Nová Ves U Kdyně: Nature Trail, Viewpoint and Village History

Nová Ves U Kdyně combines a quiet valley landscape with viewpoints, a varied nature trail and small cultural monuments. Those looking for accommodation in this village will find a manageable base for experiencing the landscape, exploring local history and following routes to the surrounding sights.

Landscape between the valley, highlands and watershed

Nová Ves lies in a valley surrounded by the wooded elevations of Čepice and Ráj and by Bezný, the highest mountain in the area. Bezný reaches 658.9 metres above sea level. The Novoveský potok stream flows through the village, giving the landscape a clear local character.

From the slopes above Nová Ves, views stretch across the rolling landscape of the Czech borderlands and Bavaria in Germany to Hohenbogen. Another geographical feature runs along the northern boundary of the municipal area: this is the important European watershed between the basins of the Black Sea and the North Sea.

Kdyňskem Nature Trail and Lookout Tower

The Kdyňskem Nature Trail near Nová Ves is ideal for actively exploring the surrounding area. It is 13 kilometres long in total and has 13 stops. The first stop is at a viewpoint above Nová Ves. Information panels focus on local history, while illustrated tasks for children add a playful element of discovery to the route.

A distinctive viewpoint is the Vachatova Lookout Tower near Nová Ves. The tower is six metres high and has 22 ladder-like steps. In clear weather, it offers views of Šumava and Hohenbogen. A recommended hiking stage from Kdyně to Nýrsko passes the Vachatovo Lookout Tower near Nová Ves.

The summit of Ráj can also be included in an itinerary. It lies about two kilometres from Nová Ves and can be reached via the Way of St. James.

Village History and Small Cultural Sights

Nová Ves was founded after the Hussite Wars by the owners of the nearby Rýzmberk Castle. The first written record of the village dates from 1508. Its documented history therefore reaches considerably further back than the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, which dates from the first half of the 19th century.

A square chapel stands in the village square. The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk contains a restored statue of the saint; it was blessed on 18 May 2026. A red-marked route leads from Nová Ves to the Church of St. Anne, a pilgrimage church, and to the small Church of St. Wenceslas near Brůdek. This makes it possible to combine the landscape and religious buildings in a single exploration while keeping sight of the village’s rural character.

Local Orientation and Water Landscape

The bus stop in Nová Ves u Kdyně is 300 metres away, while Kdyně railway station is 3.2 kilometres away.

The Kaskádové rybníky ponds in Nová Ves u Kdyně are freely accessible despite being privately owned. The ponds are considered a habitat for amphibians and waterbirds, complementing the viewpoints, hiking trails and historical sights with a water-dominated landscape.

Discover more destinations

For further travel planning, you can also explore Nemanice, Karlova Hut, Chodská Lhota, Zahorany, Pařezov, Čermná, Kout Na Šumavě and Loučim as well.

For the higher-level travel overview: Domažlice District.