The Rozhledna Velká Buková observation tower stands on the edge of the village at an elevation of 445 metres. For planning a trip, this provides a clear focus: Velká Buková combines marked hiking trails with designated natural and cultural monuments. The trails, landscape and buildings each offer different highlights.

Hiking Trails and Views

A red KČT hiking trail connects the Velká Buková observation tower with Křivoklát. The route is 3.5 kilometres long. A short detour from this trail leads to the Hřebínek viewpoint. This means that both the route to Křivoklát and an additional viewpoint are among the described hiking options.

The marked Královská cesta scenic trail runs along the eastern edge of the cadastral area of Velká Buková. Following the contours of the land, it leads along a wooded slope, with views of Křivoklát and Křivoklát Castle. The trail descriptions have different highlights: the red route is given as a specific distance between the tower and Křivoklát, while the slope and views define the character of the Královská cesta.

Protected Landscape and Natural Monuments

Velká Buková lies in the centre of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. It is also a biosphere reserve in the worldwide UNESCO network. The Nezabudické skály Nature Reserve lies on the southern edge of the village: it covers 22.94 hectares and was established in 1988, primarily to protect reptiles and rocky forest-steppe habitats.

Another natural monument is the Jedle u Velké Bukové. Its age is estimated at more than 200 years.

Sculptures, Chapel and Castle

The village also has protected evidence of its cultural history. The statue of Saint Wenceslas in Velká Buková is designated as a protected monument. The late Baroque figure depicts the saint in armour and princely robes, holding a flag and a shield in a Rococo cartouche.

A modernist chapel was built above the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in 1930. It protects the original and later polychrome paint layers. The chapel also contains a valuable Baroque statue of a saint dating from 1764. Křivoklát Castle is in the vicinity of Velká Buková and is a national cultural monument; it is also one of the sights visible from the Královská cesta.

Getting Your Bearings at the Observation Tower

A local road branches off Class III road 20113 and leads to the observation tower. Visitor parking is available at the tower; check before your visit whether it operates seasonally. At the foot of the tower, there is a playground with fitness equipment for adults as well. The observation tower, parking and play and fitness facilities are therefore all found at the same named location.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Velká Buková, you can first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: marked hiking trails, protected nature, or local history and its sculptures and buildings.

Discover more destinations: Chotěšov, Zbečno, Hořovičky, Branov, Svinařov, Cista U Rakovnika, Zavidov, Svojetín.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Rakovník.