Horní Cerekev: History and Nature

Several distinct themes can shape a trip to Horní Cerekev: local history, architecture, nature watching, and a recurring dragon boat race. Each theme offers a different focus, from historical landmarks to lively activities. You can consider which occasion will be the focus of your stay before choosing your hotel.

History and Architecture

The Baroque Church of the Annunciation stands on the square in Horní Cerekev. The earliest surviving written record of the town dates from 1361, providing a clear historical reference point. The Jewish cemetery has around 180 gravestones dating from the 18th century to the 1930s. A small mortuary with a steep pyramidal roof adds a distinctive architectural detail to the site. The gravestones span several centuries; together with the mortuary, they provide a tangible starting point for exploring Jewish history.

The record of the town dating from 1361 and the gravestones from the 18th century to the 1930s represent different historical periods: the former marks an early written record, while the latter span several later centuries.

Horní Cerekev Castle is a surviving two-storey building with three wings and an arcaded courtyard; Zámecký rybník adjoins it to the south. As of 2023, the castle was not open to visitors. Check access locally before your trip.

Trees and Wildlife Watching

On the road towards Pelhřimov, a one-kilometre-long chestnut avenue, planted in the late 19th century, runs alongside the road. Towards Kamenice nad Lipou stands a protected ash tree, estimated to be 200 years old. The two tree features are easy to distinguish: the avenue is notable for its length and planting date, while the ash is notable for its protected status and estimated age. This lets you compare a row of trees with a single protected specimen.

Schools of perch, carp, and bleak can be seen in the Horní Cerekev quarry; with a little luck, eels and catfish may also be spotted. Wildlife watching here offers a different nature focus alongside the trees. Spotting eels and catfish requires some luck; it is possible, but not guaranteed.

Dragon Boat Racing and Paddling

The Půlnoční drak dragon boat race has been held every September since 2016 at Zámecký rybník in Horní Cerekev. The organiser describes it as an annual event; individual editions and dates may change. September is therefore a recurring timeframe for travel planning, but the event is not guaranteed to take place on a specific day. Check the dates for the relevant edition if you want to plan your stay around it.

Visitors can try dragon boat paddling during a training session at Zámecký rybník. Training times may change seasonally; check the current schedule if you would like to paddle. Training offers a different way to get involved than the September race: here, the opportunity to try paddling is the main draw, while the race is a recurring event.

Discover more destinations: Vyklantice, Jankov U Pelhřimova, Sedlice, Zmišovice, Kojcice, Betlem, Nová Buková, Kosetice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.