Chvojenec: Water Fortress, Chapel and Žernov

Chvojenec brings together historical and natural features, with opportunities for cyclists and sports enthusiasts. The water fortress and the Chapel of Saint Agnes of Bohemia offer different historical points of interest, while the Žernov Nature Reserve adds forests, wetland vegetation and ponds to the picture. If you are considering Chvojenec as a destination for a hotel stay, these local features can help you understand the character of the destination.

Water Fortress and Chapel

The water fortress in Chvojenec was first mentioned in 1336. It was founded during the royal colonization to protect the route from Hradec Králové to Vysoké Mýto. Three moats and an earthwork rampart surrounded the site. Its origins and fortifications complement each other: the route’s protection explains its purpose, while the moats and rampart identify specific elements of the site. This allows the water fortress to be understood not only through the year it was first mentioned, but also through its role in protecting the route.

The Chapel of Saint Agnes of Bohemia was ceremonially opened on 28 September 2019. Its windows depict Saint Agnes of Bohemia and Saint Wenceslas. The altar and cross were made by local woodcarver Radek Kreizl. The figures in the windows and the woodwork are different artistic details; the woodcarver’s work also connects the chapel with a local craftsman. Compared with the water fortress, whose origins date to the period of royal colonization, the chapel, opened in 2019, offers a distinctly later historical point of interest.

Žernov Nature Reserve

The Žernov Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of Chvojenec. An oak-hornbeam forest grows on the slopes of Žernov Hill, with the Mordýř and Šmatlán ponds at its foot. The area around the ponds is characterized by natural wetland and forest vegetation. Thus, the wooded slopes and the ponds at the foot of the hill are among the area’s distinct landscape features; both wetland and forest vegetation grow around the ponds. The nature reserve was established by Regulation No. 3/2015 of the Pardubice Region. The regulation came into force on 1 July 2015 and remains in effect.

Cycling and Activities in the Town

Two marked cycling routes pass directly through Chvojenec: Route 4120 runs from Opatovice nad Labem to Dašice, and Route 4236 from Vysoké Chvojno to Dolní Ředice. The routes have different starting and ending points, but both pass through the town. If you are planning a longer bike ride, check the route markings in advance. Cyclists can also use two rest areas in Chvojenec, equipped with seating and an information board. Before setting off, it is also a good idea to briefly check the condition of the rest areas.

The multi-purpose sports court offers another option when planning activities: admission is free, but advance booking is required. The court can be booked for tennis, nohejbal, volleyball or basketball. As sports facilities and booking rules may change, check the conditions before using the court.

The 2025 municipal bulletin describes the children’s carnival, Setkání s Mikulášem and Čarodějnice as regular, traditional events in Chvojenec. These occasions complement the town’s historical and natural attractions with community events. If you would like to plan your trip around one of them, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Jedousov, Býšť, Litošice, Kunětice, Urbanice, Neratov, Horní Roveň, Stojice

For the broader travel overview: Pardubice District.