Horní Pěna

Horní Pěna combines a distinctive waterscape with natural and cultural attractions that you can clearly distinguish when planning your trip. The town lies in a valley below the dam of the 75-hectare Pěněnský rybník (Dřevo). The pond is one of the oldest ponds in the Jindřichův Hradec area and thus shapes the landscape character of the town.

Dřevo Pond and Česká Kanada Nature Park

At Dřevo Pond, the beach has been improved with more space for relaxing, additional sand, benches and a table. This specific design makes the waterfront area a distinct focus within a visit to the town, without implying any additional services or uses. When planning your trip, you can therefore also view Horní Pěna as a landscape shaped by water.

The southeastern part of Horní Pěna’s cadastral area lies within Česká Kanada Nature Park. This geographical connection complements the waterscape with a protected natural area. If you would like to combine different interests during your trip, you can therefore distinguish between the pond landscape, the nature park and the cultural traces in the town.

Animal experiences for different interests

Na Hrádečku Zoo in Horní Pěna is home to, among other animals, steppe servals, American pumas, lions and spotted hyenas. In addition to these predators, the zoo offers experiences such as a day as an animal keeper, animal feedings, guided tours with commentary and night visits. When planning their day, families can therefore choose between classic animal observation and explicitly guided or thematically special formats, without every activity requiring the same type of visit.

Historical traces in the town

A small, unusual example of local everyday history is the Mlíčník (Haltýř). It is a structure built over damp ground or a spring that was used to cool stored food. The Mlíčník in Horní Pěna was probably in operation from the beginning of the 19th century and was used mainly to store milk and dairy products. The municipality of Horní Pěna had it restored in 2024.

The Church of St. Michael with its cemetery also forms part of the town’s historic character. It is a Gothic parish church dating from the first quarter of the 14th century. Horní Pěna therefore contains different historical layers side by side: a medieval church and a restored structure whose original function was closely connected with food storage.

Guidance for choosing your location

For geographical orientation, Road II/128 runs through Horní Pěna in the direction of Nová Bystřice and continues on to Austria. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether water, nature, animal experiences or local history should be the main focus of your trip. For further points of orientation, see Velký Ratmírov, Nová Olešná, Nová Hlína, Kačlehy, Hamr, Blažejov, Březina U Deštné and Sedlo.

For the broader travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.