Discover Vortová

Vortová offers several ways to shape a trip: protected wetlands, cycling, seasonal excursions, ponds and a village character defined by its chapel, customs and crafts. When planning, you can decide whether nature, activities by the water or local history should take centre stage.

Wetlands and protected nature

The Utopenec Nature Reserve encompasses the floodplain of the Vortovský potok stream between the Utopenec pond and the Hamerská přehrada dam. Along the meandering stream are peatland and wet-meadow communities, as well as rare wetland plants, including orchids and bog species. Amphibians, reptiles and wetland birds also find habitat here; black storks often visit the area to forage. The floodplain, stream, plant life and animal groups give the protected area a cohesive wetland character.

The protected Návesník Natural Monument lies within the cadastral area of Vortová. Its protection covers peatland, fen and wet purple moor-grass meadow communities, Nardus grasslands, and a pond with sedge stands along its banks and aquatic vegetation. Unlike Utopenec, whose description highlights the floodplain and meandering stream, Návesník combines moorland and meadow communities with vegetation around a pond. The two protected areas therefore differ in the landscape and habitat features described.

Cycling, hiking and ponds

The long-distance “Pražská stezka” cycling route passes directly through Vortová on its way from Brno to Prague. Cycling around the village mainly involves forest roads with little traffic, and there are often opportunities to stop at the surrounding ponds along the way. This gives you two distinct cycling options: a long-distance route through Vortová and rides around the village. Before setting out, check the current route and conditions.

Vortová is also a starting point for summer hikes and winter skiing trips to Žákova hora. The distinction between summer and winter gives these excursions a clear seasonal character; trail conditions may vary. Three ponds are suitable for spending time by the water or swimming, although recreational use may be subject to local conditions and permits. One of the three ponds belongs to a Český rybářský svaz fishing ground that is not designated for trout fishing.

Chapel, customs and local history

The Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is in the centre of Vortová and is a distinctive local landmark. It was completed in July 1882 and built in the Neo-Romanesque style. The style name refers to a revival of Romanesque forms and adds an architectural context to the exact completion date. Services are held according to the published announcements. If you plan to attend a service, check these notices.

Customs and historic crafts are also part of the village’s history. Vortová continues to preserve its traditional masked Shrovetide procession, known locally as “Vostatky”. Details vary from year to year, so if you are planning your trip around the procession, check the dates in advance. Glassmaking in Vortová dates from the 17th century to the 1750s. There is also a collection of restored timber houses that are still in use. The enduring custom, glassmaking from a specific historical period and continued use of timber construction each represent a different aspect of local history.

Discover more destinations: Vápenný Podol, Stolany, Všeradov, Úhřetice, Zderaz, Premilov, Chrudim, Trhová Kamenice.

For the broader travel overview: Chrudim District.