Discover Biřkov

Biřkov combines unusual archaeological traces with vivid evidence of its local history. Of particular interest is the burial mound necropolis in the Zderaz forest, also known as Na Zderaze. It lies in the cadastral area of Biřkov, southwest of the municipality’s reservoir. Those interested in past cultures, hidden landscape details and small historical discoveries will find a place here with a distinct cultural and historical character.

The burial mound necropolis in the Zderaz forest

The necropolis is classified as ÚAN I and designated as a significant archaeological site. When it was re-identified, 46 objects were recorded. At the same time, it has not been fully established whether all of these objects should be interpreted as burial mounds. This reservation is precisely part of what makes the site distinctive: the findspot is not explained through a simplified interpretation, but preserves a clear professional distinction. The scale also makes the archaeological landscape more tangible. Larger burial mounds reach approximately 2 m in height and have a diameter of 12–15 m. This measurement applies exclusively to the larger examples; it describes a range rather than a uniform size. The 46 recorded objects and the larger burial mounds are therefore not identical in scope: the number includes objects with differing interpretations, while the measurements describe only the larger examples. The necropolis thus remains more than just a name in local history and gains a concrete spatial dimension. The combination of forest, archaeological sites and the location southwest of the reservoir gives the subject a distinctly local connection without extending the archaeological information beyond its established content.

Traces of the former fortress

A pond at the fortress supplied its moat with water. The pond and moat therefore belong to the same historical context: the still-visible moat lies beneath the road to Vřeskovice, and the area continues to bear the name Na Tvrzi. The name thus points to the former use of the site, while the visible moat and the traditional name preserve different parts of this history. For a visit with children, this combination of landscape and history can be especially appealing: not every remnant appears as a fully preserved building. Instead, in Biřkov you encounter a historic place name, a moat and the memory of a former fortress. Another visible cultural feature is the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk in Biřkov. It dates from the late 18th century and complements the archaeological and fortification-related traces with a sacred building.

An experience for different age groups

A Halloween experience trail with various tasks was also offered in Biřkov. The Halloweenská stezka was suitable as a simple route for young and old alike. Its tasks were adapted to different age groups; at individual stations, children solved them. This experience therefore differs from the quiet exploration of the necropolis or the former fortress: here, the focus was on solving tasks together. Further destinations at this level can be found under Kochanov, Ujčín, Nemilkov, Velké Hydčice, Zelená Lhota, Vrhaveč, Velký Bor and Susice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Klatovy District.