Holoubkov between ponds and industrial history

You can get to know Holoubkov through its pond landscape, trails and industrial past. The townscape combines a large pond that stretches about one kilometre from the town centre towards Mýto, a forest pond and several routes that pass through the town. At the same time, its history spans iron smelting and mechanical engineering. This gives you different themes to focus on when planning your trip: nature, trails or industrial history.

Ponds and waterways

The Holoubkovský rybník covers 14.5 hectares and stretches about one kilometre from the town centre towards Mýto. The Hamerský rybník is in a different setting: it lies in the forest, roughly 0.5 kilometres below Holoubkov, and is also known as Lamacký and Lamanický. The two bodies of water are distinguished mainly by their locations: a large pond on the route from the centre towards Mýto and a forest pond below the town. The Holoubkovský potok is considered the most important watercourse in this part of the Rokycany District.

Routes through the town and countryside

Cycle Route 2158 from Rokycany to Strašice passes through Holoubkov. The red KČT hiking trail 0209 connects Rokycany with Zbiroh and also runs through the town. A blue connecting route leads to the Nad Mýtem signpost. The three routes differ in their markings and stated endpoints: the cycle route has a number and named places, the hiking trail also has a red marking and KČT designation, and the blue route is identified by the signpost pointing to its destination. Check the route number or markings again before setting out.

South of Holoubkov, the Trhoň massif rises in the wider surrounding area. Together with the surrounding forests, it forms Trhoň Nature Park. Trails run through the forests along scenic slopes, offering views of the surrounding area. This landscape adds a different natural setting to the ponds: forest, slope and views rather than a description of bodies of water.

Traces of industrial history

Holoubkov's history is closely linked to iron smelting and the development of ironworks and mechanical engineering businesses, which rank among the oldest in Bohemia. A specific early connection can be found beside the Holoubkovský rybník: a new blast furnace was completed next to the pond in 1662 on the order of the Royal Chamber. The local mechanical engineering works produced its first manually operated lathe in 1840 and is among the oldest machine-tool manufacturers in the Czech Republic. The two dates mark different stages in the area's industrial history: the 17th-century blast furnace and a 19th-century engineering product. A manually operated lathe represents a form of machining powered by hand; in Holoubkov, it is specifically the local works' first production of one that is dated.

Another historical feature is Markova vila in Holoubkov, house number 123. It is listed as an immovable cultural monument. The town's profile thus includes not only industrial landmarks but also a designated historic building.

Discover more destinations: Sebečice, Tycek, Kakejcov, Pavlovsko, Hrádek U Rokycan, Medový Újezd, Skomelno, Smědčice.

For the wider travel overview: Rokycany District.