Nová Ves U Kdyně lies in a valley shaped by wooded hills; the Novoveský potok flows through the village. When planning your trip, it is worth considering different themes: landscape and views, an educational trail with local history, and named churches and chapels. This will help you decide which focus best suits your stay.
Valley and Viewpoints
The valley is surrounded by the wooded hills of Čepice and Ráj, as well as Bezný, the highest mountain in the area. Bezný is 658.9 metres above sea level. From the slopes above Nová Ves, the view stretches across the hilly landscape of the Czech border region and the German state of Bavaria to Hohenbogen. The Novoveský potok flows through the village, adding to these landscape features.
The Vachatova lookout tower near Nová Ves is six metres tall and has 22 ladder-like steps. In clear weather, it offers views of the Šumava and Hohenbogen. This gives you two different perspectives: the expansive views from the slopes and a specifically described viewpoint. The summit of Ráj is about two kilometres from Nová Ves and can be reached via the Way of St. James.
Educational Trail and Church Destinations
The Kdyňskem educational trail near Nová Ves is 13 kilometres long and has 13 stops. Its first stop is a viewpoint above Nová Ves. Information panels cover local history, and there are also picture-based activities for children. The trail’s length, number of stops and content make it a clearly defined option for anyone who wants to explore the landscape and local history together.
Another cultural point of interest is a red-marked route from Nová Ves to the pilgrimage church of St. Anne and the small Church of St. Wenceslas near Brůdek. Here, the focus is on two churches as destinations, while the educational trail presents local history through its stops and information panels. These different focuses can help you decide whether you are more interested in a themed trail or church destinations.
Local History and Chapel
Nová Ves was founded after the Hussite Wars by the owners of nearby Rýzmberk Castle. The village was first mentioned in writing in 1508. These details refer to different things: the founding is dated to after the Hussite Wars, while 1508 is the year of the first written mention.
The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk in Nová Ves dates from the first half of the 19th century. The restored statue of St. John of Nepomuk in the chapel was blessed on 18 May 2026. The construction date and restoration mark different historical points: the chapel dates back to the 19th century, while the blessing of the restored statue was a specific event in 2026.
Nature and Practical Information
The Kaskádové rybníky in Nová Ves u Kdyně are considered a habitat for amphibians and waterfowl. In 2023, free access to the ponds was reported despite their private ownership. As local access rules may change, please check before visiting whether this still applies.
There is a bus stop in Nová Ves u Kdyně. Check the timetable for your travel date, as bus schedules may change.
Discover more destinations: Mířkov, Pec, Nemanice, Pelechy, Draženov, Mnichov, Pobezovice, Mezholezy
For the broader travel overview: Domažlice District.
