The wooden Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and the tripoint give a stay in Hrčava two clear focal points: sacred architecture and routes through a border landscape where the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia meet.
Wooden Church and Local History
The wooden Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius was built in 1936 and designed by Karel Náhůnek. Its exterior combines a style of timber construction typical of the Těšín region with modern architectural elements inside. It is considered the Czech Republic’s newest traditionally designed wooden church and an important example of sacred interwar architecture. Its fittings include a carved wooden baptismal font by Ondřej Zogata, who was born in Hrčava. The church is registered as an immovable cultural monument under registration number ÚSKP 107055.
The regional mini-museum in the elementary school can be visited with Mr. Vojkovský; for more information, ask at the self-service shop. The Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage takes place in Hrčava every year on 5 July. The Lurdská jeskyně was built as a place of worship and consecrated on 5 July 1937, on the occasion of the Hrčava pilgrimage. According to local tradition, the water at the grotto is said to cure eye ailments.
An old customs house still stands beside a forest path between Hrčava and Jaworzynka. It once protected the border, primarily from smugglers. Its former function places the building within the border history of the two villages.
Hiking Trails and the Tripoint
The borders of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia meet at Hrčavské Trojmezí. Three granite monoliths mark the spot, and a covered wooden shelter stands nearby. A yellow-marked trail leads there from the village centre and is 2 km long. The red hiking trail from Hrčava to Gírová is 5.5 km long. The 11 km “Kolem Trojmezí” route starts in Hrčava, passes through Jaworzynka and Čierne, and ends back in Hrčava. These three distances therefore describe not just different lengths but also different routes: a trail to the tripoint, a route to Gírová, and a loop back to Hrčava.
Hrčava is at kilometre 10.9 of the “Za den přes tři státy” cycling route. In Hrčava, the route passes the wooden Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the three granite monoliths and the Polish border crossing.
Getting There and the Landscape
The Czech approach from Hrčava to the tripoint passes through the village between wooden houses and climbs to a plateau characterised by meadows and small fields. The village and open countryside are therefore part of the described approach to the border point.
Hrčava can be reached by bus from Mosty u Jablunkova railway station; check the timetable before travelling. There is a signposted car park with ample capacity at the village entrance. Check the latest parking information again before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Paskov, Písek U Jablunkova, Hukvaldy, Moravka, Hnojník, Lhotka, Pazderna, Krmelín.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Frýdek-Místek.
