Gängerhof: Nature and Local History

The Gängerhof estate was founded in the 16th century; Chodov grew up near the estate in the 18th century. The town’s history therefore reaches far back. At the same time, the landscape, the Homolka basalt knoll and the historic sites offer different focal points for your trip. When planning your stay, you can explore nature and geology as well as the chapel, pilgrimage and former uses of Vitriolka.

Landscape and Nature Around Chodov

The entire municipal area of Chodov lies within the Slavkov Forest Protected Landscape Area. The terrain is highly varied. The Homolka natural monument, a basalt knoll and evidence of Tertiary volcanic activity, is located near Chodov. A distinctive landform and unusual geological features meet here: the massive basalt rock displays columnar jointing and contains inclusions of the green mineral olivine.

The summit of Homolka rises about 12 metres above the surrounding terrain and offers a good view. There is also a small platform at the summit, measuring approximately 8 × 3 metres. These dimensions give an idea of its size; they do not describe the circumference of the knoll. Homolka is therefore interesting to nature lovers not only for its views but also for the geological characteristics of its basalt.

Another natural highlight is the Chodov Site of European Importance. It is small but unusually rich in species and diverse; frogs, snakes and butterflies can be observed there. Nature lovers can thus explore two distinct themes: Homolka’s volcanic rock formation and the wildlife of the Chodov site.

The Chapel, Pilgrimage and Memorial Beech

The Baroque St. Anne’s Chapel, dedicated to Saint Anne, stands in the centre of Chodov. It is built into a slope on the left-hand side of the road to Bečov nad Teplou. The traditional Svatoannenská pilgrimage takes place every July in the square in front of the chapel. Dates and programme may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the pilgrimage, check the specific dates before making arrangements.

The “Chodovský buk” memorial beech, about 200 years old, also stands in the centre of Chodov. It is approximately 18 metres tall, and its trunk circumference is 420 centimetres. A tree’s measurements can change slightly over time. The beech offers a different point of reference from Homolka’s prominent landform: here, the focus is on a single, named tree in the heart of the town.

The Eventful History of Vitriolka

Vitriolka is a former sheepfold dating from the 18th century, in the forests northwest of Chodov. At the beginning of the 19th century, Anton Liewald from Pernink established a sulphuric acid production facility on the site; sulphuric acid was also known as vitriol. The sheepfold and acid production mark different chapters in the history of this place.

A forester’s lodge is also part of Vitriolka’s history: it has been on the site since the 1980s and still serves as a forester’s lodge today. Its history thus links former agricultural use, industrial production in the 19th century and an ongoing forestry function. Vitriolka adds a distinct perspective on work and land use to the local history.

Cycling to Chodov

Signposted cycle route 2026 runs from Karlovy Vary via Hlinky to Chodov u Bečova. If you plan to use this connection for your ride, check the route signs before setting off. This helps you understand the route based on its listed stops, while the landscape, Homolka and the historic sites offer different possible focal points for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Stiedra), Neudek, Hochofen, Kohlhau, Klein-Werscheditz, Sankt Joachimsthal, Horn, Waltsch.

For the overview of the wider region: Karlovy Vary District.