Mezihorská – Stream Landscape and Village History

Mezihorská combines the landscape along the Chodovský potok with a local history dating back to the late 14th century. The area offers different themes to explore when planning your trip: wetlands and forest, a short trail with varied surfaces, a chapel, and historic mills. These themes range from a protected tree on the edge of the settlement to the history of the mills.

Stream Landscape and Trails

In the valley of the Chodovský potok, the cadastral area of Mezihorská comprises a mosaic of a body of water, woodland, scattered greenery, and permanent grassland. A section of the Chodovský potok just under three kilometres long, between the settlement of Mezihorská and the source south of the municipality of Jindřichovice in the Ore Mountains, was restored to protect valuable natural peat bogs. Almost the entire section runs through areas of former peat bogs, now characterised by waterlogged spruce and alder forests. Larch and fir trees are also found here, as well as deciduous trees such as birch, lime, oak, beech, and sycamore maple.

The Chodník Chodovský potok was created in 2015 and is 813 m long. Its sections consist of wooden boardwalk, gravel, and forest path. Halfway along, there is a rest area at a bridge over the Chodovský potok. You can leave your car for the walk in a small car park at the bus stop in the forests of Mezihorská. Check trail conditions and car park availability before your visit.

Another natural highlight is Klen v Mezihorské: a protected sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) on the southern edge of the settlement, where a meadow path divides. The individual tree was first protected on 13 October 2004. Its location at the edge of the settlement and at a fork in the path sets it apart from the larger peat bog and forest landscape along the stream.

Chapel and Local History

The Chapel of Panny Marie Lurdské was restored in 2000–2001 and reconsecrated on 27 October 2001. It is located opposite a former prayer bell. The restoration and reconsecration mark two successive milestones in the chapel’s recent history.

Mezihorská was founded at the end of the 14th century. In 1525, the village was listed in the Schlick Loket Urbarium as one of the villages owing feudal obligations to Loket Castle. Thus, the village’s history encompasses both its early origins and its documented obligations to the castle.

In 1654, a mill with a saw was mentioned in Mezihorská (Kührberg); however, it is uncertain whether this referred to Potoční mlýn or to the Lochmühle further downstream. The former Potoční mlýn, also known as the Bachmühle, lies on the northern edge of Mezihorská along the Chodovský potok. The Lochmühle was originally used to grind bark into tannin for leather tanning and was later converted into a grain mill.

The village’s transformation is also part of its history: after the permanent resident population gradually declined and eventually moved away completely, Mezihorská became a holiday resort. The village’s history thus encompasses both its former permanent residents and its later role as a place for recreation.

Discover more destinations: Háj U Jindrichovic.

For the broader travel overview: Heinrichsgrün.