Nová Ves U Kdyně: Trails, Views and History

Nová Ves U Kdyně combines a valley setting surrounded by wooded hills with hiking trails, viewpoints and local history. When planning your trip, you can choose between an educational trail, views across the border region, and historical or religious sites.

Landscape and Views

Nová Ves lies in a valley surrounded by the wooded hills of Čepice and Ráj, as well as Bezný, the highest mountain. Bezný reaches 658.9 metres above sea level; the Novoveský potok stream flows through the village.

From the slopes above Nová Ves, you can see across the hilly landscape of the Czech border region and the German state of Bavaria to Hohenbogen. The Vachatova observation tower near Nová Ves is six metres high and has 22 ladder-like steps. In clear weather, it offers views of the Šumava and Hohenbogen. You can therefore choose between views across the slopes and the tower’s vista, each with different points of interest.

Educational Trail and Hiking Destinations

The Kdyňskem educational trail near Nová Ves is 13 kilometres long in total and has 13 stops. Its first stop is a viewpoint above the village. Information panels explore local history, and the route also includes picture-based activities for children. The educational trail thus combines a viewpoint with historical content and activities for children.

The summit of Ráj is about two kilometres from Nová Ves and can be reached via the Way of St. James. A recommended hiking stage from Kdyně to Nýrsko passes the Vachatovo observation tower near Nová Ves.

The figures for the educational trail and Ráj describe different things: 13 kilometres is the total length of the trail; about two kilometres is the distance from Nová Ves to the summit. For your planning, one figure describes the extent of a trail with 13 stops, while the other describes the location of a summit destination that can be reached via the Way of St. James. The routes also have different focuses: the educational trail combines local history with activities for children, while the recommended stage between Kdyně and Nýrsko passes the Vachatovo observation tower.

History and Religious Sites

Nová Ves was founded after the Hussite Wars by the owners of nearby Rýzmberk Castle. The village was first mentioned in writing in 1508. Its founding and its first written mention are separate historical reference points: 1508 is the date of the first written mention, not the year it was founded.

The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk in Nová Ves dates from the first half of the 19th century. A red-marked route from Nová Ves leads to the pilgrimage church of St. Anne and the small Church of St. Wenceslas near Brůdek.

This route has a different focus from the educational trail: its directions lead to two church destinations, while the educational trail centres on local-history stops and activities for children.

Nature

The Kaskádové rybníky ponds in Nová Ves u Kdyně are considered a habitat for amphibians and waterbirds. The area’s natural attractions therefore include wildlife as well as wooded hills and distant views.

Discover more destinations: Hvožďany, Nevolice, Luženičky, Pocinovice, Postřekov, Pobezovice, Kvíčovice, Čermná

For the main travel overview: Domažlice District.