Revitalize Your Energy and Boost Your Mood: Ten Inspiring Destinations to Rejuvenate Your Spirit Year-Round
Pilgrimage Basilica on Svatý Hostýn
About 30 kilometers east of Přerov, you will find the village of Hostýn, which is home to one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic. The hill where the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands has a complex and fascinating history. It has been a favored location since prehistoric times when people constructed a fortress there, and remnants of that fortress can still be seen today. In medieval times, the local residents were captivated by the mysterious walls and built the Chapel of the Virgin Mary nearby during the late Middle Ages. This location quickly turned into a pilgrimage site filled with various legends inspired by the ancient settlement remains and a nearby spring.
One of the most well-known legends that originated here, known as the Hostýn legend, tells of local villagers who sought refuge on the hill from Tatar attacks. As their food supplies began to dwindle, they prayed to the Mother of God, asking for a spring to emerge at their shelter. Soon after, a fierce storm struck, sending the raiders away. As the story spread, more pilgrims flocked to Hostýn, prompting the construction of the current Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the early 18th century. A Water Chapel was built around the miraculous spring, and today, thousands of pilgrims visit this site, often walking the beautifully designed Way of the Cross by Dusan Jurkovic.
Modlivý mine near Svojkov
The woods surrounding Nový Bor conceal another notable pilgrimage spot. The Blue Mine near Svojkov is a rocky gorge rich with various legends. In one of them, a knight and his beloved perished, specifically the daughter of a brewer from Velenice, whose love was opposed by the knight’s parents. Another tale tells of a young farmer who accidentally killed his brother-in-law in the valley. To ward off spirits, local residents hung the First Holy Picture here in 1704. Since then, more images have appeared, and pilgrims stop here to share stories of miracles and answered prayers. Over time, a chapel was carved into the rock where people gathered for services. Due to its growing popularity, the Praying Mine became a source of contention for the church, which called for the removal of the holy pictures, plaques expressing gratitude for answered prayers, and even holy statues. It wasn’t until the 1930s, during a cholera outbreak, that people returned to the Praying Mine, a place of magic that even Emperor Ferdinand V. cherished during his rides from Zákupy Castle.
Ruins of Andělská Hora Castle
Close to Karlovy Vary, you will find an important pilgrimage site in the region. Andělská Hora features the ruins of a Gothic castle from the 14th century that was crucial during the Hussite wars. Today, only the remnants of the castle remain, which have turned into a popular destination for excursions and epitomize a romantic ruin. The hill where the castle once stood remains a striking feature of the landscape and offers stunning views. From this vantage point, you can see a memorial linden tree, once home to a spring of miraculous water known for healing pilgrims. The area still radiates positive energy that can lift your spirits, especially during gloomy autumn days.
Rose of Heaven in Dolní Kounice
The Rosa Coeli Monastery in Dolní Kounice, also known as the Rose of Heaven, is Moravia’s oldest female Premonstratensian monastery. It was founded in 1181 and built in the Gothic style. The Hussite wars marked a dark time for this beautiful residence, as it was first set ablaze by the Hussites in 1420, and a century later, in 1526, it was utterly destroyed. The monastery fell into disrepair until only the main walls and some arches remained. Today, even the ruins exude an unprecedented charm—instead of a ceiling, you can gaze at the starry sky between the walls. Those more attuned to their surroundings may feel waves of positive energy enveloping them.
Rotunda of Peter and Paul in Budč u Zákolan
The functional Rotunda of Peter and Paul in Budč serves as a reminder of the beginnings of the Czech state, having been built around 1100 years ago. The nave of the church was constructed by the son of the first Přemyslid king, Bořivoj Spytihněv. This site is not only the oldest surviving structure in the country, but it also stands as the first school in Czech history. The first mention of the rotunda, situated within the largest known fortification of the Czech lands, dates back to the 10th century. According to the legend of St. Wenceslas, he learned Latin, writing, and reading here. However, as the Přemyslids moved to Prague Castle, Budč lost its significance and began to decline. The last records of the rotunda and the fortifications date to the 13th century, yet the church has maintained its beauty. Moreover, the location is saturated with a profound positive energy, and its layout resembles a heart shape. Surrounding Budč are unique energy fields, which even inspired the names of nearby villages—Zákolany and Koleč. Those who are more sensitive will find solace here, feeling uplifted above worldly problems.
Moonstone near Javorník in Pošumava
On the edge of the Javorník Mountains, near the village of Zkulín, you will find a peculiar almost two-meter-high grey-green boulder, not far from Javorník, which features a lookout tower named Klostermann. According to psychotronics, this stone is believed to be a place where Earth and cosmic energy connect, similar to other menhirs. The name “Moonstone” comes from the crescent moon artificially marked on its western side. Such markings, sometimes referred to as the “eye of the menhir,” are often found on similar stones and are thought to have greater energy than the surrounding surfaces. The stone’s individual sides also have different energy levels. The side with the “eye” is considered the most powerful, while the narrower southern side is believed to draw energy from people nearby, which can feel uncomfortable and suggest a negative polarity. You can reach this site by following the associated nature trail from Javorník, signposted with small informative boards.
God’s Stones near Strakonice
One of the most powerful natural sanctuaries in the Czech Republic is found at a place called Boží kameny (or God’s Stones) near Strakonice. People who can sense the rising energy describe their experiences as incredibly soothing and comforting. God’s Stones are considered one of the most potent “charging” locations in the Czech Republic, formed by a natural frost log of crumbling granite blocks. This mystical site, located between Kraselov and Tažovice, attracts visitors seeking spiritual experiences, especially on their first visit. A constant flow of cosmic energy is thought to enter an area within one of the stones. People believe that one particular boulder, shaped like a ship, has healing properties, especially for chronic illnesses. The most active energy point is near the edge of the boulder rather than in the center, making it easier to find due to the foot traffic in the area.
To Křížový vrch in Jeseníky
In the Nízke Jeseník region, you will discover a unique Baroque Stations of the Cross from the 18th century, which follows a path from the village of Ruda to the summit of Cross Hill. The 14 stops along the route are shaped like a heart and feature reliefs depicting scenes of the Passion. At the peak (589 m), a sculpture of Calvary caps the path. Walking this trail seems to radiate positive energy, and you will sense a rush of new strength simply by taking in the beautiful landscape. From this viewpoint, you can see the fertile plains of Haná, the dramatic massif of Hrubý Jeseník, along with the hills of Králický Sněžník and the Úsovská vrchovina. An intriguing aspect is that if you connect Křížový vrch on a map with other key pilgrimage spots in the area like the Chapel of St. Roch above Úsov and the Stations of the Cross in Mladějovice, they form a geometric triangle.
Kbíl dolmen in Strakonice
Three stone blocks located near Švejcar Lhota resemble a dolmen—a large stone table created by ancient humans. This site has drawn attention from sensitive individuals and modern occultists alike, who claim to feel a strong influx of cosmic energy here, reportedly capable of recharging lost energy and even preventing allergy attacks. Evidence of frequent visits to this sacred space can be seen in the stone figures left by other visitors scattered around the dolmen. From Švejcar’s Lhota, a yellow-marked trail leads directly to this location.
Top of Říp Mountain
Famous and highly regarded Mount Říp is a significant site linked to the founding of our country. People who are sensitive to energy feel that the geology of the area allows for strong energy radiation to radiate from the Earth into its surroundings. There may be some truth to that, as the basalt rock includes magnetite, which can create local magnetic anomalies, such as the compass behaving strangely. Additionally, springs on the slopes of Říp contribute to the site’s sacred feel. The spring located on the eastern side is commonly believed to have healing powers. Those seeking positive energy can benefit by climbing to the Rotunda of St. George and St. Vojtech and placing both palms on the stonework. With persistent effort, more attuned individuals might notice a tingling sensation in their fingers.
