Karle can be explored through a range of local themes: the Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew, the source of the Loučná and routes to Svatá Trojice. The church is first mentioned in 1340; the Loučná rises in Karle. When planning a stay, you can therefore focus on the town’s architectural and local history, the spring area, or a hike along the Javornický Ridge. When choosing a destination, consider whether you would rather focus on cultural history or routes through the landscape.

Churches and the history of Karle

The Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew is first mentioned as early as 1340. It stands on the north side of an enclosed cemetery. The Cyril and Methodius Chapel adds a distinctive architectural feature. It stands near Ostrý Kámen on the edge of the municipality and is a late Baroque branch chapel dating from the second half of the 18th century. The two buildings thus represent different periods: the church is associated with its early mention, while the chapel is distinguished by its later construction date and late Baroque style.

The Trstenická Road is also relevant to the area’s early history: Karle’s earlier settlement was probably connected with it. Svatá Trojice adds a pilgrimage story to the cultural highlights. The site was a destination for pilgrims and is named after a sandstone statue from 1823.

At the source of the Loučná

The Loučná rises in Karle; the “Kapka” monument stands at its source. The site also includes a natural stone wall with built-in benches for resting. The combination of a named monument and seating offers a different focus from the sacred buildings: here, the river’s source and a place to rest take centre stage. Check the condition of the local facilities before your visit.

Routes to Svatá Trojice

Svatá Trojice lies at the edge of the forest on the Javornický Ridge. The “Na pomezí Čech a Moravy” educational trail leads there as its fifth stop. A green-marked hiking trail from Ostrý Kámen to Kukle also leads to Svatá Trojice. Ostrý Kámen and Svitavy can be seen from Nejsvětější Trojice. The routes offer different points of reference when planning an outing: the educational trail is identified by its fifth stop, while the hiking trail is linked to the places Ostrý Kámen and Kukle. In winter, a marked cross-country ski route also leads to Svatá Trojice.

Near Svatá Trojice stands a hexagonal wooden shelter with a bench and a map of the cross-country ski trails in the Svitavy region. There is also an information board with a panoramic photo and descriptions of the places visible on the horizon. Before your visit, check the current signposting and the condition of the facilities; in winter, also check the trail markings and track grooming on site.

Discover more destinations: Lubná, Moravská Trebová, Rychnov Na Moravě, Rozstání, Sklené, Budislav, Koclířov, Hradec Nad Svitavou.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Okres Svitavy.