Býkev brings together two distinct travel interests: the history of the Český lev monument and the landscape on the edge of the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area. The village lies directly on the boundary of the protected area. When planning a stay, you can first consider whether historical sites or time spent on hiking trails should take priority.
Landscape and Trails
Visitors can explore the surrounding landscape on hiking trails in the part of the Protected Landscape Area adjoining Býkev. Býkev also offers a beautiful view of the notable Říp mountain, about 18 km away. The hiking trails and the view offer two different ways to experience the landscape: the trails let you explore the surroundings, while the view focuses on a particular mountain.
The landscape is also reflected in the municipality’s planning. The municipality’s planning area includes the registered significant landscape feature VKP 107 Pískovna Býkev. The local biocorridor LBK 113 runs along a strip of trees beside the road from Býkev to the sand pits near Cítov; an extension of the corridor across arable land is planned.
The Český lev Monument
The Český lev monument depicts a victorious lion atop a defeated Habsburg eagle. Its pedestal bears the names of local residents who fell at the fronts during the First World War. The image and inscription emphasize different things: the depiction shows the contrast between the lion and the eagle, while the names preserve the memory of people from the village. During the Second World War, residents hid the monument underground; after the war, it was raised back onto its pedestal. Its history therefore includes both its original design and a later period of concealment and reinstatement. Visitors interested in local history can trace two periods through this monument: the remembrance of those who fell in the First World War and the monument’s treatment during the Second World War.
Sports and Getting There
The multi-purpose sports field in Býkev is intended for active recreation open to the public and is designated for tennis, mini football, basketball, volleyball, nohejbal, and field hockey. The options vary depending on what you would like to do during your stay: hiking trails let you explore the surroundings, while the view of Říp offers a scenic perspective; the sports field lists specific sports.
As a rough guide, Býkev is about 30 km from Prague and can be reached via the D8 motorway. If Prague is your starting point, the approximate distance and road connection provide an initial framework for planning your journey. Whether you choose Býkev as a place to stay also depends on how well its historical, landscape, or sporting attractions fit your plans. When looking for a holiday apartment, the choice of destination itself is therefore the first consideration: it should suit the activities you actually want to do.
Discover more destinations: Nelahozeves, Medonosy, Hostín, Libiš, Řepín, Lužec Nad Vltavou, Úžice, Neratovice
Back to the main travel overview: Okres Mělník.
