In Dolní Žďár, cycling and local history offer two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip. The town and its district of Horní Lhota lie in the Nežárka river basin. If you are deciding whether a bike ride or historical connections are a better fit for your stay, the named routes and landmarks offer concrete starting points.

Cycling Routes Through Dolní Žďár

The Nežárka Cycle Route runs from Horní Žďár through Dolní Žďár to Horní Lhota. It is 53 km long and follows the river from the confluence of the Kamenice and Žirovnice rivers to its mouth at the Lužnice. Trekking bikes are suitable for this route; check local conditions before setting off. The route therefore connects the section through Dolní Žďár with a longer route that follows the river.

A shorter bike ride is the 19 km “Jindřichův Hradec–Horní Pěna–Dolní Pěna” route. It passes through Dolní Žďár and is designed as a family outing with an easy level of physical difficulty. The 61 km Partnerství cycling route also passes through the town. At 61 km, it is eight kilometres longer than the 53 km Nežárka Cycle Route. This gives you a choice of a shorter ride specifically described as easy and family-oriented, as well as two longer routes of 53 and 61 km.

Local History and Sacred Landmarks

Dolní Žďár was first mentioned in written records in 1211. Horní Lhota, formerly also known as Ovesná, became a settlement within the municipality of Dolní Žďár in 1869. The two dates relate to different historical contexts: 1211 marks the first written mention of Dolní Žďár, while 1869 concerns the status of Horní Lhota at that time. The first written mention and the later development of the district are therefore two distinct ways to explore local history.

One sacred landmark is the Chapel of Saint Teresa of Ávila in Dolní Žďár, by the Nežárka. It has a bell tower and a vernacular historicist character. Services are occasionally held in the chapel. If you would like to plan around one, check in advance for a date. Dolní Žďár also has a wayside shrine dating from the 17th century. While the chapel is notable for its style and bell tower, the wayside shrine offers a different historical perspective.

Another aspect of local history can be seen at Dolní mlýn (Lower Mill). It was once a combined mill and bakery, and a remnant of its milling machinery has been preserved. These details point to the site’s former use and technical equipment. Alongside the sacred landmarks, this adds craft production as another distinct perspective on local history.

Discover more destinations: Velký Ratmírov, Slavonice, Lomnice Nad Luznicí, Dačice, Rosička U Deštné, Nová Bystrice, Domanín U Třeboně, Písečné U Slavonic

For the regional travel overview: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.