Discover Borovník: Landscape, History and Traditions

Borovník is a small municipality at the foot of the peaks of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, stretching along the Halda stream. The village is also defined by historic landmarks, local lore and recurring customs. The following features provide an objective overview to help you choose a destination.

Landscape along the Halda

The Halda runs through Borovník; the Strženec pond lies on the stream at the northwestern edge of the village. Smaller forests stretch across the surrounding area. The landscape can therefore be described through a few specific points of reference: the stream in the village, the pond at its northwestern edge and the forests nearby. These details convey different aspects of the area without combining them into a single route. Those interested in the character of a destination’s landscape will find a combination of a stream, a pond and smaller wooded areas here. The routes in the area are covered separately in the section on hiking and cycling.

Landmarks and local history

The first written mention of Borovník dates from 1398. The Chapel of St John of Nepomuk is considered the village’s most prominent landmark. There is also a brick bell tower in the centre. Two other stone crosses stand on the outskirts. Together, these structures provide different points of reference for the village’s history: the chapel as a landmark, the bell tower in the centre and the crosses on the outskirts.

A stone cross from the 18th century stands at a spot where, according to local lore, a pilgrim froze to death. The story of Franz Juříček is also a local legend: it tells of his fight against Swedish soldiers and how he stopped a mill wheel with his bare hands. These stories are part of local lore and should be distinguished from documented historical information. The school in Borovník was solemnly consecrated in October. In 1997, a sports facility was established next to the school building, including a refurbished tennis court.

Carnival procession and pilgrimage

A women’s association keeps the tradition of a carnival procession alive in Borovník every year. The first Borovník–Rozseč carnival procession took place in 1976. A traditional pilgrimage is also held every year in the second half of May. It takes place on the grounds of the former school. When planning your trip, bear in mind that the exact pilgrimage dates vary and event arrangements may change. Check the current dates before you travel.

The two customs differ in both their purpose and timing: the carnival procession is an annually maintained tradition, with the first documented procession taking place in 1976; the pilgrimage is held in the second half of May. This distinction can help you plan a visit for a suitable time without assuming a specific event date.

Hiking and cycling

A yellow-marked hiking trail leads from Borovník via Vidonín, follows the Libochovka and passes the Mezibořský rybník pond before ending in Meziboří. Markings and trail conditions may change, so check the details locally before setting out. Marked trails around Borovník are also suitable for walks and cycling. It is also advisable to check the details of these routes locally.

Another named option is the 30-kilometre “Pramen Haldy” cycling route. It leads from Níhovský rybník via Borovník to Rozseč. The two route descriptions provide different points of reference: the yellow-marked hiking trail has a specified course and destination, while the cycling route also has a stated total distance of 30 kilometres. This makes it possible to distinguish the routes by their described course and, for the cycling route, by its stated distance.

Discover more destinations: Hostěnice, Jiříkovice, Oslavany, Lubné, Litostrov, Nové Bránice, Žatčany, Prace.

For the overview of the wider region: Brno-Country District.