Záborná: Local History and Hiking Trails

Záborná offers two distinct starting points for planning a stay: a local history that probably dates back to the first half of the 13th century, and three KČT hiking routes with specified lengths and waypoints. There is also the Chapel of Panny Marie Sedmibolestné, a statue on the village green, and a local St. Nicholas tradition. You can therefore plan your stay around your historical interests or your preferred hiking route.

Local History and the Origin of the Name

Záborná probably originated in the first half of the 13th century along a long-distance trade route from Hungary to Moravia and Bohemia. The hill Borek historically separated the village from this route. The village name is also connected with this: Záborná is associated with the meaning “beyond Borek.” The earliest reliable written mention dates from March 23, 1282. From the first half of the 15th century, Záborná belonged to the Polná–Přibyslav estate. Together, these provide several historical points of reference: a probable date of origin, a specifically dated written mention, and a later affiliation with an estate.

Hiking Routes of Different Lengths

Three KČT routes of 10, 15, and 25 kilometers are available for hiking. The 10-km route leads from Polná to Záborná and continues uphill to Bechyňova lipka. There are places to sit and a stamp there. The 15-km route passes the 564-meter-high summit of Za Borkem and then descends between the houses to Záborná. The 25-km route passes the hill of Za Borkem and then descends between the houses into the village.

Both distance and named waypoints help when comparing the routes: the shortest route names Polná as its starting point and continues uphill to Bechyňova lipka. On the longer routes, Za Borkem and the descent to Záborná feature along the way; only the 15-km route specifically names the 564-meter-high summit. Trail conditions and facilities on the 10-km route may change, as may trail conditions on the 15-km route. Check for current information before setting out, especially about the facilities at Bechyňova lipka.

Chapel, Village Green, and Local Traditions

As of March 6, 2026, the Chapel of Panny Marie Sedmibolestné in Záborná belongs to the Roman Catholic parish of Polná. A statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, created by sculptor Václav Morávek of Polná, stands on the village green. A large small-leaved lime tree stands beside the road from Polná, with a Marian column beneath it.

A multi-purpose playground with artificial turf for children was built on the lower village green in 2009. If you plan to use it today, check its public availability locally. Another local tradition is the St. Nicholas procession: on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, St. Nicholas, angels, and devils visit families with small children. If you would like to include the procession in your trip, ask locally about the date before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Dvorce, Zbilidy, Černíč, Polná, Volevčice, Vanov, Krahulčí, Svojkovice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Jihlava.