Smrzov: Ponds, Chapels and History

Smrzov brings together local history, the history of pond farming and a marked route that passes through the village. This offers two different starting points when looking for a place to stay: the ponds and chapels give your stay a historical focus, while the Naučná stezka Na Blata u Mazelova – trasa A adds a specific route to explore. Consider whether local history or a day on the route is more important for your trip.

Pond History and Location

The first written mention of Smržov dates back to 1367. At that time, Ješek z Kosovy Hory, the owner of Lomnice at the time, had the fields and meadows belonging to the residents of Smržov flooded to enlarge the Dvořiště pond. The pond is therefore more than just a stop on today’s route: its enlargement is also one of the earliest written events associated with Smržov.

Koclířov represents another historical connection. The pond near Smržov was created during the time of Štěpánek Netolický, when the ponds were already linked by the Zlatá stoka canal. Vydymač, by contrast, lies directly beside the village of Smržov. These three names thus represent different points of interest: Dvořiště appears in the first written mention, Koclířov is connected with the historic linking of the ponds, and Vydymač stands out for its location right beside the village.

Chapels and Historical Remembrance

An undated entry in the regional register of religious buildings describes the larger Návesní kaple se zvoničkou in Smržov as being very well maintained; the chapel is fenced. An undated entry in the same register also describes the Výklenková kaplička sv. Jána in Smržov as being very well maintained. The names point to different types of structure: a chapel with a bell tower and a niche chapel.

In 1660, Jan Adolf Schwarzenberg had small chapels built in Smržov, in other surrounding villages and in the fields. They were called maradasky and commemorated the suffering of the local population.

The Rybářské závody, fishing competitions in Smržov, were held for the 26th time in 2023 and for the 27th time in 2024. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the current dates before making plans.

Route and Practical Planning

The Naučná stezka Na Blata u Mazelova – trasa A follows the yellow trail markers to the Dvořiště pond and then continues through Smržov to Lomnice nad Lužnicí. The circular route is 48 km long, rated easy and takes 3.5 hours. Check the route before your trip.

The route’s starting point is accessible by car or train. Check current connections before setting out. This lets you plan your journey according to your chosen mode of transport without relying on a particular timetable.

For walks and bike rides around Lomnice nad Lužnicí and Smržov, a 2022 entry lists Baštýřův krmelec by the Dvořiště pond as a place to take a break. It is a short distance before the climb onto the dam. Before your outing, check whether you can stop there at the moment.

Discover more destinations: Višňová U Kardašovy Řečice, Střížovice U Kunžaku, Ceska Olesna, Hadravova Rosička, Horní Pěna, Dačice, Hospříz, Červený Hrádek

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.