Javorná: Church, Glass History and Trails

Javorná between Church Architecture and Glass History

Javorná combines a multifaceted local history with trails through the Ostružná Valley and winter sports opportunities. The first written mention of the village dates from 1614. Those wishing to combine culture and active pursuits on a trip will find a range of points of interest here: historic architecture, the history of glassmaking, marked trails, and cycle route 2093.

St. Anna: Architectural History and Memories

The Church of St. Anna in Javorná was expanded from a chapel dating from 1698 between 1718 and 1721. The Italian-born builder Marc Antonio Gilmetti added a nave and a façade with two towers. Both towers are onion-shaped and covered with shingles. The church also contains tombstones of the glassmaking families Gerl, Hagenbrädl, and Adler from the 18th and 19th centuries. The building thus preserves both its own architectural history and a reminder of the region’s craft tradition.

Glassmaking and Páteříková Huť

The history of glass extends beyond the church. Numerous glassworks existed in the territory of the former royal magistracy of Javorná, formerly known as Zejbiš. Historically, artificial pearls and Páteříky glass beads were produced at Páteříková Huť. A group of enthusiasts also operates a small wood-fired glass furnace there. The Páteříková Huť protected area protects dynamically developing herbaceous and woody communities at all stages of natural development. Historical production techniques and a landscape undergoing natural change thus come together here.

Hiking and Cycling around Javorná

The „Between Javorná and Čachrov“ loop trail begins at the church in Javorná and follows marked trails through the Ostružná Valley, forests, meadows, and small settlements. The route is a moderately difficult loop trail measuring 18.4 km, with 462 m of elevation gain and a stated duration of 5 hours and 6 minutes. The combination of distance, elevation gain, and time makes the loop suitable for planning as a longer day stage. The succession of valley, forests, meadows, and small settlements divides the route into different landscape sections. Those wishing to combine several landscape types in one loop can do so on a clearly defined route. The loop combines physical challenge and changing scenery within a single course.

Another connection is provided by the „From Javorná (Seewiesen) to Keply (Köppeln)“ route. It begins at the Baroque church in Javorná and follows cycle route 2093 into the Ostružná Valley. Cycle route 2093 passes through Javorná, thereby connecting the local history with a designated cycling route. The „Between Javorná and Čachrov“ hiking route can be reached from Železná Ruda or Klatovy by bus to Javorná or Čachrov.

Further Discoveries

The village is home to a Baroque statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from 1723. It is freely accessible. A ski school is available at the Javorná ski area. For further travel planning, you can also discover Chrepice on the portal.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Čachrov.