Čistěves lies in a varied, hilly landscape about 12 km northwest of Hradec Králové, in the direction of Jičín. The Naučná stezka Les Svíb nature trail starts in the village; it takes about 2.5 hours to walk. This provides a clear distinction for planning: the walk has an approximate time frame, while the monuments—with their forms, materials and inscriptions—offer a historical focus.
Landscape landmarks
In the western part of the undeveloped area lies the Šust fishpond; it forms the local biocentre LBC 1. Part of Svíb Forest is designated as the regionally significant biocentre RBC 983 Svíb. The two designations differ in their geographical scope: LBC 1 applies to the pond as a local biocentre, while RBC 983 Svíb applies to a part of the forest with regional significance. If the landscape is an important factor in choosing your destination, the pond and the forest area provide two specific points of reference alongside the generally hilly surroundings.
Nature trail and memorial sites
At the edge of Svíb Forest stands the monument to the Austrian 8th Battalion of Field Hunters. It commemorates the Battle of Hradec Králové in 1866 and was made to a design by Vienna professor Viktor Tilgner. The monument depicts an over-life-size Austrian field hunter of the 8th Battalion, carved from Istrian limestone. In the centre of the forest lies the Alley of the Dead, where thousands of soldiers from both opposing sides fell. The Pruský IR 27 monument stands at its original location. It is a pylon topped with a gun cross and bears Czech and German inscriptions.
The monuments differ in form: the over-life-size figure and Istrian limestone define the design of the Austrian battalion monument, while Pruský IR 27 is distinguished by its pylon shape, gun cross and bilingual inscriptions. These are specific differences that can help you tell the memorials apart during a cultural and historical stay.
Rozsvícený Svíb in 2024
A 2024 event description calls Rozsvícený Svíb its 18th edition. The programme for that edition traditionally included a field mass and a commemorative ceremony at Myslivec. If you would like to include the event in your trip, check the dates for your chosen year.
Getting there
Two location points are useful when planning your journey. A bus stop is located in the centre of Čistěves, at the intersection of two Class III roads. The nearest railway stop is in the neighbouring municipality of Sadová, 3 km northwest of Čistěves, on line 041. This distinction matters when choosing where to arrive: the bus stop is in the centre, while the railway stop is in Sadová. If you plan to travel by bus or train, check the relevant connection and current timetables.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Lišice, Klamoš, Zdechovice, Osice, Hlušice, Sendražice, Lhota Pod Libčany, Smržov U Smiřic
For the wider travel overview: Hradec Králové District.
