Light fortification building - Honzík

In the 1930s, fears of an invasion of Czechoslovakia grew. Therefore, fortresses were built on the border mountains as part of the state fortifications. In total, around 10,000 such structures formed a defensive line around the borders with Germany, Poland, Hungary and Austria. And why are they called trenches? The fortifications were built by the Directorate of Fortification Works, which bore the abbreviation ŘOP. It was only a short step from that to the popular name "kopik".
Not far from Volary, in Camp B near the Soumar Bridge, you will find the Museum of Light Fortification, otherwise known as the "Honzik's digger", which is fully equipped and armed as it was after its completion. The weapons are of course degraded, so they cannot be fired, but they are a great documentation of the history of the building. Thanks to the enthusiasts who have restored the trench to its original appearance, you can take a guided tour, or shoot an air rifle or throw a grenade.
The gun carries the designation 195/61/A-180 Z and is a light fortification object model 37. This reinforced concrete fortress is actually a miniature of a large heavy infantry hut with loopholes, ventilation, periscopes and a grenade chute. The entrance was fitted with an armoured door and the trench was designed for a crew of 3 to 7 men and was built in a total of 4 variants. The Honzík was of type A, i.e. for 7 men for the side firing of two machine guns in the gunports, which were covered from the enemy's view by the characteristic handles. The number 180 means that the axis angle of the gunports was 180 degrees.
The Museum of Light Fortification can be found on the left bank of the Vltava River in the campsite by the Soumarský Bridge (turn left at the reception). There are two more buildings near the museum - the Honzík trench - 195/62/A-140 Z to the north and 195/60/A-180 to the south. From Volary you can walk to the museum in less than two hours, it is about 7 km. You can also take the train, the journey takes about half an hour and from the Soumarský most stop you can reach the digger in about 7 minutes. By car, you can reach the Soumarský Bridge on road 39 in about five minutes. The museum is only open during the summer season, from May to September.