About two kilometres north of Pavlovsko, archaeological history and a distinctive landscape come together: this is where the Vrch Žďár archaeological site and the Žďár Nature Reserve are located. Both make Žďár a striking starting point for exploring the area around Pavlovsko—one offering a glimpse of traces from the past, the other of protected nature.

Nature at Žďár

The Žďár Nature Reserve protects natural beech stands on a rocky hill. Pronounced scree slopes and a boulder field are as much a part of its character as its remarkable lichen flora. So this is about more than just woodland: rock, scree and plant life are different aspects of the same protected area. Those who want to focus more on the landscape and natural history will find a different experience at Žďár than at the archaeological site.

The “Po Žďárských studánkách přes vrchol Žďár” route leads to the Nad Pavlovskem spring and follows the ridge to the summit of Žďár. At the summit, the rock formations offer far-reaching views. The spring, ridge and viewpoint provide several clearly defined landmarks, rather than a single destination shaping the character of the route. If you plan to take this path, check the current route, as details may change.

The timing also matters for climbing enthusiasts: permission to climb in the Žďár Nature Reserve is valid annually from 1 July to 31 December. This period differs considerably from the planning considerations for the trails and viewpoints. It gives you a specific reference point if climbing is part of your plans.

Archaeology and the History of Technology

Vrch Žďár is also an archaeological site. Its location about two kilometres north of Pavlovsko makes its connection to the village tangible; the site itself offers a different focus from Žďár’s protected beech stands and rock formations. Those interested in the history of a place can consider this archaeological link alongside exploring the landscape, without conflating the two.

The Vodní hamr Dobřív is a distinct highlight for the history of technology: a fully operational technical monument dating from the late 19th century. Its exhibition covers the history of ironworking in the Podbrdsko region as well as metallurgy in Dobřív. These are two different scales: ironworking across a region and metallurgy in the specific place of Dobřív. The monument and its exhibition therefore offer an approach distinct from the archaeological site and nature reserve at Žďár.

The annual Hamernický den brings demonstrations and a competition together on the grounds of the Vodní hamr Dobřív: visitors can watch apprentices take part in the Dobřívský cvoček skills competition. It takes place on the third Saturday in May; the programme may change from one year to the next. If you want to plan your visit around this event, check the dates and programme for the specific year.

Another cultural and historical attraction is the Jindřich Mošna Memorial Room. Its exhibition was set up in 2005 in a house once occupied by his wife’s family. The house’s former use gives the exhibition venue a tangible link to the family’s history.

Which focus suits your stay?

For a nature-focused stay, the protected beech stands, boulder field, route over Žďár and far-reaching views take centre stage. The archaeological site adds a historical perspective, while the history of technology and the exhibition in Dobřív are separate cultural themes. The Hamernický den adds an annual event to this selection; you should plan for the specific year’s edition separately. This lets you choose Pavlovsko based on the theme that interests you most, rather than combining different places and experiences into a single focus.

Discover more destinations: Klabava, Dobriv, Rokycany, Mirošov U Rokycan, Raková, Holoubkov, Nevid, Hrádek U Rokycan.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Okres Rokycany.