Church architecture, landscape and nature-themed activities reveal different sides of Horní Krupá. At its centre stands a Neo-Gothic chapel; an Evangelical church and several trails also shape the opportunities for local exploration. Those interested in history can take a closer look at the buildings and when they were built. For nature-focused activities, hiking trails, a viewpoint and programmes about meadows, bees or breadmaking offer distinct points of interest.

Churches and History in Horní Krupá

The Chapel of the Virgin Mary was built in the centre of Horní Krupá in 1895. The Evangelical church was built earlier, in 1847, and consecrated on 30 October that same year. Its architecture can be seen in specific features: the single-nave Neoclassical prayer house has tall windows with arched upper sections and a triangular gable. Horní Krupá is therefore home to two buildings with different architectural forms and construction dates.

The history of the congregation also has its own timeline: the independent Evangelical congregation in Horní Krupá was founded in 1867, after the church was built and consecrated. Those interested in religious history will also find a connection beyond the village centre. The historic Jelení studánka lies in the Krátecké lesy, west of Horní Krupá. The Bohemian Brethren gathered there for secret services after the Battle of White Mountain.

Landscape, Views and Water

A protected European beech near Horní Krupá is estimated to be about 300 years old; its trunk circumference is 620 centimetres. The landscape features at Volský vrch are different: at 598 metres above sea level, it is the highest point in the wider area and offers a view. The tree and the viewpoint therefore provide different reference points for exploring nature around the village.

The Jilemský potok stream flows through Horní Krupá. Several ponds have been created along it and the Krupský potok stream. There is also a natural swimming area on the road to Zálesí, with a Loch Ness figure, a wooden island and a bastion. These features describe different places and landscape elements; they do not prescribe a set order for a visit.

Hiking Trails and Other Routes

A blue-marked hiking trail passes through Horní Krupá. It runs from Vepříkov via Jilem and Lysá to Havlíčkův Brod. For orientation, both the section through the village and the route’s named stops are useful.

Another nature trail leads from Horní Krupá to the Krátecké lesy and Jelení studánka. Its information panels cover a range of nature and history topics. The trail complements the spring’s historical significance with information about its surroundings. For cycling plans, there is another named reference point: cycle route 4153 runs below Trčolec in the direction of Knyk.

Programmes About Nature, Bread and Bees

At the Chaloupky Horní Krupá environmental education centre, the three-hour programme “Field Studies by the Stream / in the Meadow” is designed as a field investigation by the Krupský potok stream or in a meadow. The programme “Meadow Beauties and Babice II” takes place in the garden and on the Za Humny nature trail. It includes a short botanical investigation and a comparison of a flowering meadow with an agricultural meadow. The two nature programmes thus differ in their specific subjects of study and locations.

“The Journey of Bread” follows bread from the field, through the mill and bakery, to the home. The programme includes threshing with a flail and baking small loaves in an oven. “The Bee Kingdom” focuses on the lives of bees: it includes collecting nectar and pollen, as well as tasting bee products. Programme dates and booking conditions may change; check them before making plans.

When choosing what to focus on, it is useful to note the differences between the options: the churches and Jelení studánka offer a look at religious history, the nature trail combines nature and history topics, and the programmes provide hands-on activities centred on specific nature or food topics. The blue-marked hiking trail and cycle route 4153, meanwhile, are specific route references, each with its own location or direction.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sázavka, Dolní Sokolovec, Sedletín, Chotěboř, Skorkov, Hostačov, Vepříkov, Kamenná Lhota.

For the overview of the wider area: Havlíčkův Brod District.