Heřmanova Huť

Heřmanova Huť combines an industrial past, historic buildings, landscapes and active exploration. The water tower is particularly striking: it is approximately 16 metres high and supported by six columns. The water tower was converted into a viewing platform. Its connection with Vlkýš is also reflected in the inscription “BRAUEREI WILKISCHEN” and the year 1908. The tower was allegedly originally intended to store drinking water for the brewery in nearby Vlkýš.

Water Tower and Ironworks: Traces of Industrial History

The history of Heřmanova Huť is closely linked to the Heřmanova ironworks. Hermann von Lindheim, owner of the Vlkýš estate and the hard-coal mines, founded the Heřmanova ironworks between 1849 and 1854. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was converted into a glassworks after losing out to competition from Kladno. Those interested in regional industrial history will therefore find not just individual buildings here, but a development that led from iron processing to glass production.

Vlkýš: Castle, Estate History and Special Details

Vlkýš was referred to in 1457 as the estate of Jan z Třebouně. Vlkýš Castle is a Baroque castle that was probably built on the site of an older fortress. It was first mentioned in 1788 in J. Schaller’s description of the Plzeň region. Today, it is a partially modernised rectangular building with a mansard roof and a vaulted ground floor. These preserved features make the site interesting for a trip in which architecture and historical development matter equally.

Even smaller details tell stories about the site’s past. Water intended for the brewery in Vlkýš was not used directly for brewing beer because of its fluctuating quality. In addition, bronze finds were discovered near Vlkýš in 1855, including rings, sickles and tools. In 1836, Vlkýš was among the villages served pastorally by St. Martin’s Church in Heřmanova Huť.

Hlubočka Pond and Routes for Active Days

Hlubočka Pond lies in the cadastral area of Vlkýš. Its revitalisation was completed in 2023. The project aimed to implement nature conservation measures and adapt to climate change. The pond thus represents an aspect of the landscape of Heřmanova Huť, where not only historic buildings but also the way natural spaces are managed can be seen.

For a cycling trip, Heřmanova Huť lies on Cycling Route 9. From Přehýšov, the route continues via Heřmanova Huť, Kladruby, Planá and Chodová Planá. This makes it possible to combine the choice of destination with a longer cycling connection without focusing the stay exclusively on historic sights. In Heřmanova Huť, the POND Relax Sports Park also includes a bike park, complementing the cycling route with another option for active days.

Church History and Local Orientation

In Heřmanova Huť, a chapel dedicated to Saint Haštal, a martyr, was already mentioned in 1272 on the site of today’s St. Martin’s Church. St. Martin’s Church itself was first mentioned as a parish church in 1384. Together with the history of Vlkýš and the ironworks, this creates a cultural picture spanning several centuries.

For arriving in the area, Heřmanova Huť railway station is part of the integrated transport system. This is a practical point of reference if you want to choose your accommodation not only by the name of the place, but also by the desired combination of culture, landscape and cycling.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

If you would like to extend your travel plans to other places in the same area, discover Tlučná, Kozolupy, Chotíkov, Blažim, Česká Bříza, Žilov, Ostrov U Bezdružic and Černíkovice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.