In Strakov, a stream running through the built-up area, an extensive forest complex, and marked hiking and cycling trails come together. There is also the Chapel of the Virgin Mary on the village square and a sports area by the pond. Those looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Strakov can plan their trip around these specific themes: getting outdoors, discovering natural features, or learning about the village’s history.
Landscape Between Stream and Forest
Strakov lies in a gently rolling, slightly hilly landscape. The settlement stretches along both banks of the Končinský potok, which runs through the built-up area and flows from north to south within the planning area. The stream rises east of Mendryka and flows into the Loučná at Cerekvice nad Loučnou as a tributary.
The extensive forest complex of the Kozlovský hřbet covers more than half of the planning area. Its highest point is Nad Zlatou studánkou, at 604 m above sea level. Another notable natural feature is the Strakovská lípa, a protected large-leaved lime tree near the chapel in the Strakov cadastral area. It has a trunk circumference of 419 cm and is 26 m tall; its estimated age is 120 to 150 years. These measurements and the age estimate may not correspond to current arboricultural measurements.
Walk to Zlatá studánka
The red-marked KČT hiking route runs from Litomyšl via Strakov and Strakov, nad Zlatou studánkou, onward to Kozlovský kopec and Česká Třebová. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the local markers for the route. Zlatá studánka is one of the sources of the Končinský potok, making it a natural destination connected to the stream that also flows through Strakov.
At the spring, you can rest on a bench beneath a wooden shelter. As the condition of this infrastructure should be checked on site, a brief check before your visit is advisable. This lets you include the resting place as a distinct reference point in your hiking plans, without assuming a specific walking time or guaranteed condition.
Compare Cycling Routes by Length
Marked cycling route No. 4219 runs from Litomyšl via the viewpoint near Pazucha and the forest complex near Strakov to Semanín. It is about 12.5 km long, of moderate difficulty, and suitable for all types of bicycles. Also of moderate difficulty, cycling route No. 182 runs via Choceň, Dolní Sloupnice, Litomyšl, Strakov, Janov and Mladějovský vrch to Moravská Třebová. It is about 55 km long; it too is suitable for all types of bicycles and forms part of the Břeclav–Hradec Králové long-distance cycling route.
Comparing the lengths helps put the two options into perspective: at around 12.5 km, No. 4219 is considerably shorter than No. 182, which is about 55 km long. Both are described as moderately difficult, but differ in length and in their stated routes. Check the current signs before setting off. Another reference point for cyclists is the unmarked route section 4144, which connects Zlatá studánka and Strakov over 4.6 km. For this section, check the signage and surface conditions independently.
Chapel and Village History
The brick Chapel of the Virgin Mary on the village square was built in 1734; an iron crucifix was added in 1864. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, together with the adjacent iron cross, has been protected as a monument since May 1958. These dates mark different periods: 1734 is the year the chapel was built, 1864 the year the addition was made, and 1958 the start of its protected status.
Strakov itself was first mentioned in 1347 in a document by Přeclav of Pogorella, Bishop of Wrocław. This first written mention predates the construction of the chapel by a long time and provides a distinct point of reference in the village’s history. Together, the stream, forest, trails and chapel offer different reasons to experience the place not only as a starting point for activities, but also through its landscape and history.
Sports Area by the Pond
By the pond, Strakov has a sports area with a multi-purpose playing field, a covered stage, and tables and benches. It is used both for sports activities and for summer social events. If you are planning to visit for a specific event, check the dates before your trip; reliable planning should be based on the dates of the events in question.
Discover more destinations: Horní Újezd, Pomezí, Nová Sídla, Květná, Banín, Hartinkov, Jedlova, Sklené.
For the overview of the wider area: Svitavy District.
