Otročiněves: Local History and Cycling Routes

Located at the foot of the 609-metre-high Krušná hora, Otročiněves is traversed by the Habrový potok stream. These landscape landmarks provide practical orientation for your stay and complement the town’s history. Other highlights include a historic ironmaking industry, a revived local tradition and several cycling routes.

Landscape and History

The first written mention of Otročiněves dates back to 1005. Most of the village belonged to the domain of Křivoklát Castle. A chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist is said to have been built on Velíz around 1005. Guards from Otročiněves were assigned to the chapel. The date around 1005 refers here to the traditionally recorded founding of the chapel; it should be distinguished from the first written mention of the village.

Charcoal was produced in the forests of Křivoklátsko; together with iron ore mining, this activity contributed to the development of local ironmaking. Iron ore was mined on Krušná hora until extraction ceased in 1964. These activities are associated with different locations: charcoal was produced in the forests of Křivoklátsko, while ore was mined on Krušná hora. This puts the industrial history into context as an interplay of fuel and raw material, while 1964 marks the end of mining on the hill.

The dates therefore refer to different events: 1005 relates to the first written mention and the chapel’s uncertainly documented founding, while 1964 marks the end of iron ore mining on Krušná hora. They do not represent the beginning and end of the same event, but different aspects of the village’s history.

Local Tradition and Cycling

The “Otevírání studánek” tradition was revived in Otročiněves in 2024 and held for the second year in a row in 2025. If you would like to include a possible next edition in your travel plans, check local dates in advance.

Three cycling connections offer different points of interest. Cycling Route No. 0053 (“Pod Kolnou–Otročiněves”) follows road III/2367 towards Nový Jáchymov. Route No. 0054 (“Žloukovice–Hudlice”) passes through the historic part of Otročiněves. The “Přes Krušnou horu na zámek Nižbor” cycling route also passes through the village.

When choosing a route, consider the features noted for each one: for No. 0053, the road and direction are specified; No. 0054 passes through the historic part of the village; and the regional cycling route names Nižbor as its destination. This makes it possible to compare the routes by their specific points of interest. Road surfaces and signage can change, so check current conditions and route markings before setting out.

Bus Connections

In June 2026, regional bus line 637 served four stops in Otročiněves: Krušná Hora, Na Drahách, náves and I. It connects the village with Kublov and Beroun. Timetables and the stops served may change, so check the current timetable and the stops served on your route before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Trubská, Žebrák, Skuhrov, Rpety, Lužce, Felbabka, Chaloupky, Lhotka U Hořovic.

For the broader travel overview: Beroun District.