Schwarzenbach: Traces of a Layered Local History

Schwarzenbach (Černava) can be explored through traces from different centuries: the municipality was first mentioned in writing in 1489, and its history includes chapel construction, agriculture, resource extraction and cultural programmes tied to their time. These topics offer different perspectives on the place.

Local History Between Agriculture and Quarries

The first written historical mention of the municipality of Černava dates from 1489. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Černava grew in connection with the industrialisation of nearby Neudek, the construction of new transport routes and additional employment opportunities created by the opening of several quarries in the surrounding area. High-quality granite was quarried near Rájec and Kobelec; quartz for glassmaking was also extracted in the Černava area. Agriculture was also part of local history: alongside grain and potatoes, cabbage was grown. Stone, quartz and crops thus represent different aspects of the community’s work in the past.

Since the First Republic, the settlements of Rájec and Kobelec have also belonged to Černava. Together with the houses in Černava, they formed an almost continuous built-up area. This adds another dimension to the local history: it encompasses not only Černava but also the two settlements of Rájec and Kobelec. The quarrying history of Rájec and Kobelec thus complements quartz extraction in the Černava area, without reducing both resource histories to the same place.

The Chapel on the Černava–Suchá Road

The “za kapličkou” woodland complex is located by the chapel on the Černava–Suchá road. The chapel was built around 1910 to 1920. After 1960, only its foundations remained; in 1992, it was rebuilt on those foundations, but at a significantly lower height than before. Its construction, the loss of its upper structure and its restoration are clearly distinct chapters in its history. For anyone interested in local architectural history, this change from the original foundations to the later reconstruction is a particularly striking detail.

Past Events and Local Traditions

In an earlier announcement, Den pro Černavu 2026 was scheduled as an all-day event for the general public on 5 September 2026, from 9 a.m. until around 11 p.m. The programme at the large football pitch in Černava was to include human table football, Kin-Ball and a mini music festival. Performances by 9. Planeta, Pjena and Tajfun were also announced, along with free admission. The programme therefore combined sporting activities with music and stage performances.

The following event announcements refer to dates that have already passed. The opening of the museum, together with an Easter exhibition and a workshop for spring decorations, was announced for 20 April 2025. The “Fantazie bez hranic!” parade was scheduled for 1 May 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at KD Rájec, Rájec 38, Černava; the pond in Kobelec was listed as the traditional meeting point at the same time. During a historical procession from Černava to the bell tower in Rájec, Martin led a group of small, glowing mountain spirits through the forest on horseback in 2017. Taken together, these examples represent very different themes, from games and music to seasonal crafts and an imaginative procession.

Water and Choosing Accommodation

An older plan identifies the pond between Černava and Rájec as a natural bathing area. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check the current conditions before visiting.

Choose accommodation to suit the themes you want to shape your stay around.

Discover more destinations: Dallwitz, Landeck, Buchau, Abertham, Theusing, Schönthal, Karlsbad, Poschetzau

See the overarching travel guide: Karlsbad District.