A wooden church relocated from Fláje to Český Jiřetín in 1969 adds an unusual note to the town’s history. The Fláje–Clausnitz flume canal also tells a story of engineering history; a waterfall, dam and nearby paths add water engineering and route choices to the picture. For your stay, you can therefore choose to focus on cultural history, hiking or seasonal winter sports.

Church and engineering history

The wooden Church of St John the Baptist was relocated from Fláje to Český Jiřetín in 1969. Since it was reconsecrated in 1996, services have been held there only occasionally. The Fláje–Clausnitz flume canal is considered the oldest technical monument of its kind in Bohemia and served its purpose for 243 years. For a stay focused on cultural history, the church and canal offer two different perspectives: the story of a relocated building and the long use of an engineering structure.

Water engineering in the area

The artificial Jiřetín Waterfall channels water from the Fláje flume canal into the Flájský Stream. Along the way, the water descends about 60 metres. This makes the waterfall a distinct engineering feature: its watercourse leads from the canal into the stream, and the change in elevation is one of its notable characteristics.

The Fláje Dam is located in the area around Český Jiřetín. Its dam wall is freely accessible. As local restrictions may change, it is advisable to check access before your visit. The waterfall and dam wall thus represent two different aspects of the water landscape: the artificial watercourse leading into the stream and the dam structure.

Hiking trails and route choices

The Flájský kanál educational trail begins near Český Jiřetín, close to the dam wall of the Fláje Dam. It follows the canal bed to the state border and continues on the German side to Clausnitz. Check trail sections and conditions before setting out.

The Po nové Hřebenovce loop can be started and finished in Český Jiřetín or at the Fláje Dam. If you start the loop in Český Jiřetín, follow the red-marked route to the dam wall. The described return route from Fláje to Český Jiřetín follows the green markings; the Flájský kanál educational trail begins there in the forest. Markings may change, so check them locally.

For choosing a route, the main consideration is its course: the educational trail follows the canal bed and continues to Clausnitz; Po nové Hřebenovce is described as a loop with Český Jiřetín or the dam as possible starting and finishing points. If you want to plan a loop, this trail is a useful guide. If you are interested in the canal’s course, the educational trail follows that theme.

Seasonal activities and your stay

The Český Jiřetín ski area has four downhill runs and a natural toboggan run. Both are seasonal, and availability may vary. If skiing or tobogganing is a deciding factor in when you travel, check current operating status in advance. This distinguishes seasonal winter sports from the cultural history and water engineering that also shape the town.

When looking for a hotel in Český Jiřetín, it is best to plan your travel dates around your preferred focus. A stay centered on the church, canal and hiking trails is different from a trip planned around skiing and tobogganing. If you include one of the described routes, check the markings and trail conditions before setting out; for winter sports, current operating status is key. This helps align your travel dates with your plans without assuming that seasonal activities are available year-round.

Discover more destinations: Hora Svaté Kateřiny, Brandov, Luzice U Mostu, Želenice, Braňany, Polerady, Litvínov, Patokryje

See the overview of destinations in the wider area: Okres Most.