Radhošť: St. George’s Church, Šejval and Loučná

Radhošť combines architectural history, protected nature and cycling opportunities in a distinctive local profile. St. George’s Church and its bell tower represent its historic side; north of the village lies the Šejval pond and the adjacent natural monument. There is also a cycle path through Radhošť and along the Loučná. Its location on the Pardubice–Česká Třebová railway line is another useful point of reference when planning a stay. This makes it easy to organize the local highlights around architectural history, nature and outdoor activities.

St. George’s Church and bell tower

The present stone St. George’s Church was built in 1773 after the original church burned down. The church and bell tower were designated cultural monuments and underwent a long-term restoration; the church has been protected as an immovable cultural monument since 3 May 1958.

In front of the entrance stands the wooden bell tower on stone foundations, with a shingle roof. It houses the surviving bell: weighing 1,000 kilograms, it bears an inscription stating that it was made in 1509. The church building and the bell tell different stories of time: the present church followed a fire, while the bell’s inscription gives an earlier year of manufacture. This makes it possible to distinguish rebuilding and the preserved bell as two separate aspects of the area’s architectural history.

The wooden bell tower was restored in 2012. A visit to the monument and the Christmas nativity scene in the church is planned for Christmas Eve. If you choose this date for your visit, check the local visitor information in advance.

Šejval pond and natural monument

The small Šejval pond lies north of Radhošť on the road to Jaroslav and covers 2.34 hectares. On 12 May 1982, the pond and adjacent area were declared a national natural monument after a rare aquatic plant was discovered there. The designation therefore covers not only the water but also the adjacent area.

Rare plants grow in the marshy meadow by the pond, including angular onion and broad-leaved marsh orchid. The history of Šejval’s protection thus connects a specific discovery with a habitat where other rare plants also occur. At St. George’s, architectural history and restoration are the main focus; at Šejval, the focus is on the history of protection and plant life.

Cycling and getting there

A cycle path runs through Radhošť, following the winding Loučná and offering families with children a recreational option. As route conditions can change, check the latest information before setting off. A route to Zámrsk follows the Loučná via the Malejov farm and past the horse paddocks in Janovičky. It does not cross the main road. This gives you two specific reference points for planning: the cycle path through Radhošť and the described route to Zámrsk.

Radhošť is also on the Pardubice–Česká Třebová railway line. Check the timetable before travelling. The railway line and cycle paths offer different points of reference for your plans: one is about the rail connection, the other about recreational opportunities and specific routes.

Discover more destinations: Letohrad, Cervená Voda, Hnátnice, Řetová, Horní Morava, Ceske Libchavy, Strážná, Mistrovice.

For the broader travel overview: Ústí nad Orlicí District.