In Bělá nad Radbuzou, architectural history and landscape stand side by side as distinct themes. The Baroque Bridge, Bělá Fortress and the Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows offer insights into different histories of construction and use. Pohořelec and the paths around the town turn your attention to the surrounding area.

Riverside setting and views

Bělá nad Radbuzou lies at the confluence of the Radbuza and the Bezděkovský potok. The Pohořelec viewpoint on the hill of the same name, 524 metres above sea level, offers a view of the wider landscape. The riverside setting and the elevated viewpoint thus provide two different reference points for orientation.

From Pohořelec, the southwestern panorama extends to the border mountains. In the Bohemian Forest are the peaks of Ostrý and Velký Javor; Čerchov, Velký Zvon and Přimda are also part of the view described. These named peaks give the panorama a distinctive character and show that the view extends beyond the immediate surroundings of the town.

The viewpoint can be reached from the town square in the direction of Bor. The final section follows a path through a meadow. Before setting out, check locally whether the access route is still the same.

Bridge, fortress and church

The Baroque Bridge over the Radbuza is a striking historic structure. It was probably built between 1723 and 1725, modelled on Prague’s Charles Bridge, and is adorned with six Baroque statues of saints. It is also used by pedestrians and cyclists. Its construction history, statues and present-day use are three distinct aspects of this structure.

Bělá Fortress was built around 1614 in the Renaissance style; Wolf Josef Lamingen von Albenreuth is named as its builder. It is protected as a cultural monument and was declared a cultural monument by the Czech Ministry of Culture. Its use also changed over the course of history: after it ceased to serve as the manor lord’s residence, it was used as accommodation for administrative staff. The reconstructed fortress houses, among other things, an information centre. Check in advance whether it is open during your visit.

The Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows originated as a chapel built in Bělá in 1696–1697 and later extended. After a fire in 1826, the church was rebuilt and enlarged. Its history thus includes both the original chapel and a later reconstruction.

The Kocovy kameny offer a different kind of historical trace: striking stone cultural monuments near Bělá nad Radbuzou. The rocks bear inscriptions left by merry hunting parties. They stand in clear contrast to the architectural histories of the bridge, fortress and church: here, it is the inscribed rocks that define the place.

Exploring the landscape on foot and by bike

The nature trail in Bělá nad Radbuzou passes through part of the picturesque landscape above the Radbuza valley. This gives it a different focus from the viewpoint: the walk takes in not just the panorama, but also the landscape above the valley. Before setting out, check locally on the current condition of the nature trail.

Cycling routes also run through wooded areas with almost untouched nature in the area around Bělá. Planning a cycling trip offers a different way to explore the surroundings than visiting the named architectural landmarks in town. As routes may change, check the current route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Pila, Semněvice, Milavče, Vidice, Nová Ves U Kdyně, Neuměř, Kolovec, Úsilov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Domažlice.