Jihlávka combines a clearly located natural site—the source of the Jihlava River—with wetlands, birdwatching and two historic bell towers. When planning your visit, you can focus on nature or local history and add seasonal activities.
The Source of the Jihlava River
The Jihlava River rises in Jihlávka. Its source lies about one kilometre west of the village. There is a small spring pond measuring 8 × 3 metres, partly hidden beneath the canopies of mature alders in a small grove. The route information will help you find your way: on the road between Jihlávka and Počátky, a signposted dirt track branches north after a bend. The roughly 500-metre stretch leads to the source. A signpost and a panel for the “K pramenům Počátek a okolí” educational trail mark the turnoff.
Wetlands and Birdwatching
Since mid-2026, the Jihlávka Bird Park (Ptačí park Jihlávka) has been taking shape between Jihlávka, Horní Dubenky, Kaliště and Býkovec. It extends from Bor Pond to Býkovecký Pond. In the floodplain of the Hamerský stream and its tributaries, the park includes peat bogs, wet meadows and other wetlands. Snipe, black storks and cranes can be observed in the bird park; sturdy high-top shoes or rubber boots are required.
Another natural attraction is the Kaliště peat bog (Rašeliniště Kaliště); information about the bird species found there is based on an ecological dataset. A total of 87 bird species have been recorded there, including 26 specially protected species. The ecological dataset also records 47 moss species, 17 of which are on the Czech Red List. The V Lisovech nature reserve and European site of importance is less than two kilometres from the Rašeliniště Kaliště site. It is a typical example of peat meadows and wetlands in broad, shallow spring hollows of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.
Bell Towers and Local History
Jihlávka’s Catholic bell tower is a freestanding, two-storey brick building in the middle of the village square. It was built in 1830 and remodelled in the Neo-Gothic style in the 1920s. The Protestant bell tower stands at the eastern edge of the village square. It, too, is a freestanding brick building, constructed in 1911. It is an example of the late Neo-Gothic period in the Vysočina Region.
The documented history of Jihlávka dates back to 1356. At that time, the village was owned by the brothers Rys and Vilém of Jihlávka and belonged to the Janštejn estate. Another historical trace can be found nearby at Bor Pond: a memorial there commemorates the 1423 battle between the Hussites and the army of Menhart of Hradec.
Walks, Cycling and Winter Options
Jihlávka’s natural surroundings are ideal for walks and cycling; foraging for wild berries is another possible activity. If you are planning to cross-country ski in winter, consider Javořice, eight kilometres from Jihlávka. The mountain is the highest peak in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and offers suitable conditions for cross-country skiing in winter. As snow conditions vary, it is a good idea to check them before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Boršov, Bohuslavice, Volevčice, Vanov, Střítež, Bílý Kámen, Panské Dubenky, Jersín.
See the broader travel overview: Jihlava District.
