Pond Route around the Novohradské Region
Explore the beauty of Novohradsko from the seat of an e-bike. No hill is an obstacle – it’s up to you how long a route you choose or whether you follow one of the suggested tours around the region.
The route is not physically demanding and passes through the beautiful flat landscape surrounding the richest pond network in Novohradsko, including the largest pond in the area. One of the highlights is the Žumberk fortress, where you can visit an exhibition on fishing and pond management. Other stops may include the Novohradsko Museum in Horní Stropnice, the Humenice Reservoir, or the Cuknštejn fortress.
Total length
28 km
Duration
2–3 hours
Terrain
Paved surface
Asphalt
Recommended period for visiting
Spring – Summer – Autumn
Difficulty level
easy
Route description
NOVÉ HRADY – ŠTIPTOŇ – KAPINOS – JANOVKA – ŽÁR – ŽUMBERK – BOŽEJOV – STŘEZIMĚŘICE – SVÉBOHY – HORNÍ STROPNICE – HUMENICE – CUKNŠTEJN – SVĚTVÍ – ÚDOLÍ – NOVÉ HRADY
Interesting places on the route
Janovka Pond System: Composed of smaller ponds originally founded by Štěpánek Netolický. The system serves as a significant refuge for rare animal species. Also notable is an extensive network of alleys built in the second half of the 18th century by the Buquoy family as part of large-scale landscaping.
Žár Pond: The largest pond in Novohradsko (120 ha, 300 m dam, 3.5 m depth) is one of the earliest historically documented ponds in the Czech Republic. The first mention dates back to 1221.
Žumberk Fortress: A late Gothic fortress built at the end of the 15th century. It houses a permanent exhibition of painted folk furniture from South Bohemia and a special exhibition on fishing and fish farming in Novohradsko and the Waldviertel, titled “Fish and People”.
Silo – Museum of Novohradsko in Horní Stropnice: A new interactive exhibition introducing visitors to the life in the Novohradské Mountains.
Humenice Reservoir: A dam on the Stropnice river serving as a hydroelectric power plant and a popular fishing spot.
Cuknštejn Fortress: Built between 1488 and 1491 by nobleman Vilém Pouzar of Michnice, it retains its original late Gothic appearance. It is being restored by a private owner and is only occasionally open to the public.
