Vrchovany combines a strongly preserved village character with architectural and equestrian attractions: a large amount of original folk architecture has been preserved, and the village is also home to the protected Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and a horse farm. The highly visible ruins of Starý Berštejn Castle and Berkovský Hill add history, landscape and views to the cultural attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these attractions individually: visits and certain activities require advance arrangements.
Village Character and Berkovský Hill
Vrchovany lies on the southwestern slope of Berkovský Hill; the hill is part of the municipality’s cadastral area. It is mostly forested with pine and spruce. By contrast, maple, linden and beech grow on the scree slopes. The landscape thus offers two clearly described perspectives: the forested areas of the hill and the distinctive vegetation on the scree slopes. Together with the folk architecture preserved in the village, this makes it possible to distinguish the history of the buildings from the description of the surrounding landscape.
Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
One distinctive building in Vrchovany is the Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The chapel and its associated grounds are protected as cultural heritage. The central, plastered masonry building has a regular octagonal floor plan and stands on elevated ground southeast of the village. The present-day late Baroque chapel was built in 1801, possibly by enlarging an original 17th-century building. Its architectural history therefore spans a possible early construction phase and the form of the present-day building.
A description from October 2021 described the chapel as dilapidated and without windows. Check its current condition before planning a visit or access; that description of its condition is time-specific.
Ruins of Starý Berštejn Castle
The highly visible ruins of Starý Berštejn Castle, dating from the 15th century, stand on basaltic Berkovský Hill. Jindřich Hlaváč of Dubá had the castle built shortly after 1400. Since 1958, the ruins have been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and classified as an immovable cultural monument. The tower offers far-reaching views. Visits are possible by arrangement with the castle’s leaseholder; confirm access locally before your visit.
Horse-Related Activities in Vrchovany
A horse farm has been based in Vrchovany since 1991, specializing in breeding Haflingers. Farma Vrchovany offers beginners lunge training with horses. More experienced riders can go on rides in the countryside; these must be arranged directly with the provider before your visit. A dressage arena, a show-jumping course and a free-jumping facility are also available by arrangement. The activities therefore differ both by experience level and format: lunge training for beginners, countryside rides for more experienced riders, and equestrian facilities by arrangement.
An older municipal website lists show-jumping competitions held twice a year in Vrchovany by Jezdecká společnost Vrchovany-Obrok. If you would like to plan your stay around a competition, check the current competition calendar.
Climbing Area Nearby
Another activity to consider is the Skály u Nového Berštejna climbing area. It can be reached from the Nový Berštejn and Vrchovany bus stops, and possibly from Dubá as well.
Discover more destinations: Holany, Kravaře V Čechách, Beškov, Ždírec V Podbezdězí, Újezd, Marenice, Pertoltice Pod Ralskem, Svor.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.
