Svahová: Hiking, Winter and History

Svahová combines hiking, winter sports and an unusual local history. The first documented written mention dates back to 1563. Svahová was probably founded in the mid-16th century in close connection with the alum works in Jirkov. In its early days, the area was mainly inhabited by forestry workers who worked for these alum works. This means the place offers not only opportunities for active days, but also specific historical points of reference for planning your trip.

Hiking around Svahová

A green-marked hiking trail leads from Svahová along the foot of Kohoutí vrch and reaches the Zákoutí viewpoint. In the immediate vicinity of Svahová, there is a cross and a bench for pilgrims on Mezihořský vrch. The E3 long-distance hiking route and the Stezka Českem long-distance trail also pass through the area around Svahová. The path to the viewpoint combines a marked route with a specific destination. The cross and bench on Mezihořský vrch add a place to rest along the trails. Depending on the time of year, hiking and winter sports can determine the focus of a stay in Svahová.

Ski slope, sledding section and mountain biking route

The ski slope in Svahová is 380 metres long and has a section that can also be used for sledding. A ski lift was built from nearby Farský vrch to the mouth of the Lužec. The Svahová mountain hotel is located directly beside a ski slope; in winter, you can ski there. There is also a specific route for a sporty bike ride: a challenging mountain biking route leads through Svahová and runs between the Lesná mountain hotel and Boleboř.

Glassworks and local history

One of the special historical topics is the Georghütte glassworks, also known as Jiřího huť, in Svahová. It had a steam engine with a stamping mill, a glassworks, tool sheds, stables and residential buildings for 16 glassworkers' families. The complex included technical facilities for glass production as well as residential buildings for the working families who lived there. The glassworks adds another economic focus to the history of the alum works in Jirkov.

Dining room and practical information

For a break, Hájovna Svahová offers a cosy dining room with beer, homemade lemonade, pancakes and langoš. When planning your arrival, you should take the local conditions into account: there is no car park with sufficient capacity near Hájovna Svahová. Parking may be available at Hotel Svahová by prior arrangement, provided that no major event is taking place there at the time. Travelling by bus is not recommended, as there is no suitable bus stop nearby.

For further research, you can also look at Místo, Všehrdy, Pesvice, Horní Halze, Loučná Pod Klínovcem, Všestudy, České Hamry and Otvice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Chomutov District.