Králův mlýn, Religious hermitage in Maxičky, Czech Republic
Králův mlýn is a hermitage of stone ruins standing at 353 meters elevation, nestled within dense forest and mountain trails in northern Bohemia. The site shows traces of a former mill with water channels integrated into the rocky landscape.
The site began in 1577 as a sawmill and later transformed into a hermitage, though it was destroyed in 1632 during the Thirty Years War. After this devastation, the location was gradually rebuilt and adapted to its new purpose.
The place served as a spiritual retreat for hermits over centuries and later housed French prisoners during World War II. This changing role shaped how people experienced life at this remote mountain location.
Access is through a 1.5 kilometer gorge path starting from Háj, following the old trade routes with trail markers. The path can be rough underfoot, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear and extra time are important.
Visitors often discover a working water wheel model that local scouts rebuilt in the 1990s based on historical plans. This small technical reminder shows how water power once drove the site's original operations.
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