Ostrov brings together landscape, cycling and local history. The landscape is shaped by the Sázava, the Nezdínský potok and wooded areas. It also features a registered landscape element, the natural formation of Kamenné stádo and historical traces stretching back several centuries. When choosing a short-break destination, you can weigh up these highlights depending on whether you are more interested in the landscape, a cycling route or the history of the place.
Landscape and natural formation
VKP 62 – Meze u Ostrova is a registered significant landscape element. It consists of a system of field margins with naturally regenerated trees and shrubs. This means the focus is not just on a single named place, but on a landscape feature: field margins and trees and shrubs that together make up the described element. Those interested in the shape of the landscape will find a different way to explore it here than through historical dates or a cycling route.
Another landscape feature is Kamenné stádo. The natural formation is located in the northern part of Ostrov’s cadastral area. A local legend is associated with the same name: it tells of a shepherd and a flock that were turned to stone. According to the legend, the quartz stones associated with them are still scattered across the pasture and along the edge of the forest; some boulders have been dug up. Kamenné stádo therefore brings a specific natural formation and a story together. The legend explains the name through its theme of transformation, while the formation’s location links it geographically to Ostrov.
Cycling and route characteristics
Cycle route No. 4156 connects Ledeč nad Sázavou with Sázava u Žďáru nad Sázavou. It runs over asphalt as well as paved and unpaved surfaces, and is suitable for mountain bikes and trekking bikes. Both endpoints and the different surface types are relevant when planning a ride: the route cannot be described as having just one type of surface. As surfaces may change through maintenance, check the current route description before setting out.
Historical traces
The first written mention of Ostrov dates from 1408. At that time, dues from Ostrov and Veliká are mentioned in connection with Ledeč Castle. Another historical trace concerns the hill above Ostrov: on 14 August 1870, it was renamed Deklarant. The two dates point to different aspects of local history—a first written mention linked to Ledeč Castle and a later naming of the hill.
The history of the “Ostrovský mlýn” mill adds to this picture. It was powered by the Nezdínský potok. In the mid-19th century, a small glass-grinding workshop was also operating at the mill.
Dated glimpses of local life
At the second Traktoriáda on 28 September 2024, the competition course included a slalom, reversing, carrying a cup filled with water, a water trench and pulling a heavy tire. At the eighth masked parade in 2025, participants sampled koblihy and a warming drink before the parade through the village. The two examples are quite different: the Traktoriáda was organized as a competition with various tasks, while at the masked parade the tasting took place before the procession through the village. They refer to specific events in 2024 and 2025. If an event is important to your travel plans, check whether a date has been announced for your travel period.
Discover more destinations: Havlickuv Brod, Dolní Sokolovec, Břevnice, Přibyslav, Jilem, Dolní Krupá U Havlíckova Brodu, Nová Ves U Leštiny, Bačkov.
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Havlíčkův Brod.
