Krhov: Malý Chlum, Cycling Route and Mining History

Krhov between Malý Chlum and Úmoří

Krhov lies at the northern foot of Malý Chlum, which rises 488 m above sea level. Forests stretch south and east of the village; at the same time, Krhov lies on the right bank of the Úmoří stream. This combination of wooded surroundings, the stream and a prominent elevation gives the village a clearly defined landscape. For planning your trip, Malý Chlum is of particular interest: its summit is home to the fortified archaeological site of Krhov “Malý Chlum”.

The Fortified Malý Chlum Site

The site lies on the summit of the Malý Chlum table mountain. Its ground plan is elongated and oval, with axes measuring 261 m in a northeast–southwest direction and 70 m in a northwest–southeast direction. Originally, the archaeological site covered an area of 1.5 ha. These precise measurements show that it is not merely a single historical point, but a clearly defined fortified area.

The documented access information is particularly useful for visitors: the Krhov “Malý Chlum” site is most easily reached from the settlement of Huť Sv. Antonie. It lies approximately 500 m southeast, below the foot of Malý Chlum. In addition, the Malý a Velký Chlum educational trail was ceremonially opened on 14 April 2013. This makes it possible to explore the table mountain’s archaeological significance and the landscape around the two Chlum elevations as part of a single excursion theme, without assuming any further characteristics of the trail.

Krhov as a Destination for Cyclists and Landscape Enthusiasts

A signposted local cycling route runs through Krhov. Cycling Route 5201 also leads from Černá Hora to Chrudichromy via Bořitov, Huť sv. Antonie and Krhov. Those planning a cycling trip therefore have a specific route description that places Krhov within a larger itinerary. The forests south and east of the village add to its landscape character, while Malý Chlum provides a historically significant destination.

Mining History and Visible Traces

Krhov was founded as a mining settlement. The first written mention of the village dates from 1409. Iron ore has been mined in the area around Krhov since the 15th century; in later years, slate and coal were also extracted there. This sequence gives the village a history that extends beyond the individual archaeological site and makes it possible to trace the development of the surrounding area through several different raw materials.

West of Krhov, remains of the earth embankment of the unfinished Vienna–Wrocław motorway are visible. The trace of an incomplete transport project thus stands alongside the archaeological and mining-related heritage. A Chapel of the Virgin Mary also stands on the outskirts of Krhov. The Chapel of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus dates from 1933. Both religious buildings add visible points of religious reference to the village’s history and give visitors further specific places to discover alongside the cycling route, woodland landscape and Malý Chlum.

Other local pages for trip planning: Štěchov, Úsobrno, Ústup, Senetářov, Okrouhlá, Bukovinka, Vanovice and Makov.

For the main travel overview: Blansko District.