Haslau: Cycling Routes, Heritage and Nature

Several local cycling routes, the castle-palace complex in the heart of the town and the U Cihelny natural monument give Haslau a range of distinct themes. For cycling plans, route length, bike type and route layout are all relevant. The town’s history centres on the conversion of a castle into a palace and the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. There is also a geological destination in the valley of the Hazlovský potok. You can tailor the themes of your stay to your interests.

Cycling in Haslau

Local Cycling Route 2065 connects Vojtanov, Haslau and Polná. It is nine kilometres long, or 14 kilometres with detours. The extended option is therefore five kilometres longer than the shorter route, which can help when planning the overall distance. The route is suitable for cross and trekking bikes. If you ride one of these types of bike and are looking for a tour with a specified length, Route 2065 offers a clear starting point for planning your stages.

Local Cycling Route 2064 is suitable for all types of bike. It follows local paved roads, with limited traffic apart from two intersections in Haslau. A link to the U Cihelny natural monument branches off Route 2064 at the golfers’ clubhouse. Planning therefore depends on more than just bike type: Route 2064 also connects to a named natural destination, while Route 2065 offers clear reference points through its endpoints and different route lengths. The “Přírodní a historické zajímavosti Smrčin Františkovy Lázně” cycling tour also passes through Haslau, adding another thematically named route to the local options.

Castle-palace complex and church

The Haslau castle-palace complex lies in the heart of the town. The ruins of a castle that was converted into a palace are designated a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Within the complex, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the dominant building. Its nave was built between 1687 and 1688 between the Romanesque tower and the western Gothic palace. For those interested in architecture, the complex brings together the history of a converted castle and a church building with a specific date.

U Cihelny natural monument

U Cihelny lies in the valley of the Hazlovský potok and contains a rare occurrence of the mineral brown vesuvianite. This occurrence is considered unique of its kind in Europe and is protected as a natural monument. While the castle-palace complex brings Haslau’s architectural history together, U Cihelny’s focus is geological: the mineral deposit at its valley location. Those interested in architectural history can explore the complex in the town centre; those who prefer mineralogy will find a different thematic focus at U Cihelny.

Getting there and further information

Haslau is connected to public transport by regular bus and train services. If you plan to arrive by bus or train, check the timetable for your travel dates and include the connection in your plans. Catholic services are also held regularly at the Roman Catholic church in Haslau.

Discover more destinations: Klinghart, Schönbach bei Asch, Cetnov, Tepl, Liebenstein, Lázně Kynžvart, Scheibenreuth, Wildstein.

For the broader travel overview: Eger District.