Horní Paseka: Cultural History and Cycling Route

Horní Paseka can be planned around different travel interests: cultural history surrounding the Church of St. Vitus in Zahrádka, the landscape around the Švihov Reservoir and activities on the Městečko pod hladinou cycling route. The Křižná Spring and the nearby ruins of Melechov Fortress also give your trip distinct focal points. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Horní Paseka, these themes can help you narrow down the kind of trip you want.

Cultural History in Zahrádka

The Church of St. Vitus in Zahrádka is originally Romanesque; some Gothic wall paintings have been preserved. It is the last surviving building on the former square in Zahrádka. Its first direct documentary mention appears in a deed of gift from Přemysl Otakar I dated June 26, 1219. The architecture, wall paintings and dated written reference offer different ways to explore the history of the place. The church is also an immovable cultural monument in the cadastral area of Horní Paseka.

The well on Zahrádka square also tells a story of structural changes: during its renovation in 1906, the wooden pipes were replaced with stoneware pipes. For those interested in culture, this is a specific detail that points to the history of the square beyond the church.

During European Heritage Days, the program includes guided tours of the Church of St. Vitus. Hradozámecká noc is also held there every year. If you want to include one of these events in your travel plans, check the date and program in advance.

Waterside Landscapes and Historic Sites

The Church of St. Vitus stands on the shore of the Švihov Reservoir on the Želivka River. The church and cemetery in Zahrádka lie within Water Protection Zone II. Find out about the applicable protection rules before your visit. This lets you take the landscape setting and its protected status into account together, rather than planning for them separately.

The ruins of Melechov Fortress are located in the vicinity of Horní Paseka. The site has a tower, extensive wall remains and ditches; there is also a dried-up pond. Historically, the fortress served to protect the land route from Austria to Kutná Hora. The ruins are freely accessible; check before your visit whether the access conditions are still in effect.

Another point of interest is the Křižná Spring, a pilgrimage site with the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity. It is located in the deep forests of Melechov Nature Park, within the cadastral area of the municipality of Horní Paseka. No marked hiking trail leads to the Křižná Spring; take this into account when planning your route.

Cycling Route and Activities on Melechov

The Městečko pod hladinou cycling route passes through Horní Paseka and continues from there along a forest road to the Křižná Spring. It is 46 kilometers long, rated difficult and runs mostly along forest and field tracks and roads. Its length, difficulty rating and surface are therefore specific points to consider when planning. Check that the route is currently available before setting out.

The area around Melechov Hill is used by mountain bikers and runners. Alongside the stated length and rating of the cycling route, this makes for a clear distinction between the cycling options described and access to the Křižná Spring: no marked hiking trail is listed for the spring. Plan your day according to your destination and the relevant route information.

Discover more destinations: Krucemburk, Rozsochatec, Vez-Skala, Nová Ves U Leštiny, Vysoká, Veselý Žďár, Chřenovice, Slavníč

For the broader travel overview: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.