Hrušková lies on the medieval Salt Road towards Loket and at the foot of Krudum. These local landmarks offer two different perspectives: the history of a route and the mountain landscape nearby. Krudum reaches 838 metres above sea level; the observation tower on the mountain is ten metres high and opened on 11 September 1932. The two height figures distinguish the mountain from the structure, while the opening date places the tower in its historical context.

The Salt Road, Krudum and early history

Three dates need to be distinguished when considering the history of the village. A document from 1253 records the already existing Church of St Nicholas. The Nothaft family founded Hrušková sometime in the second half of the 13th century. The village was first mentioned in writing as Nothaftsgruen in 1290. These dates relate to different points: the existence of the church, the founding of the village and its first written mention. The founding period is approximate, while the first written mention is dated to 1290. A fortified structure is thought to have stood at the site of the Church of St Nicholas, and may have protected a section of the Salt Road in the deep forests. Its function remains disputed.

Hiking trail to the tower and church remains

A route description dated 26 March 2021 mentions a yellow-marked hiking trail through Hrušková leading to the Krudum observation tower and the remains of the Church of St Nicholas. Before setting out, check the trail markings on site. Taking in both destinations brings together the history of the tower and the site of a possible former fortification.

Monuments in the village and surrounding area

The monument to the victims of the First World War in Hrušková was erected in 1938 and commemorates five village residents who fell in the war. It is freely accessible; check access conditions before your visit. Opposite it grows the protected lime tree “Lípa u pomníčku v Hruškové”.

Another stone memorial site is located in the municipal forest, about 1.5 kilometres northeast of Hrušková. The reconciliation cross stands by the former road to Loket and was re-erected at its place of discovery on 6 September 2003. Check the local route before accessing it through the forest. Its position by the former road distinguishes this memorial site from the monument and lime tree in the village.

The Military Oath monument is also located near Hrušková. It was erected in 1947 at the former Prameny military training area and commemorates local members of the pre-war State Security Guard units who lost their lives protecting the border shortly before Germany annexed the Sudetenland. The monuments thus tell of different events commemorated from the 20th century, while the Salt Road and the Church of St Nicholas reveal further layers of the village’s history.

For the wider travel overview: Sokolov.