Javorná: St. Anne’s Church, glassmaking history and trails

When planning a stay in Javorná, you can choose from several different themes: the history of St. Anne’s Church and glassmaking, a marked circular hiking trail, cycling routes and a ski resort. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether culture, a particular trail or winter sports will shape your trip. The details below will help you fit the different options into your travel plans.

St. Anne’s Church and the history of Javorná

The first written record of Javorná dates to 1614. A defining chapter in the village’s history is St. Anne’s Church: a chapel dating from 1698 was expanded between 1718 and 1721 by the Italian-born master builder Marc Antonio Gilmetti, who added a nave and a façade with two towers. The two towers are onion-shaped and covered with shingles. The sequence of the chapel, its expansion and its distinctive tower shape gives the building’s history a clear timeline.

The history of glassmaking is also present inside: the church contains 18th- and 19th-century tombstones belonging to the glassmaking families Gerl, Hagenbrädl and Adler. The architecture and tombs thus offer different ways of exploring the village’s history—the structural development of the church and the memory of families connected with glassmaking.

Glassmaking and the landscape

Numerous glassworks once operated in the area of the former royal magistracy of Javorná, formerly called Zejbiš. Most people who held the office of chief magistrate came from Zejbiš (Javorná). The office represented the residents of Královský hvozd before the authorities. This also links the history of glassworks with the administrative history of the area.

Artificial beads and Páteříky glass beads were historically made in Páteříková Huť. A group of enthusiasts operates a small wood-fired glass furnace there. The Páteříková Huť protected area safeguards herbaceous and woody communities that develop dynamically through all stages of natural development. Glassmaking and nature conservation are two distinct topics associated with the same place name.

Other historic landmarks

The Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk in Javorná dates from 1723 and is freely accessible. As conditions on site may change, check access shortly before your visit. The statue adds a clearly dated work of art to the older history of the church and glassmaking.

Hike through the Ostružná Valley

The “Mezi Javornou a Čachrovem” circular trail is of moderate difficulty and 18.4 km long. It starts at the church in Javorná and follows marked trails through the Ostružná Valley, forests, meadows and small settlements. The route is listed as having 462 m of ascent and taking 5 hours and 6 minutes. These details help you gauge it as a longer hike and plan enough time for the trail. Trail conditions may vary; check them locally. The route description lists bus services from Železná Ruda or Klatovy to Javorná or Čachrov. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Cycling routes and winter sports

Cycling route 2093 passes through Javorná. From the church in Javorná, the “Z Javorné (Seewiesen) do Keply (Köppeln)” route follows cycling route 2093 into the Ostružná Valley. If you plan to ride this route, check the signs and route locally.

Javorná Ski Resort has four ski runs with a combined length of 1,670 m, ranging from easy to intermediate. The run layout may change over time, so it’s worth checking the resort’s current information. A ski school is also available; check its seasonal availability before travelling.

Find a hotel to suit your travel plans

Take into account the stated hiking duration and the ski school’s seasonal availability. Then compare the information provided for each hotel’s location, facilities, price and availability with your own travel dates and preferences.

Discover more destinations: Chrepice

Return to the main travel overview: Čachrov.