Nahorany in the Czech Republic: Village History and Special Experiences

Nahorany between Village History and Lively Experiences

Nahořany lies five kilometres south of Čestice and combines a clearly recognizable village history with a vivid townscape. The settlement lies in the foothills of the Šumava and is considered well preserved; its small village square of medieval origin forms a distinctive centre. The ensemble of folk architecture includes masonry buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as a 19th-century chapel. On a walk, the village square, chapel and masonry houses can be viewed as interconnected historical motifs; the film references add another cultural perspective to this townscape. Those who enjoy historical settings will also recognize the village square from the films “Trhák” and “Princezna ze mlejna”.

A Village with an Unusually Eventful History

The history goes back to the 14th century. In 1315, the inhabitants received important privileges from Eliška Přemyslovna for guarding the royal forests. Another notable period followed in 1629: farmers resisted re-Catholicization in the Čestice area under the leadership of the local judge from Nahořany. The peasant army from Nahořany controlled the entire region for three years and engaged in several minor skirmishes. The two dates illustrate different historical roles: Nahořany appears once in connection with guarding the royal forests and later as a site of peasant resistance. Thus, in Nahorany you encounter not only historic buildings but also specific chapters of regional history.

Sauna, Cold-Water Swimming and a Christmas Performance

There are also clearly distinct experiences for a trip appealing to different interests. (S)Močidlo includes a sauna house beside a well-maintained reservoir. At (S)Močidlo, communal sauna sessions and cold-water swimming take place approximately every two to three days. The difference is important for planning: sauna sessions and cold-water swimming follow a rhythm of around two to three days, whereas the “Živý betlém” is tied to the evening before Christmas Eve. The “Živý betlém” in Nahořany has a completely different character: the interactive performance, accompanied by music, takes place on the evening before Christmas Eve and involves the audience. After the “Živý betlém”, performers and spectators meet in the chapel to sing Christmas carols together. Water- and sauna-based experiences thus stand alongside a seasonal cultural performance.

Orientation between Volyně and Čestice

The connection between Volyně and Čestice is described specifically for geographical orientation. On the way from Volyně to Čestice, turn right in Nahořany and follow a paved road for approximately 10 km to Čestice. In addition, cycle route No. 121 connects Volyně and Čestice via local roads. The road route and cycle route complement each other without claiming to follow the same route: one form of orientation leads via the turn-off and the approximately 10 km paved section, while the other follows local roads between Volyně and Čestice. The differing details help you consider the road route and cycle route separately and place the regional orientation in the context of planning your trip.

When exploring Nahorany, you can prioritize the village’s history, folk architecture, a Christmas performance, as well as the sauna and cycling experiences described above. For further destinations in your broader travel planning, you will also find Hoštice, Blatná, Měkynec, Kadov, Milčice, Bavorov, Kocelovice and Čichtice.

For the broader travel overview: Strakonice District.