Bukvice: Landscape, Culture and History

Situated on the southern slope of the Velišský hřbet, Bukvice combines a distinctive landscape with tangible evidence of the village’s history. You can choose a destination based on three themes: views of the surrounding regions, cultural monuments in the village, and routes for hiking and cycling.

Landscape and Views

The area around Bukvice is characterised by fields, meadows, hills and forests. From Bukvice, at 318 metres above sea level, and Křelina, at 368 metres, the views extend to the panorama of Český ráj, including the Prachovské skály. At the same time, they take in a landscape that gradually gives way to the Polabská nížina. The views thus combine named rock formations with a broad geographical transition. The two place names and elevations offer a specific point of reference if you are interested in the landscape around Bukvice.

Culture and Local History

A group of statues depicting the Crucifixion, dating from 1740, stands in the village square. At the other end of the village is a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from 1765; the Baroque chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk is also in the village and dates from 1767. The chapel and statue are distinct historical landmarks, although both are dedicated to the same saint. The dates can be compared directly: the statue and, two years later, the chapel followed the group of statues depicting the Crucifixion. The village square, chapel and statue mark different local points of reference.

The first written mention of Bukvice appears in a royal charter issued by John of Luxembourg on 12 March 1327. This provides a precisely dated historical reference alongside the later dates of the village’s monuments. Those interested in history will find in Bukvice both an early written reference to the village and tangible cultural heritage from the 18th century.

Gallery and Current Programme

Eva and Jiří Valter opened the “Na Špejcharu” gallery in their weekend house in 2004. The owners make the loft available to other artists. Alongside the chapel, statue and group of statues depicting the Crucifixion, a gallery is therefore also part of Bukvice’s cultural offering. If you would like to visit the gallery, check the current programme in advance.

Routes and Activities

The Bukvice–Křelina field-path project was completed in 2025 and connects Bukvice with the cadastral area of Nadslav. Following the completion of the project, a yellow-marked hiking trail runs along field path HC1. This is distinct from the field paths between Bukvice and Křelina, which are suitable for cycling, among other activities. The options described thus include both a marked hiking trail and field paths specifically mentioned as suitable for cycling.

The tourist information centre in Bukvice offers quests in the Mariánská zahrada area. These include “Putování po lesních kapličkách Mariánské zahrady”. The specific title gives you a thematic starting point for choosing a quest. If you include such an activity in your travel plans, you can consider the routes mentioned and the quest offering as different aspects of your stay.

Bukvice for Your Hotel Search

As a destination, Bukvice offers a clearly defined profile combining its hillside location, landscape, historical landmarks and activities involving routes and quests.

Discover more destinations: Slavhostice, Zámostí-Blata, Jeřice, Choteč, Zeleznice, Jicineves, Sekeřice, Kopidlno.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Jičín.