Discover Nature and Cultural History in Schönwald

Nature and Cultural History in Schönwald

Schönwald brings together attractions for travellers who want to focus on nature and regional cultural history. These include the natural area of Hornohradský potok, the nature trail around Horní hrad and buildings in Krásný Les. The locations and points of interest offer different ways to explore: the natural area focuses on habitats and plants, while information boards and historic buildings provide insights into the landscape and its history.

Habitats along Hornohradský potok

The Hornohradský potok natural monument also extends into the cadastral area of Krásný Les. The area is home to the largest population of ramsons in the Karlovy Vary Region. Ostrich ferns also grow there, and the stream provides a breeding habitat for fire salamanders. These details illustrate different aspects of the natural area: its character is shaped not only by plant populations but also by a stream habitat.

The Hornohradský potok area includes a mosaic of Natura 2000 habitats. These include ash-alder floodplain forests, damp meadows with meadowsweet and cabbage thistles, and margins along mountain streams. Here, a mosaic means that different habitat types occur side by side. For nature enthusiasts, the focus is therefore not just on a single species or plant-covered area, but on a variety of damp woodland, meadow and streamside environments.

Around Horní hrad

The nature trail around Horní hrad is suitable for school groups and families with children. Its information boards describe sights in the castle’s surroundings, the history of the region and the remarkable landscape with its romantic park. The trail thus brings together several topics in one place: you can explore both the region’s past and the landscape around the route. The information on the boards helps you know what to look out for along the nature trail.

Cultural events and guided tours are offered at Hauenštejn. The events and tour programme may change, so check the current dates and tour options before your visit. This will help you plan your stay around the events actually on offer rather than assuming a particular programme will be available.

Churches and a Chapel in Krásný Les

The parish church of St Peter and Paul in Krásný Les is early Baroque and was built around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1794–1795, it received a new bell tower. Its building history can therefore be divided into two periods: the church was built first, and the tower was added about a century later. The church has been partially restored and is open only occasionally. Since access information may change, check whether a visit is possible before you go.

The chapel in Krásný Les also features a distinctive architectural detail: its triangular gable contains a niche with a Madonna. The chapel stands beside a road on the north-western edge of the village. Along with the parish church, it complements the nature and landscape attractions with a smaller building that has a clearly recognisable feature.

When choosing your destination, you can weigh up different interests: natural habitats along Hornohradský potok, interpretation and landscape on the nature trail, or the architectural history of Krásný Les.

Discover more destinations: Gießhübl-Sauerbrunn, Horn, Sichlau, Nové Hamry, Gießhübel B. Buchau, Schaub, Chiesch, Wickwitz

View the regional travel overview: Karlovy Vary District.