Radostov between medieval traces and forest

Radostov combines medieval traces with a settlement layout shaped by the Radostovský potok, as well as ponds and forests. The village’s history includes a former manor and a fortress, alongside later features such as the stone cross dating from 1887. For your trip, these can be grouped into three distinct themes: the village’s history, its local architectural forms, and its landscape of water and forest.

Settlement and history

Starý Radostov forms the western part of the settlement, while Nový Radostov lies to the east. The Radostovský potok separates the two parts and is also one of the local water features. Aldyk de Radostow is named as the owner of the village of Starý Radostov in 1395. The names of the two settlement areas indicate the village’s layout; the historical reference adds a specific point in time.

A former manor stood in the floodplain of the Radostovský potok, immediately south of the present-day centre of Radostov. Finds place its period of use between the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and the end of the 15th century. It was built in two partially overlapping phases. The former fortress consisted of a raised central mound surrounded by a ditch and rampart. Its basic layout can be understood as a raised centre with enclosing features.

The fire station building stands in the village centre, with a bell tower on top. A stone cross in Radostov dates from 1887. The mill now called “Mlýnek” appears on older maps under the names “Radostovský mlýn” and “Radostower Mühle”.

The dates highlight different periods: finds place the manor’s period of use between the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and the end of the 15th century, while the stone cross bears the year 1887. Thus, medieval use and a clearly later, dated local feature stand side by side.

Water and landscape

The water features in Radostov include the Radostovský potok, two ponds used for private fish farming, and a fire-fighting water reservoir. In addition to their economic and recreational functions, these water features also serve to retain water. Forests still surround Radostov on three sides. Water and forest give the landscape two distinct characteristics: the stream also divides the settlement, while the forests surround the village on three sides.

Routes and practical information

According to the municipality’s planning status, Radostov has no dedicated cycling infrastructure; this infrastructure may change. Therefore, check current conditions before setting out. The “Královéhradecký okruh na koni” (Královéhradecký Horseback Riding Circuit) passes through Radostov and continues to Hrádek u Nechanic Castle. Before your trip, check the route conditions and the availability of the horse-riding station.

A regional cycling route in the surrounding area is the 28.1 km Hradecko cycling route “Proti proudu času” (“Against the Flow of Time”). It passes through Radíkovice and Těchlovice and includes Hrádek u Nechanic. The two routes therefore differ in both mode of transport and course: the horse-riding route passes through Radostov and continues to the castle, while the cycling route is described as a route in the surrounding area. Access points and route conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lubno, Libřice, Dohalice, Sovětice, Syrovátka, Blešno, Lišice, Praskačka.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Hradec Králové.