Polná combines striking architectural history with Jewish heritage and paths into the countryside: the castle and chateau stand on a rocky promontory above Peklo Pond, while two circular routes with different itineraries take in the historic centre, the Jewish Quarter and the pond landscape. This gives you distinct options for planning a visit focused on culture, history or outdoor activity.

Castle, Chateau and the Town’s Heritage

The castle and chateau complex comprises the inner castle, the buildings of the outer bailey, two courtyards, the zwinger and the site of a former garden. Its architecture brings together Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Notable details include a Gothic defensive gallery with a bastion, Late Gothic vaults and remnants of Renaissance paintings in the Kunštátský Hall. The complex cannot therefore be reduced to a single building phase: its different sections and details offer visitors a variety of architectural points of interest.

The castle and chateau, including their exhibitions and tour routes, are fully open to the public from April to the end of October. Check the current dates and opening hours before your visit. Seasonal access is therefore an important factor in planning, particularly if you want to see the interiors and exhibitions.

The synagogue in Polná is used by the Regional Jewish Museum for exhibitions on the history of Jews in Polná and the Hilsner Affair. The Stará škola adds another historical perspective with a 1866 classroom and a collection of teaching aids that includes a two-headed calf. It also features a preserved Black Kitchen and the teacher’s apartment. The Stará škola can be visited as part of a 45-minute guided tour; check tour availability before your visit.

Klešter, a national cultural monument, offers another perspective on history. A deeply cut sunken lane of an old trade route linking Bohemia and Moravia has been preserved there, and tolls were collected along it. The route thus speaks of a connection that served not only as a passage but was also subject to a specific charge.

Two Circular Routes, Two Distinct Itineraries

The 6.2-kilometre Josefa Klementa Nature Trail is a circular route that starts and ends at Husovo náměstí. It passes through the historic centre and the Jewish Quarter before reaching the natural surroundings of Peklo Pond. The route is described as easy, with paved paths and forest trails, as well as moderate inclines. Its itinerary combines urban and rural stretches without being defined by only one of these settings.

The Pojmannova Route is a 6.5-kilometre circular walk from Polná to Kukle Pond and back; it is marked with yellow trail signs. Along the way, it passes Borský Pond, the former Štohanzlův Mill, Kukle Pond and the Obecní les municipal forest. In contrast to the Josefa Klementa Nature Trail, which specifies difficulty, surface and inclines, the Pojmannova Route is shaped by its ponds, former mill and forest. You can compare the two loops by length and by the route features specified for each. Trail conditions and markings may change; check the current situation before setting out.

Ponds, Rest Stops and Local Baking Traditions

Peklo Pond is the largest pond in the Polensko area and is more than a kilometre long; it is associated with a recreational and sports area. Along the Pojmannova Route, there are rest stops at Doubravník above the Borský Valley and on the dam of Kukle Pond. If these rest stops are important to your plans, check their current condition in advance, as facilities may change.

A culinary event also draws on a local tradition: Mrkvancobraní is a recurring event featuring a competition for the best Mrkvánek. It aims to help preserve the local baking tradition. If you would like to plan your visit around this event, check the dates and programme, as individual programmes may change. Polná offers a range of ways to shape your stay—from architecture and exhibitions to circular routes and local baking traditions.

Discover More Destinations

Vystrčenovice, Klatovec, Mrákotín U Telče, Ždírec, Řídelov, Kamenná and Jihlavy, Vanůvek, Rozseč

Back to the main travel overview: Jihlava District.