Discover Heřmanova Huť

When planning a stay in Heřmanova Huť, you can focus on history, architecture or cycling. Highlights include the converted water tower, industrial and church history, and the bike park at the Relax-Sportpark POND in Heřmanova Huť. Vlkýš Castle and Hlubočka Pond add further historical and natural highlights. The timeline spans from the mention of a chapel in 1272 to the pond’s revitalization, completed in 2023.

Water Tower and Brewery History

The water tower in Heřmanova Huť was converted into an observation platform. It is about 16 metres high and supported by six columns. This gives you two ways to appreciate the structure: its construction and its function as a viewing point. If you plan to visit the viewpoint, check access before your visit.

The water tower associated with Vlkýš bears the inscription “BRAUEREI WILKISCHEN” and the year 1908. It was reportedly originally intended to store drinking water for the brewery in nearby Vlkýš. Because the water’s quality fluctuated, water intended for the brewery was not used directly for brewing beer.

Vlkýš: Castle and Finds

Two historical dates relating to Vlkýš Castle should be distinguished: Vlkýš was described as an estate belonging to Jan z Třebouně in 1457; the castle itself is first mentioned in 1788 in J. Schaller’s description of the Plzeň region. The date 1457 refers to its designation as an estate, not to the construction of the present-day castle. The Baroque castle was probably built on the site of an earlier fortress.

Today, the castle is a partly modernized rectangular building with a mansard roof and a vaulted ground floor. Finds also add to the area’s history: bronze objects, including rings, sickles and tools, were discovered near Vlkýš in 1855. The architectural details and the finds offer different starting points for exploring Vlkýš.

Industrial and Church History

Another historical connection is Hermann von Lindheim, owner of the Vlkýš estate and its coal mines. Between 1849 and 1854, he founded the Heřmanova ironworks, named after him. At the beginning of the 20th century, after losing out to competition from Kladno, the ironworks was converted into a glassworks. The years 1849 to 1854 refer to the founding phase; the conversion took place later.

The church’s history begins with an early mention at the site of today’s Church of St. Martin: a chapel dedicated to Saint Haštal, a martyr, is recorded in Heřmanova Huť as early as 1272. The Church of St. Martin itself was first mentioned as a parish church in 1384. In 1836, Vlkýš was among the villages served pastorally by this church. The three dates therefore concern different things: the site of the chapel, the parish church, and the later pastoral care of Vlkýš.

Pond, Cycling and Getting There

Hlubočka Pond is located in the cadastral area of Vlkýš; its revitalization was completed in 2023. Alongside the area’s older buildings and history, this offers a look at a more recent change.

Cyclists have two different options to consider. The Relax-Sportpark POND in Heřmanova Huť has a bike park. Cycle Route 9 runs from Přehýšov via Heřmanova Huť, Kladruby, Planá and Chodová Planá. The bike park is a destination within the park, while the route passes through a series of towns. Check current local trail conditions before setting out.

Heřmanova Huť railway station can also be included in your travel plans: it is part of the integrated transport system. If you are travelling by train, check the current timetable before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Druztová, Líté, Úterý, Horní Bříza, Plešnice, Velečín, Černíkovice, Manetin.

View the broader travel guide: Plzeň-Sever District.