Horní Kamenice stretches across both slopes of the valley of the Srbický potok and lies at the edge of the extensive Vytůň woodland. This landscape setting is complemented by preserved architectural features, Gothic castle ruins and evidence of early settlement. This gives you a choice of different focal points when planning your trip: the valley and woodland, local architectural history or recurring events.

Valley, woodland and early history

The location on the Srbický potok defines the village’s geographical setting: Horní Kamenice extends across both slopes of the valley. The Vytůň woodland is another landmark at the edge of the village. Behind Horní Kamenice, in a forest in the direction of Mytě, there is also a Bronze Age burial mound field. Those interested in early history will find a specific site in the landscape here, while archaeological finds in the area point to relatively continuous settlement from the Middle Bronze Age to the end of the Early Iron Age.

Village character and chapel history

Most of the houses have retained their gabled roofs and vernacular Classicist façades, which define the village’s characteristic appearance. Two further architectural details can be found at houses No. 3 and No. 5: so-called gateways have been preserved there. In this way, a village character visible in many houses is complemented by these two specifically identified examples.

The Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk was built in 1902 after the earlier chapel was destroyed in a fire. It is also part of the pilgrimage celebrations “Slavnost kaple svatého Jana Nepomuckého”, which include a Mass. The chapel thus combines a precisely dated building history with a religious tradition expressed through the celebrations.

Castle ruins and other historical traces

The Gothic ruins of Lacembok Castle lie within the cadastral area of Horní Kamenice. The fortifications and the basic layout of the castle are clearly preserved. An information board on the upper plateau helps visitors find their way around the site. Lacembok thus offers both specific architectural features and a point of reference for understanding the castle complex.

Another historical landmark is the Hornokamenická Fortress, which is associated with the Panský dvůr. Its origins date back to the 13th century. Together with the castle ruins and the chapel, it offers a glimpse of various local architectural and historical themes without needing to combine them into a single complex.

Routes and recurring events

The educational hiking trail “Naučná stezka Po stopách Jiráskovy Lucerny” runs through the cadastral area of Horní Kamenice. A seasonal event with a different focus is the cycling tour “Na kole na koláč”: it follows forest paths to Krchleby for the regional speciality Krchlebský koláč and marks the end of the cycling season in early October. The exact date may vary from year to year, so check it before planning your trip.

The Masopust carnival procession always takes place on the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday. Another event, “Sjezd na čemkoliv”, starts in Vejpich and ends in the park in Horní Kamenice. The park is at the foot of the hill in the direction of Vejpich and has a village-owned well. The start and finish details give this venue a specific role, while the cycling tour in early October provides its own seasonal highlight.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Horní Kamenice, you can tailor your stay to your preferred focus: architectural history and village character on the one hand, or a seasonal cycling trip on the other. For the October event, it is worth checking the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Čečovice, Ceska Kubice, Meclov, Dolní Kamenice, Hlohovčice, Nevolice, Semněvice, Všekary.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Domažlice.