Havlov, Historical hermitage in Žďárec, Czech Republic
Havlov is a hermitage situated above the Bobrůvka River valley in a thickly forested area within the highland regions of the Moravian landscape. The property sits within dense woodland, offering an isolated setting that gives the place its quiet and secluded character.
The hermitage was built in 1908 by the Havel family as a summer retreat, featuring a wooden structure with dining facilities on the ground level and sleeping quarters above. This construction marked the start of this isolated site being used as a private getaway for the family.
During the 1950s, Václav Havel, who later became president of the Czech Republic, spent his childhood at this property and attended school in Žďárec.
The site lies about 14 kilometers west of Tišnov and is reachable via local roads that connect to the surrounding countryside. Visitors should keep in mind that the area is heavily forested and the climate in the higher elevations differs from lower-lying regions.
The property featured tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool where notable Czech actors and writers gathered for social events between the wars. These recreational facilities show that the place was not just a quiet retreat but also served as a social hub for cultural figures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
