Mlyn Danemark

A fabulous, romantic little gem.

We took the red trail from Kutná Hora to Malešov, heading toward Vrchlické vodopády. The place is magical, with water, rocks, and lovely nature all around. I especially liked the opening in the wall where you can see the mill wheel, and there’s an interesting little bridge too. It was a beautiful trip.

The mill under Poličany, in the Vrchlice river valley south of Kutná Hora, west of Poličany, is a protected monument and a model of an old Czech mill. It has been protected since 1964. Its founding date is unknown, but it was first mentioned in writing in 1491, when Mírek of Solopiska and Peček and Mikeš of Třebešice sold it to Pavol of Zbraslavice. In 1493, the miller Štěpán bought it, with the money intended for Pavol's children. By 1494, Mírek's son Hynek was farming at Dänemark, then the Třebešice family took turns there from 1495, and Mírek of Peček returned in 1504. The name Dänemark, also written Denemark or Denemarkský mlýn, and popularly called Delemark, came from nearby adits where Danes worked in the Middle Ages, across from the mill garden. In 1682, miller Anna Vachková, pronounced Denemarská, left the mill to Sedlec Monastery. The Kutná Hora councilors wouldn't allow the bequest because the mill was a burgher's property and subject to a soul tax, paying taxes to the city and church. Later owner Karel Tepfer, also known as Töpfer, got permission in 1697 to use the bridge over the Pách stream. Beer was being served at the mill then, which upset the administrators of the Kutná Hora mines and smelters. In 1715, Jan Kuchynka bought it from Tepfer's widow and was allowed to serve beer, but only from the municipality of Lorca. Jiří Krása and his wife acquired the mill in 1717. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the mid-18th century and had four water wheels. Milling continued until 1936. The Kremlová family lived there in the second half of the 20th century, and for most of that century until 1970, it was the Těšitelov family's home, which is why it was called Těšitelov's mill. The building was also used for recreation. In the 1970s, prominent artists including Jan Werich met there, and an apartment theater put on banned plays. The water wheel and its drive system were repaired in 1997.

It feels like stepping into another world, a peaceful paradise with delicious food. Everything was clean, beautiful, and spacious, and the service was kind and amazing. I'd absolutely recommend it if you want to switch off for a few days.