Vrhaveč – Cycling Routes, Landscapes and Regional History

Vrhaveč lies in a valley basin through which the Drnový potok stream flows. Gentle hills border the village to the west and east. This landscape combines peaceful experiences in nature with easily accessible destinations for cyclists, hikers and anyone who would also like to discover regional history during a stay in the Czech Republic.

Cycling between Vrhaveč, Běšiny and Klatovy

The gently rolling landscape around Vrhaveč is suitable for easy bike tours. A main cycling route runs through the village and Běšiny and is more than 11 kilometres long on this section. It connects Klatovy at Luby railway station with the municipalities around Vrhaveč. This makes it possible to explore the area not only as a single excursion destination, but also along a clearly described cycling connection.

Additional trails are located near Hejno. There, Spálený les forest has a network of forest paths and purpose-built adrenaline cycling trails. Anyone looking for a varied choice of routes will find not only peaceful forest sections here, but also designated trails for more demanding cycling. Hejno also offers views of parts of Klatovy, Pošumaví and the Bohemian Forest.

Hiking via Hejno and to historic destinations

A red-marked hiking trail passes through Hejno, connecting Klatovy and Velhartice. The village lies in a saddle between Holý vrch, at 547 metres, and Červený vrch, at 509 metres. The combination of ridges, forest paths and distant views gives a hike in this section a distinctly different character from a short loop in the valley.

Another destination is the ruin of the Baroque Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from 1730. It lies in the forest about 1 kilometre from Loreta and can be reached via yellow-marked hiking trails from Loreta or Týnec. A walk can also lead around Kouskova Lhota and through the forest to Farářova studánka.

Local history and regional traditions

Kouskova Lhota is located in Černé Krávy; it is a former fortified residence with a manorial farm dating from the first half of the 16th century. The preserved two-storey tower served as a granary from the 17th century onwards. Combined with a walk through Kouskova Lhota, this creates a cultural and historical excursion where the landscape and architectural history lie closely side by side.

Local customs are also part of Vrhaveč’s character. A local association organises a Masopust carnival procession through the municipality every year. Children in Vrhaveč maintain the Easter rattling tradition. The Chapel of Saint Anne in Vrhaveč was consecrated in 1937. An annual traditional pilgrimage was held at the chapel on the occasion of its feast day; since 1995, masses have been celebrated there monthly. Firefighting competitions in Vrhaveč concluded with a festive event held as part of the pilgrimage.

The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Neznašovy is another specific historical landmark: it was built in 1876. During the Neznašovy pilgrimage in June, a mass was celebrated there once a year. Anyone who would like to get to know Vrhaveč not only through its trails and landscape, but also through such local places of remembrance, will find several different facets of the surrounding area.

A permanent activity venue in the village

The multi-purpose sports and leisure complex in Vrhaveč is open to the public every day. From May to September, opening hours are from 12 noon to 7 p.m.; from October to April, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Reservations can be arranged with the facility manager. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Vrhaveč, this complex can serve as a point of reference, alongside the cycling route, hiking connections and historic destinations in the surrounding area.

For further location comparisons, you can also compare Bezděkov U Klatov, Velhartice, Čímice, Nehodiv, Chudenín, Hradešice, Srní and Chlistov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Klatovy District.