A water tower converted into an observation platform and an ironworks that later became a glassworks: Heřmanova Huť can be explored through several layers of industrial and architectural history. The tower is about 16 metres high and is supported by six pillars. It bears the inscription “BRAUEREI WILKISCHEN” and the year 1908, linking it to Vlkýš. If you plan to visit the tower as a viewpoint, check in advance whether visits are possible.
Water Tower and Industrial History
The history of the Heřmanova ironworks began between 1849 and 1854: Hermann von Lindheim, owner of the Vlkýš estate and its coal mines, founded the works and named them after himself. At the beginning of the 20th century, they were converted into a glassworks after losing out to competition from Kladno.
The history of brewing is also connected to the water tower. The tower is said to have originally been intended to store drinking water for the brewery in nearby Vlkýš. However, because its quality fluctuated, the water intended for the brewery was not used directly for brewing beer. The inscription bearing the name Wilkischen and the year 1908 provides a specific clue to the tower’s historical context.
Church and Vlkýš Castle
A chapel dedicated to Saint Haštal, a martyr, is recorded as having stood on the site of today’s Church of St Martin in Heřmanova Huť as early as 1272. The Church of St Martin itself first appears in 1384 as a parish church. A later connection to Vlkýš is also recorded: in 1836, Vlkýš was among the villages served by this church. These dates mark the different roles of the site over several centuries; they do not represent a single construction or foundation year.
Vlkýš was described as an estate belonging to Jan z Třebouně in 1457. The Baroque castle there was probably built on the site of an older fortress and was first mentioned in 1788 in J. Schaller’s description of the Plzeň region. Today, it is a partially modernised rectangular building with a mansard roof and a vaulted ground floor. These features help identify its architectural form, while the dates distinguish the documented mention of the castle from its presumed earlier history.
Finds also form part of the area’s history: bronze objects, including rings, sickles and tools, were discovered near Vlkýš in 1855.
Pond, Cycle Route and Getting There
The Hlubočka pond is located in the cadastral area of Vlkýš. Its revitalisation was completed in 2023; the project aimed to implement nature conservation measures and adapt to climate change. This recent landscape project adds to the area’s older architectural and local histories. The POND Relax-Sportpark in Heřmanova Huť also includes a bike park, offering another point of interest for a trip centred on cycling.
Heřmanova Huť is on Cycle Route 9. From Přehýšov, the route continues through Heřmanova Huť, Kladruby, Planá and Chodová Planá. Before setting out, check local surface conditions, as they may change. Heřmanova Huť railway station is part of the integrated transport system; check the current timetable and connections when planning your journey.
Tailor Your Stay
When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: are you particularly interested in the water tower and industrial history, the historic connections of the church and castle, or the cycle route and bike park? These themes offer different ways to choose your destination without prescribing a fixed daily itinerary. If you plan to visit the observation tower, check its current access arrangements; for the cycle route, check local conditions, and for a train journey, check the current services.
Discover more destinations: Bezvěrov, Pastuchovice, Mrtník, Kozolupy, Čerňovice, Zahrádka, Pnovany-Rajov, Štichovice.
See the regional travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.
