Welchau: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

In the center of Velichov stands Velichov Castle in the floodplain above the Petrovský potok stream, on the right bank of the Ohře. The complex is a Gothic-Renaissance water castle that was converted into a late Baroque, neoclassical-style château.

Culture and History

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary brings together several historical layers. The original parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is documented in the parish chronicle for the year 1384. The Neo-Gothic parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was built in 1895–1896 according to plans by the architect Ludvík Lábler and historically served the inhabitants of Velichov as a spiritual and social center. The church is currently being reconstructed; the exterior areas are accessible.

The local culture of remembrance includes the Renaissance epitaph for Josef Traugott z Mangoldu. The carved gravestone is set into the cemetery wall in Velichov. The village is also home to a sandstone statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. It was erected in 1835 by the then owners of the local estate, Franz and Anna Pelikan, is freely accessible, and has been protected as a cultural monument since May 3, 1958.

A hospice for the terminally ill was also established in Velichov. The building known as Charita is considered the municipality’s second architectural landmark. A war memorial commemorates the victims of the First World War; it was presumably created in the 1920s by an unknown artist from a cemetery cross.

Townscape and History

West of Velichov, above the village, lies the fortified hilltop settlement of Liščí vrch (Thebisberg) on the summit plateau. It was established between the 13th and 9th centuries BC. Another historical trace is the former site of Velichov Castle: it lies on a spur of land above the forestry administration building on the southwestern edge of the municipality. Remains of the terrain structures have survived at the former castle site in an area covered by mature forest.

Cycling Paths and Tours

Velichov is also connected to the surrounding area by several cycle routes. The local cycle route 2198 Velichov–Ostrov–Ryžovna–Potůčky runs along the international Euregio Egrensis route. The Karlovy Vary–Klášterec nad Ohří–Kadaň cycling stage passes through Velichov at kilometer 10.3. This stage is 46 kilometers long and classified as moderate to moderately challenging.

Other places: Pechöfen, Abertham, Dallwitz, Ostrov Nad Ohří, Münchhof, Horn, Sankt Joachimsthal and Bärringen.

For the broader travel overview: Karlovy Vary District.