The Lhotský potok flows through Zalesni Lhota, which also lies on the slopes of Mount Stráž. This 630-metre-high melaphyre mountain is in the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains. The stream and the mountain offer two concrete starting points for exploring the history of the place, complemented by a neo-Gothic church, biographies from the worlds of sport and culture, and routes for cross-country skiing and cycling.
Church of St. John of Nepomuk
The neo-Gothic Church of St. John of Nepomuk was built between 1881 and 1884 on the site of an older wooden church dating from 1595. Almost three centuries separate the two building periods: the wooden structure was followed by a new place of worship in the neo-Gothic style. Inside are original sandstone ribs, richly decorated imposts and rosettes. Imposts are transitional elements at the point where an arch begins; together with the rosettes, they are among the church interior’s specific architectural details. This offers architecture enthusiasts several points of interest: the building’s history, from its predecessor to the new church, and the design of its interior. A service is regularly held in the church on Sundays at 11 a.m. As service times may change, check the schedule before planning a visit.
Local History Between Mountain and Valley
Zalesni Lhota was founded in the 15th century during the German colonisation of the border regions; the first recorded mention of the place dates from 1403. Its historical name, Huttendorf, is part of this story of its origins. Another historical period is linked to Mount Stráž: in the early Middle Ages, it served as a lookout mountain on a land trade route. Eleventh-century chronicles refer to it by the Latin name Custodius.
The first inhabitants also left their mark on local history. They searched for silver on the slopes of Strážník. The valley of the Lhotecký potok stream was associated with their livestock farming. Alongside the settlement’s origins, there are therefore several different connections with the surrounding area: the mountain as a lookout point on a trade route, silver prospecting on the slopes, and livestock farming in the valley. These historical themes complement one another without assigning the same role to Stráž and Strážník.
Notable People and Local Life
Květa Jeriová-Pecková was born in Zalesni Lhota on 10 October 1956. The cross-country skier won three Olympic medals. Her life connects the place with cross-country skiing, which is also featured on a regional cross-country ski route. Actor and composer Jiří Šlitr also comes from Zalesni Lhota, offering a different cultural connection.
The fire brigade in Zalesni Lhota organises the Josefovský bál. Dates vary; if you would like to attend, check the date in advance.
Cross-Country Skiing and Cycling Routes
The Dolní Kalná–Zálesní Lhota–Horní Kalná cross-country ski route runs from Dolní Kalná to Zálesní Lhota and continues from there towards Branná or Horní Kalná. Whether it is usable in winter depends on snow conditions. A cycling route runs from Martinice v Krkonoších via Horní Branná, Dolní Branná and Horní Kalná to Zálesní Lhota, then back to Martinice v Krkonoších.
The routes differ in activity and course: the cross-country ski route continues beyond Zálesní Lhota in one of two stated directions, while the cycling route follows a sequence of places and returns to Martinice. Snow conditions determine whether cross-country skiing is possible. For the cycling route, it is advisable to check trail conditions locally. This lets you consider the two routes according to the activity you want and their respective courses, rather than treating them as equivalent routes.
Discover more destinations: Morcinov, Stepanovice, Benecko, Roztoky U Jilemnice, Hruba Skala, Vítkovice V Krkonoších, Chuchelna, Bukovina U Čisté.
For the wider travel overview: Okres Semily.
