Hojná Voda: Forest, Views and History

The settlement of Hojná Voda lies in a mountain saddle between Vysoká and Kraví hora. The Hojná Voda National Natural Monument preserves a remnant of original, old-growth-like forest that has been left to develop naturally. It has been under special protection as a natural monument since 28 August 1838. Hojná Voda thus brings together a clearly defined mountain setting and a specific nature conservation focus: the saddle situates the settlement in the landscape, while the forest represents natural development.

Forest, Nature Trail and Views

The Hojná Voda nature trail covers topics including nature conservation. It starts at the Hospodárná forest road, which connects to the local Dobrá Voda–Hojná Voda road. If the trail is part of your travel plans, you can take this starting point into account when finding your way; check local road conditions before setting out. The nature trail complements the view of the natural monument: nature conservation is not only a feature of the protected forest, but also a topic presented along the route.

A 24-metre-high viewing platform stands on Kraví hora. It can be reached via a spiral staircase with 130 steps; the number of steps gives you a specific point of reference when planning the climb. From the platform, views extend across the Novohradské hory and, in particularly clear weather, as far as the Alps. The height and number of steps describe the viewpoint from two different angles: its physical scale and the climb.

Historical Traces in the Settlement

The cultural history can also be traced through several specific features. At the end of the 16th century, Hojná Voda had two bathhouses and a church. The former bakery dates to a later building phase: the single-storey, L-shaped house took on its present form during a renovation in the first half of the 19th century. These represent two different periods, from the bathhouses and church at the end of the 16th century to the bakery’s later form.

The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk has a balustrade and the remains of an alms column. A chapel stands in the centre of the settlement, below the former church and close to St Anne’s Spring. The Setkávání bell is another cultural landmark: it hangs in a so-called Sun Gate structure in the open countryside and was donated by the Perner bell foundry. These examples differ in appearance—from the layout of a house and a balustrade to a bell in its open surroundings—and offer several specific perspectives on the settlement’s history.

When planning your trip, you can distinguish between the main points of interest: the nature trail and natural monument draw attention to nature conservation, while the viewing platform offers views of the mountain landscape. Buildings, religious landmarks and the bell introduce further cultural and historical themes. This can help you decide whether you are considering Hojná Voda mainly for its landscape, its history or the combination of both perspectives.

Discover more destinations: Bedřichov.

Go to the main travel overview: Strobnitz.