Where to go on a trip Chvalšiny

Family skiing near Polička

Ski areál Chmelná is a small, quiet ski resort situated in the picturesque Vysočina region, in the village of Chmelná, which is located near the historic town of Polička. The resort is an ideal choice for families with children, beginner skiers, and those seeking relaxing skiing away from the crowds of large resorts. Due to its location at a moderate altitude of approximately 500 metres above sea level, it relies on technical snowmaking, which ensures good snow conditions throughout the winter season.

The resort offers two downhill slopes with a total length of approximately 350 metres. The main slope is for intermediate skiers, suitable for improving skiing technique, and is regularly groomed by a snowcat. Transport of skiers is provided by one ski lift. In addition, a short children's lift or a rope tow for the little ones is available, intended for first ski turns and instruction. A major advantage of the resort is the possibility of evening skiing on an illuminated slope, which extends the skiing day. Basic facilities are available directly in the resort, including a buffet with refreshments and a rest area.

How to get there

Lyžařský areál Chmelná is located in the village of Chmelná, not far from Polička. The resort is easily accessible by car. Free parking for visitors is available in the immediate vicinity of the slope. The nearest railway station is in Polička, from where one can continue to Chmelná by bus.

What to discover in the surroundings

The surroundings of Chmelná are situated in the Svitavsko region and within sight of the protected landscape area Žďárské vrchy. The dominant feature is the nearby historic town of Polička, which boasts a well-preserved Městské opevnění v Poličce with the opportunity to climb the tower and visit the Rodná světnička Bohuslava Martinů in the museum building. For lovers of hiking and nature, the protected landscape area Toulovcovy maštale with its unique rock formations and caves is within reach. Not far away is the hrad Svojanov, one of the oldest stone castles in Bohemia. Maintained cross-country skiing tracks also lead through the surroundings, connecting to the trails of Žďárské vrchy, which are ideal for cross-country skiers.

The Římov reservoir was built on the Malše River, south of České Budějovice, near the village of Římov, and it also extends into the cadastral areas of the villages of Velešín and Svatý Jan nad Malší. It was constructed between 1971 and 1978 as a drinking water reservoir for České Budějovice and the surrounding area. The Římov dam is inaccessible to swimmers and anglers. In terms of the reservoir's volume and the volume of water withdrawn, it is currently the largest water supply reservoir in South Bohemia.

Preparation of the project began in the late 1960s, when a decision was made regarding the location of the dam near Římov and the water treatment plant near the village of Plav. Actual construction commenced in January 1974. The dam embankment was completed by the end of 1976. Filling of the reservoir began in June 1978.

The total volume of the reservoir reaches almost 34 million m3, and the flooded area covers 210 hectares. The embankment dam is 290 m long and 47.5 m high. A road and a red tourist trail run along the dam between Římov and Svatý Jan nad Malší. The reinforced concrete tower structure is the location of the shaft for the small bottom outlet, as well as two water intake shafts and two additional bottom outlets. The upper machine room at the top is accessible via a steel footbridge from the dam crest. A small hydroelectric power plant is located in the lower machine room.

As the main source of drinking water for South Bohemia, the Římov reservoir is protected by conservation zones; the first zone is forested, while in the second and third zones, any activity is governed by management principles. Wastewater treatment plants exist in larger villages within the reservoir basin.

If visitors wish to view the dam from various angles, they can walk along the yellow trail from Římov to Velešín on the western bank, and a blue tourist trail winds from Římov to Kaplice on the eastern bank. In addition to the dam, visitors can view the Jesuit Baroque château in Římov, while the castle ruins can be seen in Velešín. It is certainly worthwhile to take a trip to České Budějovice, where visitors can visit the South Bohemian Museum and take a photo by the famous Samson Fountain. The town of Český Krumlov also entices visitors with its history, particularly its château and various museums. One of the most visited places in this region is the Zlatá Koruna Monastery. For families with children, the greatest experience will be a day at ZOO Dvorec in Borovany.

If visitors wish to stay near the Římov reservoir, they should begin their search in the three villages it extends into. Visitors can try entering cottages or private accommodation into a search engine, for example. In addition to Římov, Velešín, and Svatý Jan nad Malší, visitors can also focus on nearby villages; in Zubčice, visitors can look at the offer of guesthouses, Mojné has a choice of cottages and chalets, and Kamenný Újezd welcomes tourists in apartments, for instance. A more diverse range of accommodation can be found in the towns of Kaplice, Český Krumlov, and České Budějovice.