local events calendar includes several regular and traditional occasions. The children's carnival, Setkání s Mikulášem and Čarodějnice are firmly associated with the recurring events in Chvojenec. Together with the chapel and the natural attractions, these traditions give the village another, seasonally shaped dimension alongside its historical and landscape themes.

More Destinations for Your Research

If you would like to include other places in your travel plans in addition to Chvojenec, you can also explore Živanice, Litošice, Čepí, Staré Ždánice, Chýšť, Třebosice, Staré Hradiště and Břehy .

To the higher-level travel overview: Pardubice District.