Javůrek: Forests, Chapels and Paths to Šmelcovna

Javůrek combines a wooded landscape along the Bílý potok with historic landmarks in the village and around Šmelcovna. Three quarters of Javůrek’s area lie within the Údolí Bílého potoka Nature Park. This includes the settlement of Šmelcovna and a larger built-up part of Javůrek. The nature park here therefore encompasses not only the landscape but also inhabited areas. This combination of a valley setting and settlement patterns shapes the character of the destination.

Forests, Valley and Protected Areas

The part of the nature park located in Javůrek is a wooded landscape in a narrow, rocky valley along the Bílý potok. The park’s natural character provides a habitat for a variety of forest wildlife. In the eastern part of Javůrek, near the northern municipal boundary, lies the “Rozsypaná” Natura 2000 site. Its valuable natural features include scree slopes and ravine forests. The landscape thus presents a range of specific natural features: the wooded stream valley and the protected ravine forests with their scree slopes.

Walking and Cycling Routes to Šmelcovna

Šmelcovna is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists in the vicinity of Javůrek. The first kilometre of the route from Javůrek to Šmelcovna is described in more detail: it follows a farm track to Javůrecká hájenka. A 45-kilometre cycling tour to Šmelcovna also passes through Javůrecká hájenka and the valley of the Bílý potok. The descriptions refer to different scales: the first kilometre describes one section of the route, while the cycling tour covers a longer distance.

Another cycling route leads from Šmelcovna along the uphill section of the Železná stezka towards Javůrek. Check local surface conditions before setting out. Together, the routes describe different ways to explore the area on foot or by bike, but the information does not indicate how long the walks or rides take.

Chapels and a Springtime Tradition

The chapel on Javůrek’s village square was built in 1834 as the Chapel of Saint Florian. In 1940, it was converted into the Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and reconsecrated. Nearby, by the settlement of Šmelcovna, is the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, dating from 1905. At a crossroads on the routes to Domašov and Lesní Hluboké stands the Boží muka, a significant immovable cultural monument dating from 1807. These landmarks differ in both their dates and their locations: the village square, Šmelcovna and the crossroads.

A recurring custom is also part of the area’s history. Since 1902, “Vítání jara” has been held in Šmelcovna every first Sunday of spring. During the event, Morana is thrown into the Bílý potok. If you would like to make this tradition the occasion for your trip, check the exact event date in advance.

A Bridge and Traces of Mining

Kubův most is the only surviving bridge on the former Báňská horská cesta, now called Železná. Near the settlement of Šmelcovna, in the vicinity of Javůrek, fragments of masonry structures can be found at a site known as “Železářská huť.” They are remnants of a once extensive complex for processing iron ore. Together with the bridge, these places tell of different historical contexts: a former transport route and ore processing. They add further aspects of the history of Javůrek and its surroundings to the chapels and springtime tradition.

Discover more destinations: Přísnotice, Křižínkov, Strhaře, Syrovice, Loděnice, Hvozdec, Malhostovice, Popůvky

For the full regional travel guide: Brno-Country District.