Branka can be explored from two different perspectives: the Mže and Olšový Pond shape the landscape, while the circular route and chapel bring outdoor activity and local history into the itinerary. The Mže flows through the settlement and empties into the eight-hectare Olšový Pond in the town centre. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Branka, you can first consider whether you want your stay to focus on the water, a tour or culture.

Pond, River and Waterfalls

Branka is the first settlement on the Czech side through which the Mže flows. In the wooded valley between Branka and Horní Výšina, the river crosses stone cascades, where there are several waterfalls. The waterfalls on the Mže near Branka are said to be the only ones in the Český les.

There is a small beach on the north shore of Olšový Pond, which is also suitable for bathing with small children. Fishing is also possible in the pond; applicable fishing regulations must be observed. Swimming at the beach and fishing in the water are two different reasons to include the pond in your travel plans.

A Loop for Different Activities

The Branka educational cycling and tourism route is a 17-kilometre loop with eleven stops. It starts and ends in Branka and is suitable for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers. As a loop, it connects the start and finish at the same place; the 17 kilometres describe the total distance, while the eleven stops add an educational element. The distance, number of stops and types of activity provide different points to consider when planning: you can decide whether you want to travel on foot, by bike or on cross-country skis.

The loop starts and ends in Branka, so anyone choosing this route is not planning a one-way trip to a different destination. Check the route information before setting out.

Local History: Name, Craft and Chapel

Branka’s local history can be understood through several distinct details. The settlement was first mentioned in writing in 1663; the current name, Branka, has been used since 1945. These two dates mark different points: the first written mention and the beginning of the use of the current name. The history of the name therefore does not describe the same development as the earliest written mention.

Another part of the history is the local industry: the Adler family’s button factory processed mother-of-pearl to make buttons. The Orthodox chapel “Kaple Zesnutí přesvaté Bohorodice” is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Together, the industrial history and religious heritage show two different cultural connections of the settlement.

Choose a Focus for Your Stay

There are three distinct options to focus your trip on: the circular route for outdoor activity, the pond for swimming or fishing, and the chapel and button-making history for culture. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Branka, you can first decide which focus you want to shape your stay.

For the wider travel overview: Halže.