Discover Polná

Polná combines impressive architectural history with paths through forests, pond landscapes and the historic urban area. Particularly prominent is the castle complex with Polná Chateau: it stands on a rocky spur above Peklo Pond and comprises the inner castle, the buildings of the outer bailey, two courtyards, the zwinger and the site of a former garden. This makes it a destination where culture, walks and the landscape can be combined within a compact thematic area.

Castle, Chateau and Special Insights

The castle and chateau preserve Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. These include a Gothic defensive passage with a bastion, Late Gothic vaults and remnants of Renaissance paintings in the Kunštátský Hall. Including the exhibitions and tour routes, the complex is fully open to the public from April through the end of October. If you plan your stay during this period, you can therefore not only view the historic complex from the outside, but also explore its various interior and exhibition areas.

Another cultural highlight is the synagogue in Polná. It is used by the Regional Jewish Museum for exhibitions on the history of the Jews in Polná and the Hilsner Affair. At the Stará škola, a classroom from 1866 can be seen as part of a 45-minute guided tour. There is also a collection of teaching aids featuring a two-headed calf, a preserved Black Kitchen and the teacher's apartment. These two sites offer different perspectives: the synagogue focuses on regional Jewish history, while the old school shows the everyday life and furnishings of a former place of learning and residence.

Nature Trails Between the Town Centre and the Ponds

The Josefa Klementa Nature Trail is a 6.2-kilometre circular route of low difficulty. It starts and ends at Husovo náměstí and follows paved paths and forest trails with moderate inclines. Its route connects the historic centre and the Jewish quarter with the natural surroundings of Peklo Pond. This makes it possible to combine a town walk with time spent in the countryside without the route losing its starting point in Polná.

Peklo Pond is the largest pond in the Polensko area, more than 1 km long and connected to a recreational and sports area. At the same time, it forms the landscape reference point below the castle and a distinctive section of the nature trail. Those who seek not only history but also waterscapes and paths through greenery during their stay in Polná will find here a clear contrast to the town's lanes and buildings.

Walking Routes with Historical Stops

The Pojmannova Trail is a 6.5-kilometre circular route from Polná to Kukle Pond and back. It is marked with a yellow hiking sign. Along the way, it passes Borský Pond, the former Štohanzlův Mill, Kukle Pond and the Obecní les municipal forest. Rest areas are located at Doubravník above the Borský Valley and on the dam of Kukle Pond. The route thus offers several landscape highlights and a different route concept from the Josefa Klementa Nature Trail.

One of the most unusual historic landscape features is Klešter. It is a national cultural monument: a deeply cut sunken lane forming part of an old trade route that connected Bohemia and Moravia and where tolls were collected. The site complements visits to the castle, chateau and synagogue with evidence of the region's earlier transport and trading history.

Regional Tradition in Polná

Local cuisine also has its own annual event. Mrkvancobraní is a recurring culinary event in Polná featuring a competition for the best Mrkvánek. It aims to promote the preservation of the local baking tradition. If you would like to discover culture not only in buildings but also through a regional tradition, this event is one of the special themes around which you can plan your trip.

For further travel planning, you can also visit Dolni Smrcne, Doupě, Rybné, Žatec Na Moravě, Dyjice, Pavlov, Čížov and Dobronín.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jihlava District.