Hrčava: Wooden Church, Tripoint and Marked Trails

Hrčava brings together the wooden Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius, a tripoint and several marked routes. Planning a stay here can focus on both architecture and local history, as well as specific destinations along the way. You can choose which direction to take based on your interest in culture or hiking.

Wooden church and sacred architecture

The wooden Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius was built in 1936 to a design by architect Karel Náhůnek. Its exterior combines a style of wooden construction typical of the Těšín region with modern architectural elements inside. The carved wooden baptismal font was made by Ondřej Zogata, who was born in Hrčava. The church is considered the youngest traditionally designed wooden church in the Czech Republic and an important example of sacred interwar architecture. It is listed as an immovable cultural monument under registration number ÚSKP 107055.

To the tripoint and along marked trails

At Hrčavské Trojmezí, the borders of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia meet. Three granite monoliths mark the point; a covered wooden shelter is nearby. A 2 km yellow-marked route leads there from the village centre. The Czech approach passes between wooden houses through the village on a plateau characterised by meadows and small fields.

A longer circular route is the 11 km “Kolem Trojmezí”: it starts in Hrčava, passes through Jaworzynka and Čierne, and returns to Hrčava. Another hiking route runs 5.5 km from Hrčava to Gírová and is marked red. The routes differ in length and destination, so you can include in your plans the path to the tripoint, the circuit through Jaworzynka and Čierne, or the route to Gírová.

A cycling route also passes through Hrčava. On “Za den přes tři státy,” the village is at kilometre 10.9. There, the route passes the wooden Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius, the three granite monoliths and the Polish border crossing. This section therefore links cultural landmarks with places associated with the border.

Local history and religious tradition

The regional mini-museum is located in Hrčava’s primary school and can be visited accompanied by Mr Vojkovský. For more information, ask at the self-service shop. The Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage takes place in Hrčava every year on 5 July.

The Lurdská jeskyně was built as a place of worship and consecrated on 5 July 1937 on the occasion of the Hrčava pilgrimage. According to tradition, the water at the grotto is said to cure eye ailments. An old customs house also still stands by a forest path between Hrčava and Jaworzynka. It was used mainly to protect the border from smugglers.

Getting there and practical planning

A signposted car park with ample capacity is located at the entrance to Hrčava. As visitor facilities may change, check the latest information about the car park before travelling. Hrčava can also be reached by bus from Mosty u Jablunkova railway station. Check the timetable before your journey.

Discover more destinations: Staré Hamry, Řepiště, Bruzovice, Mosty U Jablunkova, Metylovice, Kaňovice, Třinec, Baška.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Okres Frýdek-Místek.