Úherce: Nature and Local History

When looking for a hotel for a stay in Úherce, it helps to consider what you want your trip to focus on: nature at Nový rybník, sacred architecture, or places of remembrance. These different themes can be explored at specific locations and weighed up when planning your own trip.

Wetland and birdwatching

The Nový rybník Nature Reserve is located in Úherce. It protects breeding and migratory habitats for waterbirds, as well as a wetland ecosystem of importance beyond the region. Another way to experience nature here is the ornithological observation tower, built in 2009. From there, you can watch waterbirds without disturbing them. If you plan to visit the tower, check local access information beforehand, as access conditions may change. The reserve highlights the wetland’s ecological value, while the observation tower offers a specific way to watch waterbirds.

St. Joseph’s Church and pilgrimage

The present-day St. Joseph’s Church was completed in 1901 in the Romanesque Revival style, based on plans by Pilsen architect František Josef Erhart. It is a listed monument registered under ÚSKP number 1639. The church brings together a precisely documented construction date, a named architect, and a defined architectural style.

The church opens to visitors each year during the Úherecká pouť. The pilgrimage in honour of St. Joseph is a popular event in Úherce, attended by children and adults alike. If you would like to plan your trip around the church’s opening, check the event dates and arrangements in advance; details may change.

Well, cross, and column

The Helka well is about 13.5 metres deep and built entirely from sandstone blocks. It is considered the oldest surviving structure in Úherce. Its depth and building material give the well a distinct place in local history, combining a specific architectural description with a local historical classification.

The Braschkův Cross stands at the junction of K Mexiku Street and the road to Velký rybník. It is considered the best-preserved cross in Úherce. Another form of religious heritage is the Baroque column of St. John of Nepomuk at the junction of Hlavní and Topolová streets. It was restored with a new statue in 2016. The well, wayside cross, and column differ in form and function, offering different ways to explore the town’s built heritage.

Places of remembrance in Úherce

The cemetery in Úherce is designated a cultural monument of local regional significance. It contains a grave for nine Russian soldiers who did not live to see the end of the Second World War. The war memorial in Úherce was unveiled in 1925 in remembrance of those who fell in the First World War.

A memorial plaque to Major General Jan Roman Irving was unveiled on 19 May 2001 at house E 11 on Hlavní Street. Irving was a pilot with the famous 311th Czechoslovak Bomber Squadron of the Royal Air Force in Britain. The plaque links a precisely identified location in Úherce to his military biography, while the war memorial and soldiers’ grave recall different periods of war.

Horse riding as another activity

Children can ride horses at Jízdárna Nikol. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, check current availability locally. Nature watching at Nový rybník and horse riding offer different experiences, helping you decide which activities are relevant to your stay when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tatiná, Trnová, Chříč, Kbelany, Blažim, Hromnice, Třemošná, Hracholusky

For the main travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.