Horní Staré Buky: Landscape and Local History

In Horní Staré Buky, the history of the village can be understood through its former independence and named architectural and commemorative landmarks; the settlement landscape of Staré Buky also offers views of the fields, valley and hilly terrain.

Historic Settlement Landscape

In the historic settlement landscape of Staré Buky, the fields are laid out essentially perpendicular to the valley of the Starobucký potok. At the same time, the settlement landscape takes account of the contours of the hilly terrain. These two features can be considered separately: the valley provides the reference direction for the fields, while the terrain is another factor shaping the settlement layout. This is therefore about more than just a stream: it is about the interplay of the valley’s course, the fields and the hilly terrain. For travelers interested in historic landscape forms, this is a specific thematic focus.

Villages and Waterways

Historically, Horní Staré Buky was one of three independent villages. The other two were called Dolní Staré Buky and Prostřední Staré Buky. The three settlements extended for about five kilometers along both banks of the Starobucký potok. The approximate length describes the extent of the settlement group; the reference to both banks adds information about its location on either side of the stream. Horní Staré Buky can thus be understood both as an independent historic village and as part of this larger settlement area.

The stream is also described by specific tributaries within the built-up area of Horní Staré Buky: first it takes in a tributary on the left, and farther downstream the Žďárský potok. For a watercourse, “left” refers to the side when facing downstream; the second tributary is located farther along the stream’s course. In the territory of the municipality of Staré Buky, the Starobucký potok rises at the eastern edge of the municipality and is 10.5 kilometers long. These municipal details about the stream’s source and length supplement the description of its tributaries in the built-up area.

Architectural History and Commemorative Landmarks

One named architectural landmark is “Starobucké Hradčany.” The building dates from the mid-1990s. A historical description identifies it as a state agricultural farm in Horní Staré Buky and as a memorial site. The construction date and the commemorative designation describe different aspects: the date places the building’s origins in context, while the designation records its historical characterization.

A local excursion guide from 2015 also mentions a restored cross on a forest path between Střítěž and Horní Staré Buky, near Hainova Dvůr. Since the description dates from 2015, check the condition on site before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Chotevice, Svoboda Nad Upou, Libotov, Borovnice U Staré Paky, Dvůr Králové Nad Labem, Stanovice U Kuksu, Rtyne V Podkrkonosi, Bílá Třemešná

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.