Jihlávka: Spring, Wetlands and Bell Towers

Jihlávka lies in the southwestern foothills of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, on the historic border between Bohemia and Moravia. Key themes for a stay include the source of the Jihlava River, wetland habitats and birdwatching, as well as walks, cycling trips and historic buildings. The village therefore offers a range of nature and culture themes to help you plan your trip—from a small spring pond to two bell towers.

Spring, Moorland and Birdwatching

The Jihlava River rises in Jihlávka. Its source is a small spring pond measuring 8 × 3 metres, partially hidden beneath the crowns of mature alders in a small grove. The spring is about one kilometre west of Jihlávka. A signposted farm track branches north from the road between Jihlávka and Počátky, beyond a bend; this approximately 500-metre stretch leads to the spring. A signpost and an information board for the “K pramenům Počátek a okolí” nature trail mark the turnoff. The two distance figures refer to different things: the described stretch of farm track is around 500 metres long, while the spring is about one kilometre west of the village.

Another natural area is Ptačí park Jihlávka, which has been under development since mid-2026. It lies between Jihlávka, Horní Dubenky, Kaliště and Býkovec, extending from Bor Pond to Býkovecký Pond. In the floodplain of the Hamerský potok and its tributaries, the area includes bogs, wet meadows and wetlands. Great snipes, black storks and cranes can be spotted in the bird park; sturdy high shoes or rubber boots are needed.

According to the ecological dataset cited by the source, 87 bird species have been recorded at Rašeliniště Kaliště, including 26 specially protected species. The plant life is also diverse: the same dataset lists 47 moss species there, including 17 species on the Czech Red List. V Lisovech, a nature reserve and a site of European importance, lies less than two kilometres from the Rašeliniště Kaliště locality. It is a typical example of peat meadows and wetlands in the broad, shallow spring depressions of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Walks, Cycling and Cross-Country Skiing

Jihlávka’s natural surroundings invite visitors to go for walks and gather forest fruits, and are also suitable for cycling. Javořice adds a winter activity to these nature attractions: the mountain is eight kilometres from Jihlávka and is the highest peak in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. In winter, it offers suitable conditions for cross-country skiing; snow conditions vary. While walks and cycling are part of Jihlávka’s natural surroundings, cross-country skiing is a winter option at the mountain, eight kilometres away.

Local History and Bell Towers

The written history of Jihlávka dates back to 1356. At that time, the village was owned by the brothers Rys and Vilém of Jihlávka and belonged to the Janštejn estate. Near Jihlávka, a memorial by Bor Pond commemorates the 1423 battle between the Hussites and the army of Menhart of Hradec.

The Catholic bell tower is a freestanding, two-storey brick building. It was built in 1830 in the middle of the village square and remodelled in the Neo-Gothic style in the 1920s. The Protestant bell tower is also a freestanding brick building; it was built in 1911 on the eastern edge of the village square. It is an example of the late phase of Neo-Gothic architecture in the Vysočina Region. Together, the two buildings reflect different construction periods, locations on the village square and religious affiliations.

Discover more destinations: Dvorce, Hrutov, Rančířov, Kamenná and Jihlavy, Stará Říše, Sedlejov, Volevčice, Hladov

For the broader travel overview: Jihlava District.