Krnsko combines a striking railway viaduct and historic religious and castle buildings with two hiking trails that introduce the area's landmarks and nature. These themes complement each other: on the one hand is the town's architectural and engineering history, and on the other, hiking with views of local wildlife and plant life. This makes it possible to explore Krnsko through specific buildings and the described trails.
Railway history at the Stránovský Viaduct
The Stránovský Viaduct spans the valley of the Strenický potok in the municipality of Krnsko. It was built in 1864; passenger and freight services began there in the same year. It is regarded as the country's first concrete railway bridge and is listed as a technical monument. The year of construction and the start of traffic therefore fall in the same year; its classification as a concrete bridge also highlights its engineering significance. The viaduct is a clear focal point in the town's history for anyone interested in railway and engineering history. Its subject matter sets it apart from Krnsko's religious and aristocratic buildings.
The Church of St. George and its ensemble
The Church of St. George is believed to be the oldest building in Krnsko. A Romanesque building already stood on this site in the 12th century. Jiří Vančura had the church renovated between 1547 and 1551. The documented building phases thus span from the Romanesque predecessor to the later renovation. The ensemble also includes a rectory, a bell tower and a chapel. The buildings have largely been preserved or are being maintained by their owners. On the rectory is a Baroque sculptural group of St. John of Nepomuk: Ignác Elger commissioned it in 1769, and it was created by Prague sculptor Antonín Jedlička. The church, ensemble and sculptural group offer different perspectives on the town's religious architectural history.
The castle and former fortress
The present-day castle stands on the site of a former fortress, which the Vančuras converted into a Renaissance castle. In 1727, a Baroque renovation gave it its present appearance. The former fortress site, the Renaissance conversion and the later Baroque style can therefore be distinguished chronologically. A lived-in prismatic tower, cellars, palace buildings and a curtain wall survive on the site of the former fortress. A later, renovated palace building also dates from the Renaissance. The castle is privately owned and is not open to the public. Check the local situation before planning a visit.
Hiking the Krnská Trail
The Krnská Trail comprises two hiking routes for visitors, showcasing historic landmarks and the surrounding nature, including local wildlife and plant life. Information boards provide route maps, photographs and brief descriptions of sights and natural features. One route starts at Krnsko railway station; a path runs along the Jizera as a field track and invites visitors to observe local wildlife and plant life. The information thus connects practical points of orientation with the trails' themes: alongside historic landmarks are landscapes and nature observation. For planning, the maps and brief descriptions provide an overview of routes and features, without requiring the cultural and landscape themes to be brought under a single focus.
A memorial tree as a connection to nature
The Kaštan hraběte Šporka (Count Špork's Chestnut Tree) adds a specific connection to nature alongside the buildings. It was designated a memorial tree in 2021, and a hiking route passes by it. Its condition may change over time. In Krnsko, the tree can thus be encountered both as a designated memorial and as part of a hiking route.
Discover more destinations: Vinec, Bezno, Obruby, Krásná Ves, Vlkava, Mečeříž, Hradec, Jabkenice
Go to the regional travel overview: Mladá Boleslav District.
