Šlapanov – History, Church and Rural Tradition

Šlapanov combines a history documented from an early date with a church whose origins go back to before 1258, as well as the protected historic rural farmstead Motýlí Chaloupka south of the village. At the same time, the surrounding area offers various options for a stay: the railway station is integrated into the Vysočina regional integrated transport system, a cycling route leads from Havlíčkův Brod to Šlapanov, and a hiking route reaches the U Lutrián memorial. Anyone looking for accommodation in Šlapanov can therefore discover the village primarily through cultural history, rural traditions and excursions on foot or by bicycle.

Orientation for arrival and cycling excursions

Šlapanov railway station is integrated into the Vysočina regional integrated transport system. This provides a concrete point of reference when planning travel by regional transport. A waiting room for travellers is also available at the station. However, an important limitation should also be taken into account when planning: the station building and platforms are not accessible without barriers.

For cycling excursions, the cycling route from Havlíčkův Brod to Šlapanov is a separate option. It is suitable for bicycles and bicycle trailers. This means that the surrounding area can also be included in your day’s plans if you are travelling with a bicycle trailer. The route is not associated with a specific distance or a fixed course within the village; what is documented is its suitability for bicycles and bicycle trailers.

Šlapanov between mining history and the church

The history of the village dates back to the 13th century. Šlapanov was first mentioned in a document in 1257 as one of four mining centres belonging to the Lords of Lichtenburg. A document from 1278 listed Šlapanov among the urban centres. In the second half of the 14th century, the settlement was once again classified as a village because of its loss of importance.

A central historical landmark is the Church of St Peter and Paul. It is considered a late Romanesque church; its origins date back to before 1258. A statue of the Virgin Mary from 1733 stands in the cemetery surrounding the church. Services at the church are listed for Fridays at 4:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Those looking for religious or architectural-history sites during their stay will find several different points of interest, both in terms of period and subject, in one place.

Rural traditions at Motýlí Chaloupka

Motýlí Chaloupka, a protected historic rural farmstead, lies south of Šlapanov. It represents a different aspect of the destination than the village’s medieval history: the focus is on traditional forms of rural life and special events. Seasonal events include baking bread in a two-hundred-year-old oven. This tangible insight into an old craft tradition gives the visit a direct connection to regional everyday life and history.

A full-moon ritual can also be organised at Motýlí Chaloupka by prior arrangement. It takes place in the light of the moon and a sacred fire and is connected with nature and the four elements. This event is therefore explicitly subject to prior arrangement and should be understood as a special, individually organised experience, not as a generally scheduled daily programme item.

Hiking destination on the Šlapanka

A hiking route from Šlapanov leads across a highland area 3 kilometres away to the U Lutrián memorial. There, a unique medieval stone bridge spans the Šlapanka River. The route complements the cultural destinations in the village with an excursion into the surrounding area and combines a memorial site with a specific historic structure. In addition, the Šlapanka and Zlatý potok area also extends across the cadastral territory of Šlapanov. This combination is interesting when choosing accommodation if you would like to combine local history with a hike or cycling excursion.

For further orientation, you can also look at Olešenka (Olešenka), Prosíčka (Prosíčka), Kožlí (Kožlí), Ovesná Lhota (Ovesná Lhota), Heřmanice (Heřmanice), Hnevkovice (Hnevkovice), Jitkov (Jitkov) and Borek (Borek).

For the broader travel overview: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.