Dobroutov – Village Culture between Forest and Countryside

Dobroutov combines a distinctive village history with the natural landscape of the Křižanovská vrchovina highlands. Among old memorials, regional customs, forests, and water, it offers a destination for anyone who wants to discover not only well-known cities in the Czech Republic but also smaller places with their own character.

Memorials and Village History

A distinctive detail of the village’s history is the wooden Romanian cross from 1945. It was replaced by a permanent, faithful replica made of steel tubes. In 2014, a new cross donated by the Romanian side was unveiled in Dobroutov in the presence of representatives of the Romanian Embassy. Both details highlight the village’s connection to a specific historical context of remembrance.

On the outskirts of the village, two very old cellars have also been preserved; locally, they are called “lochy.” They are built into a hillside. On the village square, beside the stream opposite house no. 48, stands a stone reconciliation cross with a cross carved into it. According to local tradition, it commemorates two French soldiers who died there in a duel over a girl. This story belongs to the village’s oral tradition and should be understood as such.

On the road to Polná stands a statue of Saint John the Baptist, a work by the sculptor Václav Viktor Morávek from Polná. The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist also characterizes Dobroutov. It belongs to the Roman Catholic parish of Polná and was consecrated on June 22 by Diocesan Bishop Jan Vokál.

Forest, Water, and a Hiking Route with Views of the Village

Dobroutov is surrounded by the natural landscape of the Křižanovská vrchovina highlands. The cadastral area includes Ochoz, among other places, which is considered the largest forest complex in the Polensko region. Anyone who wants to combine nature and local history when planning a trip will find here a distinctly scenic counterpoint to a purely urban stay.

A 10-kilometre hiking route from Polná offers views of Dobroutov after an ascent. The route therefore does not begin in the village itself, but names Dobroutov as a visible destination of the hike. The Zhořský potok also flows through Dobroutov. In Polná, it joins the Šlapanka stream, a tributary of the Sázava.

Traditions and Special Event Days

The local annual calendar regularly includes a masked procession for Masopust accompanied by music. There is also the recurring wine hike “Dobroutovské putování za vínem,” now in its fifth edition. Alongside its permanent memorials, Dobroutov thus offers events that show the village as a lively meeting place extending beyond individual buildings.

A traditional fishing event takes place at Horní rybník behind the stadium. Another, distinctly more specialized event format is held at the Dobroutov shooting range: the Klub vojáků v záloze regularly organizes open days there for the public. On these occasions, visitors can shoot under the supervision of an experienced assistant. This activity offers a different kind of outing from the hiking route, wine hike, or masked procession, thereby expanding the range of documented experiences.

Accommodation in Dobroutov and Further Orientation

If you are looking for accommodation connected with a smaller Czech village, Dobroutov primarily offers a combination of village culture, regional landscapes, and individual event dates. Dobroutov’s location on Road II/351, which connects Polná and Třebíč, provides practical orientation, while the village’s features appeal to different interests: memorials and the chapel for those interested in culture, Ochoz and the Křižanovská vrchovina for landscape experiences, and the wine hike, fishing, and Masopust for special local events.

For further orientation within the same selection, you can also explore Puklice, Klatovec, Hladov, Hubenov, Ježená, Mrákotín U Telče, Bohuslavice, and Kněžice.

For the broader travel overview: Jihlava District.