Šlapanov offers different ways to explore its history and landscape: the Church of St Peter and Paul, considered late Romanesque; the historic Motýlí Chaloupka farmstead; and routes on foot and by bike. When choosing your stay, you can consider whether local history, a pre-arranged experience, or a route into the surrounding area should be the focus. Each of these can be considered independently; there is no fixed order for visiting them.
Medieval History and the Church
Šlapanov was first mentioned in a written record in 1257, as one of four mining centres belonging to the Lords of Lichtenburg. A document from 1278 listed the place among urban centres. In the second half of the 14th century, Šlapanov was once again classified as a village because it had lost importance. These milestones show that the place was classified in different ways: its early prominence in written records did not remain unchanged.
The Church of St Peter and Paul is considered late Romanesque; its origins date back to before 1258. A statue of the Virgin Mary from 1733 stands in the cemetery surrounding the church. Thus, the church’s early architectural history sits alongside a much later-dated feature in its grounds. Services at the church are listed for Fridays at 16:15 and Sundays at 10:30. The listing was updated on 20 March 2026. Check the times before travelling, as service schedules can change.
Motýlí Chaloupka: Farmstead and Seasonal Experiences
South of Šlapanov lies Motýlí Chaloupka, a protected historic rural farmstead. Restoration is ongoing. Seasonal events celebrating traditional rural life include baking bread in a two-hundred-year-old oven. These activities require advance arrangements, so agree on a date beforehand.
A full-moon ritual can also be arranged at Motýlí Chaloupka by prior agreement. It takes place by the light of the moon and a sacred fire, and is connected with nature and the four elements. Whether it can take place depends on the operator’s schedule and prior arrangements. Bread baking and the ritual are therefore not activities available at any time; you need to arrange an appointment for them.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Cycle route 4157 from Havlíčkův Brod to Šlapanov is suitable for bicycles and bicycle trailers. If you plan to use this connection, check current route conditions before setting off. The walking route from Šlapanov passes through a hilly area three kilometres away and leads to the U Lutrián memorial. There, a unique medieval stone bridge spans the Šlapanka River. This offers a choice between a cycling connection linking two places and a walking destination featuring a specific historic structure.
The Šlapanka and Zlatý potok area also extends into the cadastral territory of Šlapanov. This geographical context adds to the specific routes and destinations without making them part of a single route.
Getting There and Practical Planning
Šlapanov railway station is part of the Vysočina Region’s VDV integrated transport system and has a waiting room for passengers. Transport services and station facilities can change; check the information that applies to your travel dates, especially if you are planning your arrival around them. The station building and platforms are not wheelchair accessible. If step-free access is important to you, verify this information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Svetlá Nad Sázavou, Rozsochatec, Kamenná Lhota, Oudolen, Modlíkov, Vilémovec, Věž, Podmoklany.
Explore the wider travel guide: Havlíčkův Brod District.
