Discover Smrzov: Ponds, History and Cycling

Smržov combines a tangible local history with a landscape of ponds and waterways. During your stay, you can therefore focus on different aspects: historical traces in the village, South Bohemian pond management, or a longer ride through the surrounding area. The character of Smržov becomes particularly vivid where history and water engineering are directly connected.

Ponds and water engineering around Smržov

The first written mention of Smržov dates from 1367. At that time, Ješek z Kosovy Hory, the then owner of Lomnice, had the fields and meadows of the inhabitants of Smržov flooded in order to enlarge Dvořiště Pond. You will also encounter Dvořiště on excursions through the surrounding area. Koclířov Pond near Smržov was created during the time of Štěpánek Netolický; the connection between the ponds via the Zlatá stoka was already used at that time. Vydymač Pond lies directly within the municipality of Smržov.

The larger Návesní kaple with its small bell is very well maintained and fenced in Smržov. The Výklenková kaplička sv. Jána is also very well maintained. Both chapels add small, clearly recognizable testimonies of the local religious culture to the landscape. In 1660, Jan Adolf Schwarzenberg had small chapels built in Smržov, as well as in other surrounding villages and in the fields. These were called maradasky and commemorated the suffering of the local population.

History of the Pond Landscape

The Rožmberská rybniční soustava is an extremely valuable technical monument. It documents both the outstanding development of early modern pond management in South Bohemia and the extensive economic activities of the prominent Rožmberk noble family. The system was created over the course of the 16th century as a network of interconnected ponds supplied by artificial waterways. This allows you to discover the surrounding area not only as a natural landscape but also as a historically planned water landscape.

The historic Žižkův dub lies in the extensive forests that stretch almost as far as Hluboká nad Vltavou. According to tradition, the later Hussite military commander is said to have secretly met his companions there. The story is one of the historical motifs that give the forests, alongside the ponds, an additional cultural dimension.

A Long Route Through the Surrounding Area

One specific way to connect several places is offered by the Naučná stezka Na Blata u Mazelova – trasa A. The route follows the yellow trail markings to Dvořiště Pond and continues through Smržov to Lomnice nad Lužnicí. It is described as an easy 48 km circular route and is listed as taking 3.5 hours. The starting point can be reached by car or train. The different details on distance and duration help you fit this excursion clearly into your day’s itinerary.

Baštýřův krmelec is located at Dvořiště Pond, just before the ascent to the dam. The place is suitable as a rest stop during walks and cycling trips in the area around Lomnice nad Lužnicí and Smržov. This allows route planning to be combined with a specific stopping point in the pond landscape, without limiting the excursion to a single village center.

A Traditional Local Event

Local events in Smržov include the Rybářské závody. They were held for the 26th time in 2023 and the 27th time in 2024. Together with the chapels, historic waterworks and traditional stories, they show different sides of Smržov: everyday life by the water, the village’s religious history and the large-scale development of South Bohemian pond management.

Other places in the same area: Horní Němčice, Lodhéřov, Březina U Deštné, Okrouhlá Radouň, Majdalena, Plavsko, Kostelní Vydří and Blato.

For the broader travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.