An approximately 15.5 km experience trail, an archaeological castle site and striking stone arrangements give Horní Bělá several different themes to explore. There are also chapels, a pond and events with their own distinct focus. When planning, you can decide whether you are more interested in trails, local history, the landscape or unusual installations.
Educational and experience trail or hiking march
The Stezka Hornobělskem is an educational and experience trail about 15.5 km long. Along the trail, there are 13 stops with information boards and interactive features. It can be travelled by bicycle or kick scooter. Both the route and its stops are therefore part of the trail’s appeal.
The Hornobělská 30 offers another way to experience the landscape around Horní Bělá. This traditional hiking march takes place regularly on the third Saturday in February, with routes of 10, 20 and 30 km to choose from. Unlike the individual educational and experience trail, this event offers three route lengths to choose from. If you are planning to take part, check the date of the current event in advance.
Castle site and chapels
The Vrtba castle site in Horní Bělá is classified as a significant archaeological site. Hrad Vrtba was one of the noble castles built around the turn of the 14th century. Earthworks from the perimeter fortifications and a pond with a mill remain from the site. This makes it possible to connect the castle’s history with specific features of the landscape.
Chapels are also among the town’s named cultural sites. The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk (Sv. Jana Nepomuckého) is designated a cultural monument. The Chapel of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Kaplička Zvěstování Panny Marie) was built in 1736 in the Baroque style and is a boundary chapel between Horní Bělá and Dolní Bělá. It therefore combines a precise year of construction with an explicitly stated location.
Stone circle, spirals and cosmograms
The Megalitický kamenný kruh Horní Bělá is located on a hill above Horní Bělá and is enclosed by 21 large menhirs. Another stone installation is the Hornobělské kamenné spirály, consisting of geopuncture rows created by geomancers. The two names refer to different forms of stone installations.
At the Výhledové místo u sv. Martina, the installation consists of a large central stone bearing three cosmograms carved by Jan Tajboš. According to the geomancers, the arrangement there is dedicated to the plant world. This attribution is part of the interpretation of the installation; it complements the specific description of the stone and cosmograms with their stated orientation.
Pond landscape and events
Černý rybník, also called Porajt, is fed by an inflow from Hatí, waterlogged meadows and forest bogs. The pond has presumably been used for recreation for more than 100 years. Its name, inflow and surrounding wetlands give it a distinct place alongside Horní Bělá’s architectural and stone attractions.
Another event is the Memoriál Františka Hebedy, an annual forest and blood-tracking test for small-breed dogs. The first event took place in October 1984, and it has been held without interruption ever since. If you are considering a trip for this event, check the current edition in advance. Together with the February hiking march, it offers a second clearly scheduled occasion to plan a trip around a specific event.
Discover more destinations: Tlučná, Pernarec, Tatiná, Dolní Bělá, Mladotice, Líně, Tis U Blatna, Nevřeň.
For the wider travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.
