Nosálov combines a protected village conservation area with marked hiking and cycling loops. This means two distinct interests to consider when choosing a destination: the extensive village layout and routes through the hilly landscape of the Polomené hory.
Landscape and trails around Nosálov
The village lies about six kilometres north of Mšeno, at an elevation of 382 metres, amid the picturesque hills of the Polomené hory, and stretches along the south-eastern slope of Vrátenská hora. Nosálov is also one of the gateways to the Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area. Several marked hiking and cycling loops run around the village. As a starting point for hiking trails of varying difficulty, Nosálov is also a good base for routes in the eastern part of the Polomené hory. The loops in the surrounding area and the trails into the eastern part offer different starting points for planning. Check the trail markings before setting out, as they may be updated.
Village conservation area and history
Nosálov is listed as a protected conservation area and is a well-preserved village with an extensive layout around the village square; more recent buildings complement the settlement. The village conservation area includes the niche chapel of the Holy Trinity on the village square. An inscription dates it to 1808. For those interested in architectural and settlement history, the layout as a whole is therefore just as significant as the chapel.
Another historical detail dates to 1842, when Nosálov had around 95 small hop gardens. This dated information adds an agricultural dimension to the picture of the village.
Cave, promontory and rock grotto
Petrovina, also known as Vítkova jeskyně, is an approximately 15-metre-long pseudokarst cave that was artificially enlarged in the Middle Ages. Access is via a steep path; take this into account when planning and check the trail conditions before visiting.
Selnerovo hradiště is a long, narrow promontory of about two hectares, with ramparts dating from the early to high Middle Ages. A marked green hiking trail runs approximately 150 metres away. By comparison, Vrátenská hora lies directly on a marked blue hiking trail and cycling route No. 143.
The naturally hollowed-out rock grotto Cikánský kámen probably served as an overnight stop and resting place for travellers on their way to Žitava. Today, it is considered a popular resting and stopping place for hikers. Thus, this site brings together a cautiously worded historical interpretation and its present-day status as a resting place.
Views from the Vrátenská rozhledna
The Vrátenská rozhledna offers another perspective on the landscape. In clear conditions, the view takes in all of north-eastern Bohemia, the Ralská pahorkatina and the Česká Lípa region; the panorama stretches from Bezděz Castle to the Jizera Mountains, Ještěd and the western Krkonoše. Visibility depends on the weather. The observation tower is open to the public at set times; check the visiting hours in advance.
Discover more destinations: Libiš, Řepín, Všetaty, Postřižín, Dobřeň, Malý Újezd, Hořín, Želízy.
For the wider travel overview: Mělník District.
