The Pňovanský Bridge over the Hracholusky Dam and St. Anna’s Chapel, whose history dates back to the Gothic period, show how differently Pnovany can be explored. Cultural history and activities in the dam area offer different focuses. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first considering whether you would prefer to focus more on historic buildings or on hiking and cycling. The details range from a Gothic chapel to a railway bridge whose height changed when the valley was flooded.

Chapel, château and Jewish cemetery

The Chapel of St. Anna Samotřetí dates back to the Gothic period. After 14 years of restoration work, St. Anna’s Chapel reopened and was ceremonially consecrated on October 19, 2019. It is a branch church of the Nýřany parish. Its Gothic origins and 2019 reopening mark widely separated periods in its history and give the chapel a special place among the town’s cultural attractions.

Pnovany’s sights also include a Baroque château from the mid-18th century. It was designated a cultural monument in 1958 and 1964, respectively. The Jewish cemetery is also protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It is located in a forest south of Pnovany, on the far side of Hracholuský Brook. The cultural attractions therefore include both buildings and a protected cemetery in its natural setting.

The St. Anna pilgrimage is one of Pnovany’s traditional events. If you plan to travel there for it, check the exact date in advance.

Railway and dam

The Pňovanský Bridge is a railway bridge over the Hracholusky Dam on the line from Pnovany to Bezdružice. Construction began in 1899 and was fully completed in 1901. When the valley was flooded by the dam in 1963, the bridge’s height was reduced to 37 metres. This sequence links the history of the railway and the dam: the structure had already been completed before the flooding changed its height. For travellers interested in the history of technology and transport, this offers a specific additional perspective on the area.

Hiking, cycling and excursions

The area around the Hracholusky Dam is often used for hiking and cycling. The nature trail is 7.4 kilometres long, providing a specific distance to help with day-trip planning. Boat excursions are also offered on the dam; check the timetable before your visit. If you would like to combine several activities, you can weigh up the time needed for a walking or cycling route and a possible boat trip.

The dam can be reached via Pňovany railway station; from there, continue on foot or by bicycle. Check transport connections before your trip so you can plan the onward journey from the station. Nearby, the ruins of Buben Castle are freely accessible. They offer another historic excursion destination, with a different focus from the activities at the dam.

Find a hotel to suit your travel plans

When looking for a hotel in Pnovany, it is worth deciding first what you would like to focus on each day: will your stay be mainly about cultural history, or would you prefer to spend more time on activities in the dam area? If you want to combine both, it helps to plan the journey via Pňovany railway station, the onward route on foot or by bicycle, and a boat trip if applicable.

Discover more destinations: Chříč, Brodeslavy, Dražeň, Úherce, Ulice, Studená, Dobříč, Výrov

For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.