To the cross on top of the Vintíř rock, which forms the tip of the Březník mountain (1006 m above sea level), we climb the granite steps carved into the rock. The viewpoint used to offer a wonderful view of the Otava valley, the border ridges of Šumava and Brda. Because of the mature trees, the view is minimal, but it is still a place where you can relax in peace almost in the treetops.
Under the rock, in 1040, the monk Vintíř (Günther), a member of the powerful Thuringian family of the Counts of Schwarzburg, a relative of the German Emperor Henry II, settled in a hermitage in a rock cave. Even so, thanks to his influence and knowledge of Slavic languages, Vintíř was instrumental in bringing peace between the Czech prince Břetislav and the emperor Henry III. After his death in October 1045, Prince Břetislav gave permission to deposit his remains in the Břevnov Monastery.
A wooden pilgrimage chapel was built under the rock, which was replaced by a brick chapel in the 19th century. Back in the 1930s, pilgrimages of Czech and German old-timers took place to the Vintíř Rock.
The chapel and cave where the hermit Vintíř lived were blown up by the army in the 1950s, the area became part of the Dobrá Voda military district.
In 1992, thanks to the contribution of members of the St. Vintière from Rinchnach in Bavaria and the town of Hartmanice, the chapel was rebuilt in its original form and consecrated on October 11, 1992. The carved steps to the top of the rock and the summit cross were restored.
Next to the chapel is a stone slab, under which lies the urn with the ashes of Josef Karel Hašek, the owner of a number of properties in Hartmanick. Dr. Hašek was a Prague banker, coming from the family of the co-owner of the Prague publishing house Melantrich. After emigrating in 1948, he also worked in the USA as vice president of the International Bank of Washington and a member of expatriate associations. Eliška Coolidge Hašková's daughter worked in the White House.
How to get here:
From Hartmanice along the Vintíř trail (blue and green sign) – approx. 4.5 km. The road leads through Dobrá Voda and the defunct Pustina settlement with the ruins of a grove that was inhabited by the legendary MUDr. Zdeněk Kostrouch, doctor on horseback.
From Dobrá Voda, the route is approx. 1.7 km long, similarly from the parking lot at Chata Rovina.
Březník is one of the destinations within the Hartmanické excursion circuit.
An interesting trip can also be planned from Prášil (via the closed/unclosed bridge in Stodůlky or via Vysoké Lávky) or from Rejštějn.
Mapa
