Říkov combines a landscape shaped by apple orchards with an important village chapel, historic memorials and a cycle route along the Úpa. You can get to know the place through its landscape, its history or as part of a longer cycling tour. If you are considering Říkov for a trip with an overnight stay, it helps to first think about which of these aspects of the place matters for your plans.
Landscape and Location
Říkov lies in the Úpsko-metujská tabule geomorphological subregion, in the Úpa drainage basin and at an altitude of 270 to 300 metres. These details offer three different points of reference: its geomorphological classification, the drainage basin and the altitude range. The landscape is shaped by arable land and meadows, as well as orchards, particularly apple orchards. Thus, in addition to its geographical setting, agricultural land is also part of the character of the place.
For trip planning, this creates a different focus from a destination described primarily through a single attraction: in Říkov, you can take in the landscape alongside the local cultural heritage. Those interested in this combination will find concrete historical points of interest in the village and along the roads and paths in its surroundings, as well as its rural character.
Chapel and Village History
The Kaple svatých Andělů Strážných is considered the village’s most important attraction. It dates from the first half of the 19th century and was restored in 2012 at the municipality’s expense. Its history also includes a pilgrimage tradition: the chapel was known above all for pilgrimages on the first Sunday in May. It can therefore be understood both through its period of construction and its historical religious significance.
Two crosses commemorate different groups of benefactors and different years. The cross at the turnoff to Velká Jesenice was donated by the young men of Říkov in 1892. The cross at the crossroads leading to Doubravice was donated by the young women of Říkov in 1899. Their separate locations and dates give each memorial its own connection to the village’s history.
Another historical point of interest is the obelisk on the road to Velký Třebešov. It commemorates the first written mention of Říkov in 1366 and stands on the site of a former apple tree. The chapel, crosses and obelisk each highlight a different aspect: religious history, local donations and the remembrance of the place’s first written mention.
Archaeological Traces
The history of Říkov extends beyond a single era in archaeological terms, too. The archaeological site provides evidence of settlement and production activities from the Palaeolithic, the Urnfield period, the La Tène period, the Roman Imperial period and the Middle Ages. During a rescue excavation on the northeastern edge of Říkov, feature 96 was uncovered and interpreted as the remains of a La Tène pottery kiln. This feature brings the La Tène period among the eras listed above into clearer focus; the other finds broaden the view of the place’s history. For travellers interested in cultural history, this archaeological perspective complements the chapel and memorials with another kind of local history.
Říkov on the Cycle Route
The 83-kilometre cycle route along the Úpa passes through Říkov, Doubravice, Zvole and Rychnovek on its section from Česká Skalice to Jaroměř. This makes the village part of a longer route. If you plan to include the route in your trip, check its current course and road conditions before setting off.
Practical Information
There is a community shop in the Říkov municipal office building. If you plan to use it during your stay, ask locally whether it is open before relying on it.
Discover more destinations: Pekov, Velká Jesenice, Dolany U Jaromere, Zaloňov, Hermanice, Hlavňov, Horicky, Žďárky.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Náchod.
