Radovesnice Ii: Tractors, Nativity Scene and Protected Forests

Radovesnice Ii brings together a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: historic agricultural machinery, a large ceramic Christmas nativity scene and protected forest habitats. For your stay, the nativity scene’s season, arrangements for certain group tours and bus connections to the town are particularly relevant.

Historic Tractors at the Museum

The Muzeum Veteránů Radovesnice II displays historic tractors, including LANZ BULLDOG, Landini, Vierzon, a half-track Zetor and the MB Trac. The exhibits are spread across a total of nine halls. These vehicles give your museum visit a specific focus: you can view the various tractors as individual exhibits while also taking into account how the collection is distributed across the halls.

For groups of at least 15 people, the museum offers guided tours outside regular opening hours by prior arrangement. If you are planning such a tour, arrange the date before you arrive.

Ceramic Nativity Scene with a Seasonal Visiting Period

The Radovesnický betlém is the largest ceramic Christmas nativity scene in Czechia and includes more than 470 ceramic figures. The landscape depiction also shapes the work, alongside the number of figures: a central strip shows a typical Czech landscape with a rural character, small churches and folk-style buildings. As you look around, you can focus on both the figures and the crafted scenery.

The nativity scene is open all day from the beginning of Advent until January 31. Outside this period, visits can be arranged by phone. Plan around this time frame and call ahead to arrange a visit outside it.

Protected Forest Areas and Access Routes

The Žiželický les Natural Monument lies within the cadastral areas of Choťovice, Končice and Radovesnice II. It protects oak-hornbeam and oak forest communities, as well as the scarce fritillary (Euphydryas maturna), the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and the lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus). Two access routes are described for visitors: an unmarked path from the Korce farmstead to the north, and a path branching off from the Dománovice–Žiželice road to the south. The northern route is specifically unmarked; bear this distinction in mind when finding your way.

The Dománovický les Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral areas of Dománovice and Radovesnice II. Its protected features include a natural Hercynian oak-hornbeam forest, oak forests and rare animal and plant species, especially orchids and butterflies. It is therefore another protected area with its own named habitats. Before visiting, check current nature conservation information for guidance on the reserve’s boundaries.

Industrial and Architectural History

The Libněveská řepařská drážka was a narrow-gauge sugar beet railway with a track gauge of 600 millimetres. It began operating on August 18, 1925; Radovesnice II is one of the places mentioned in connection with the historic railway. Regional industrial history is therefore another subject to explore during a stay, alongside the museum and nativity scene.

Radovesnice II Castle was first mentioned in 1571. No structural remains survive from the vanished castle; the place name “Na Hrádku” still recalls its existence. Another historic structure is the cemetery gate in Radovesnice II: it dates from the early 19th century and was built in the Empire style. The castle’s first mention and the gate’s construction date mark distinct points of historical reference.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Radovesnice Ii can be reached by bus from Kolín, Kutná Hora or Chlumec nad Cidlinou. Check current connections before setting out. If you are looking for hotels in Radovesnice Ii, you can plan your travel dates around the attraction you wish to visit: the nativity scene has a seasonal visiting period, while group tours require prior arrangements. Then compare the specific details of the hotel offers.

Discover more destinations: Malotice, Týnec Nad Labem, Libodřice, Žehuň, Ratenice, Uhlířská Lhota, Český Brod, Drahobudice

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Kolín.