Polanka lies on a rise in the Kakov forest. The settlement is divided into an upper and a lower part, 300 metres apart. A small stream flows below them and later becomes part of the Myslivský potok. This stream forms the source of the Úslava River. The elevation, settlement layout and watercourse provide three concrete points of reference for finding your way around the village.

Nature between marsh meadows and forests

The Polánecký mokřad nature reserve is located in the Polanka area. Its habitats include marshy and wet meadows, where several specially protected and rare plant species grow. The features protected at the V Houlištích natural monument include a flower-rich beech forest and an alder forest with wild garlic. The two areas have different focuses: the Polánecký mokřad centres on wet meadows and rare plants, while V Houlištích is known for its forest types and wild garlic. A large part of Polanka’s cadastral area also lies within the Plánický hřeben-Kákov Nature Park. The protected areas identify specific natural features, while the nature park covers a broader landscape.

Two routes with different points of reference

The Stehlíkova naučná stezka is 12 kilometres long and suitable for hikers and cyclists. It starts and ends in the centre of Myslív, passes through Polanka towards Pohoří, and is dedicated to the poet Ladislav Stehlík. Its length, suitable activities and dedication give the route a clear profile. Cycle route 2162 runs from Myslív through Polanka along a Class III road and continues to Lovčice. Here, the route number, road and connection between the named places are the main points. Both routes pass through Polanka; their lengths and described routes set them apart. This can help you decide if you want to compare a clearly measured educational trail with a named cycle route.

Village history and technical heritage

The first written mention of Polanka dates from 1381 and appears in the first book of the court records. The date marks the settlement’s early written history. Another historical feature is the Polánecký válcový mlýn č. p. 19 roller mill, considered a local technical monument. It stands as a single monument alongside the history of the settlement as a whole.

The land-use plan provides for the preservation of the settlement’s historic layout, the structure of the village squares and the adjoining original buildings. This focus on the settlement’s form complements the history of the mill: alongside a specific technical monument, it also concerns the established layout of the village squares and their surroundings. Visitors drawn to Polanka by its local history will find both an early written reference and architectural and spatial features.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Spalene Porici, Mileč, Přestavlky U Dnešic, Robčice, Prádlo, Zinkovy, Ves Touškov, Louňová.

Go to the main travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.