Javorná brings together a range of themes to explore: the first written mention of the village dates back to 1614, and its history is closely connected with church building and glassmaking. There are also marked hiking routes and a seasonal ski area. When planning a stay, you can give different emphasis to culture and nature depending on the time of year.
Church, Glass and Local History
St. Anne’s Church grew out of a chapel dating from 1698. Between 1718 and 1721, the Italian-born master builder Marc Antonio Gilmetti expanded the building with a nave and a façade with two towers. The church has two onion-shaped, shingle-covered towers. Inside are 18th- and 19th-century tombstones of the glassmaking families Gerl, Hagenbrädl and Adler. As well as reflecting the church’s architectural history, the interior also tells of families connected with glassmaking.
Another historic sight is the Baroque statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from 1723. It is freely accessible; check the access conditions locally. The former royal magistracy of Javorná, once called Zejbiš, is also part of the village’s history: its territory was home to numerous glassworks. Most of the chief magistrates, who represented the inhabitants of Královský hvozd before the authorities, came from Zejbiš (Javorná).
Artificial beads and Páteříky glass beads were historically made in Páteříková Huť. A group of enthusiasts runs a small forest-glass furnace there. The Páteříková Huť protected area highlights another aspect of the place: it protects herbaceous and woody communities through all stages of their natural development. Glassmaking history and nature conservation are therefore two distinct themes to explore in connection with Páteříková Huť.
Hiking and Cycling Routes
The moderately difficult “Mezi Javornou a Čachrovem” loop is 18.4 kilometres long and includes 462 metres of elevation gain. The stated duration is 5 hours and 6 minutes. It starts at the church in Javorná and follows marked trails through the Ostružná Valley, forests, meadows and small settlements. The distance, elevation gain and estimated time help you assess the scope of the route in advance; actual trail conditions may vary.
Cycle route 2093 also passes through Javorná. Another route, “Z Javorné (Seewiesen) do Keply (Köppeln),” starts at the Baroque church in Javorná and follows cycle route 2093 into the Ostružná Valley. Alongside the longer loop, there are therefore other named routes to consider. When planning your trip, take local signage and trail conditions into account.
The “Mezi Javornou a Čachrovem” loop can be reached from Železná Ruda or Klatovy by bus to Javorná or Čachrov. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetables before your trip.
Skiing on Natural Snow
The Javorná ski area has two drag lifts. Its four ski runs have a combined length of 1,670 metres, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to intermediate. The ski area depends exclusively on natural snow, so snow conditions and operations vary by season. A ski school is available; check its seasonal availability before your trip.
The difference between the activities is clear when planning your travel dates: the hiking loop has a specified length, elevation gain and duration, while the skiing option depends on natural snow and seasonal operations. Before making plans, check which activity suits your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Chrepice.
For the broader travel overview: Čachrov.
