Chotenov: Trails, History and Landscape

Chotěnov combines historical traces with varied scenery and opportunities for cycling and hiking nearby. The municipality comprises two residential areas separated by distance: Chotěnov and Olšany. When planning an outing, it is worth keeping the different points of reference in mind—from the circular route through both places to viewpoints and hiking trails in the municipality and its surroundings.

Two residential areas, changing landscapes

Chotěnov and Olšany are separated by a north–south valley. The vegetation also changes across the municipality: meadows shape the landscape around Prťava, while the area transitions into forest towards Chotovice, at Škrabka and Na Kopanicích. These contrasts give the surroundings distinct characters, without requiring you to work through a long list of individual sights.

One notable point of reference is the historic road Voštice. It runs along the western edge of Olšany, following the edge of the terrain. Panoramic views open up from the forest above Voštice. In good visibility, views also extend from the 515-metre-high návrší Golgota: you can see the Chrudim area, the Krkonoše Mountains, the Orlické Mountains, the mountains above Kłodzko, the Jeseníky Mountains with Praděd, as well as Litomyšl and Polička. A protected area lies below the hill, within the municipality’s cadastral area.

Cycling and hiking nearby

Cycle route 8558 is a 25-kilometre circular route that passes through Chotěnov and Olšany. You can plan a round trip along it; current signage and surface conditions may change, so check them before setting off. If you are weighing up your options for a day of your holiday, the route’s stated length gives you a concrete point of reference without needing to estimate a walking or cycling time.

For hiking, the Toulovcovy Maštale protected area is located near the destination. The 1,083.6-hectare area lies between Budislav, Proseč and Nové Hrady. A dense network of marked trails provides access to the area and makes circular hikes possible. Cycling along a designated circular route and hiking on marked trails offer different ways to spend your days; your choice can depend on the kind of outing you prefer.

History and religious tradition

Chotěnov was first mentioned in 1347 in a document issued by Přeclav z Pogorelly, Bishop of Breslau. Olšany’s recorded history goes back further: in 1167, Hroznata, Provost of Vyšehrad, donated the village to the Premonstratensians of Litomyšl. The two dates refer to different places and historical events, giving the municipality a long historical timeline.

Religious ceremonies are occasionally held in the chapels of Chotěnov and Olšany. A notice from the diocese, updated on 11 March 2018, stated that a pilgrimage Mass had been celebrated only at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Chotěnov. If you plan to attend a service, check in advance for a current date.

A holiday rental to suit your plans

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Chotenov, you can start by thinking about which outings you would like to shape your stay around. Cycle route 8558 offers a circular route with a stated length; the viewpoints in the municipality and the marked trails in nearby Toulovcovy Maštale suit other interests. This lets you base your search for a place to stay on your own plans, rather than focusing on just one kind of landscape.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Strakov, Sklené, Dětřichov U Svitav, Borova U Policky, Rychnov Na Moravě, Budislav, Biskupice, Desná.

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Svitavy.