Working Parties in the Czech Republic in 2023

For details or to book a place apply to:

Brněnec, Moravia, Saturday 5th to Saturday 12th August 

Brněnec is a village in the Pardubice Region. The Low-Beer family founded a textile-producing company here more than 200 years ago. The factory was confiscated after the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany in 1938 and in 1944 Oskar Schindler took it over.

What happened next was the basis for Schindler's Ark, the historical novel by Thomas Keneally, on which Steven Spielberg based the award-winning film Schindler's List. The ruins of the factory are being turned into a museum and The Friends of Czech Heritage are excited to be playing a small role in this with our working party in August.

During the week we will have an excursion to places of interest in the neighbourhood.

Image © MiaowMiaow via Creative Commons

Červený Dvůr, Saturday 12th to Saturday 19th August 2023

The historic estate in South Bohemia was once the summer residence of the Schwarzenberg family and is now a sanatorium. In 2023, participants will be helping to complete the refurbishment of the former gardener’s cottage, the Mauricovna. This project is dear to the hearts of many of our members and supporters and we have provided labour and funding for it over several years. There will also be opportunities to walk around the park and to use the lovely café which opened last year in the Bažantnice (pheasantry).During the week there will be the opportunity to visit some of the region’s houses and castles. No prior skills are required, although participants will need to have a good level of fitness. A very limited number of places are still available. Image © Martin Steibelt

Krásný Dvůr, Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th September 2023

This large estate that once belonged to the Czernin family and is now in the care of the Czech National Heritage Institute. The estate is famous for its Baroque château and beautiful landscaped gardens, which have been developed over the centuries. Volunteers will help with the restoration of the historic Gamekeeper's cottage, which will include ground clearance and building work. During the week there will be an excursion to places and historic buildings in the vicinity. No prior skills are required, although participants will need to have a good level of fitness.

Image © Milan Svoboda

Teplice nad Metují, Saturday 2nd to Saturday 9th September 2023

The resort town of Teplice nad Metují is situated in rolling, forested country of northern Bohemia near the Czech border with Poland. The Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary has a historic hermitage attached to it, which is being painstakingly restored by a small local group of volunteers. The work this year may include stone walling, plastering and limewashing. During the week we will have an excursion to places of interest in the neighbourhood. Come and join us. Participants will need a good level of fitness.

Image © Martin Steibelt