Protected wetland habitats, rock formations and historic features of the village offer different ways to explore Žďár. The V dubech Nature Monument represents wet habitats, while Příhrazské skály is known for sandstone and climbing. There are also hiking and cycling routes, as well as historical highlights ranging from an early 20th-century chapel to the area’s agricultural heritage. When planning your visit, it is worth considering nature, outdoor activities and local history as separate themes.
Nature Monument and Rocky Landscape
The V dubech Nature Monument protects marshy hay meadows, spring areas and wet alder forests, where specially protected plant species can be found. It is located in the cadastral area of Žehrov, within the municipality of Žďár. Meadows, spring areas and forest habitats give the protected area several distinct facets. If you are interested in nature, this diversity offers a tangible point of interest: V dubech combines protected plant species with a range of wetland habitats.
The Příhrazské skály offer a different natural attraction. This rock city area consists of 178 rock towers and edge massifs. Its sandstone formations attract climbers; one of the most distinctive rocks is Kobylí hlava. This makes it easy to distinguish between two different interests: V dubech is known for wetlands and specially protected plant species, while Příhrazské skály is known for rock formations and climbing. This comparison can help you choose a focus without reducing these different natural features to a single experience.
Hiking, Cycling and Mills
The Zlatá stezka Českého ráje long-distance hiking trail passes through Žďár. The municipality of Žďár also describes the landscape in general as suitable for cycling. A hiking and cycling excursion route runs via Skokovy and Olešnice to Věžický rybník, then continues through the Žehrovka Valley to Vidlák. The routes are described differently: the Zlatá stezka is a long-distance trail through Žďár, while the excursion route is defined by specific places and destinations. For cycling, the municipality also notes the general suitability of the landscape.
Mills are another consideration when planning a route: the route through the Žehrovka Valley passes several mills. The best known is Pleskotský mlýn. This adds another aspect to choosing a tour, alongside the mode of travel and the named destinations. If you would like to explore culture and landscape together, you can consider these mills alongside the long-distance and excursion routes.
Chapel and Local History
The history of the chapel in Žďár is marked by two specific dates: construction began on 2 June 1903, and the chapel was completed in July 1904. The history of settlement in the region goes back further. Its beginnings are associated with the medieval colonisation of the 13th century. These dates place a precisely dated construction project and a broader regional development on different timescales.
Historically, Žďár was primarily an agricultural community. Because the road was lined with lime trees, the village was often called “Žďár lipový” (“lime-tree Žďár”). The nickname connects a specific feature of the historic villagescape with how the place was perceived in the past. Together with the chapel, it forms a local thread of history alongside the broader history of settlement.
Discover more destinations: Kovanec, Ujkovice, Strenice, Rohatsko, Dlouhá Lhota, Košátky, Mukařov U Jiviny, Loukov.
For the broader travel overview: Mladá Boleslav District.
