Česká Bělá: Cultural History and Cycling Routes

In Česká Bělá, architectural and local history sit alongside attractions for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. The Church of St. Bartholomew and the Chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers reflect different building periods; ore mining along the Počátky–Česká Bělá axis dates back to the Middle Ages. Two hilly road cycling routes pass through the town, and a short hike starts in the center. There is also a Jeffrey pine in the chateau park. Depending on your interests, you can make cultural history, cycling, or a hike the focus of your stay.

Churches and Architectural History

The Church of St. Bartholomew in Česká Bělá is an immovable cultural monument. Its origins are Gothic and date back to the 14th century. The nave was remodeled in 1734 based on an earlier design by J. Santini. The dates should be distinguished when placing the church in context: the 14th century marks its origins, while 1734 marks the later alteration of the nave. The Baroque Chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, dating from 1762, also stands on Šibeniční hora. The timeline thus links Gothic origins with later 18th-century building phases.

Mining History and the Park

In the Middle Ages, the most productive sections of the ore veins along the Počátky–Česká Bělá axis were mined. The history of ore mining adds a perspective on the earlier use of natural resources to the architectural history. A Jeffrey pine, regarded as having high scientific and aesthetic value, stands in the chateau park in Česká Bělá. Here, the focus is on a single specimen in the park, while the mining history extends along an axis. In chronological terms, ore mining belongs to the medieval history, while the renovations and chapel shape the later architectural history.

Comparing Cycling Routes

The Chotěboř–Vepříkov–Dolní Krupá–Česká Bělá–Chotěboř cycling route is a moderately difficult, hilly road route for road and trekking bikes; it is 41.5 km long. The second route goes via Rušinov–Chotěboř–Česká Bělá–Havlíčkův Brod–Šlapanov. It is also a hilly road route for road and trekking bikes; at 45 km, it is rated difficult. Both routes pass through Česká Bělá. They differ in length by 3.5 km, and their difficulty ratings also differ. When choosing between them, it is useful to compare two separate factors: the distance in kilometers and the stated difficulty level.

Hike and Neckiáda

A short, easy hike starts in the center and is marked with yellow tourist signs. As trail markings can change, check before setting out that the signs are still in place. At the Českobělská Neckiáda on August 9, 2025, unconventional watercraft competed in several disciplines on Prokšův rybník. This puts a marked walking trail alongside two cycling options that differ in distance and difficulty, offering different ways to get around.

Discover more destinations: Vlkanov, Šlapanov, Horní Krupá, Bojiště, Nová Ves U Leštiny, Štoky, Kyjov and Vilémov.

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.