Kotlasy – Trails, Stream and Living Local History

Kotlasy combines a distinctive landscape with a multifaceted local history and regional traditions. The Bohdalovský potok flows through the village and, together with the routes described, provides a natural gateway to the surrounding area. At the same time, historical forms of the village name, a chapel and recurring customs tell the story of a place that you can discover not only as a destination for an overnight stay, but also as a destination in its own right.

Local History and the Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary

The first written mention of Kotlasy dates back to 1317. At that time, the village name was written as “Gutlis”. A document from 1349 also records the historical form “Chothloken”. These two records show that the name of the village changed over the centuries. For anyone interested in history, this provides a concrete introduction to the development of Kotlasy, without reducing the village to a single historic building.

A prominent feature of the village is the Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, built in 1900. There is an important detail to bear in mind when planning your visit: regular services are not held in the chapel. The chapel therefore primarily represents local history and religious tradition, rather than an ongoing programme of services.

The Bohdalovský potok and Two Different Routes

The Bohdalovský potok rises from the Bohdalovské rybníky ponds, flows through Kotlasy and empties into the Oslava in Ostrov. This precise sequence connects several landscape features and provides a clear geographical framework for exploring the area. During your stay, you can therefore choose between local history, the waterside landscape and the routes without having to combine these different themes.

The “Toulání za pohádkovými bytostmi kolem Oslavy” route leads to Kotlasy. Its final section follows Road II/388 back to Ostrov nad Oslavou. The route thus describes a connection in which Kotlasy forms part of a larger route around the Oslava. By contrast, the “Jarní Vysočinou kolem Rendlíčku” circular route reaches Kotlasy along a path near the Bohdalovský potok. This difference may be useful when choosing: one route names Kotlasy as a stop along its course, while the other reaches the village via a path near the stream.

Agriculture and Local Customs

The historic economy of the Kotlasy settlement was primarily agricultural. A three-field system was practised, with rye and oats being the main crops.

Several customs are part of the local annual cycle. In Kotlasy, the maypole is erected and felled every year, accompanied by a performance staged by local residents. Local traditions also include the Easter rattling and clattering customs, as well as the traditional burning of witches. Together with the chapel and the historical forms of the village name, these customs create a picture in which nature, local history and community traditions stand side by side.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Kotlasy with other destinations, you can also find Sirákov, Javorek, Bukov, Rozsochy, Nová Ves U Nového Města Na Moravě, Bohdalov, Jimramov and Dalečín. This allows you to consider different starting points for further exploration and decide whether the combination of the stream, routes, history and local customs in Kotlasy suits your travel plans.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Žďár nad Sázavou District.