Býkev: Landscape, History and Village Culture

Býkev between Protected Landscape and Village History

Býkev combines landscape protection, local memory and village traditions. Located directly on the border of the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area, the village offers various perspectives on nature and history. If you are looking for accommodation in Býkev, you can therefore take into account both the character of the protected landscape and cultural discoveries, local events and sporting opportunities. This allows you to combine different focuses during your stay: experiences in nature, historical landmarks, village festivals and active days all form an equally important part of the village’s character.

Nature on the Edge of Kokořínsko

In the area of the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area adjoining Býkev, visitors can explore the surrounding landscape along hiking trails. The trails provide a natural focus that differs from the historical destinations in the village. Býkev also offers a beautiful view of the notable mountain Říp, approximately 18 km away. The approximate distance places this distinctive destination within the wider surroundings, while the view connects a stay in Býkev with the landscape beyond the village.

The landscape also includes the registered significant landscape feature VKP 107 Pískovna Býkev, which lies within the municipality’s planning area. The local biocorridor LBK 113 runs along a strip of woodland beside the road from Býkev to the sand pits near Cítov; an extension onto arable land is planned. Thus, existing landscape features and planned further developments of the local landscape structure meet in Býkev. In addition to the existing strip of woodland, the planned extension also includes arable land, thereby complementing the spatial coherence of the local landscape structure.

Memory, Chapel and Village Tradition

The monument in Býkev depicts a victorious lion on a defeated Habsburg eagle. Its pedestal bears the names of local residents who fell on the fronts during the First World War. The depiction combines a historical symbol with the personal remembrance of people from Býkev. The history of the monument also includes the fact that the residents of Býkev hid the Český lev underground during the Second World War; after the war, it was raised back onto its pedestal. Thus, the story of its preservation is also part of the monument’s history.

Another historical destination is the Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Jenišovice. It was built in 1890 and originally belonged to the chateau. The chapel adds a historical connection outside Býkev, expanding the local history with a sacred and aristocratic element. Over the course of the year, Býkev’s traditional Christmas market provides its own distinctive feature: it takes place on the village green during the first weekend of Advent and includes the lighting of the Christmas tree as well as a performance by children. The village green, Christmas tree and children’s performance give the event a clearly local setting.

Sports Opportunities and Location

The multi-purpose sports field in Býkev is intended for tennis, mini-football, basketball, volleyball, nohejbal and field hockey. The wide range of planned sports complements the hiking trails in the adjoining protected landscape area with another form of active recreation. The local sports offering therefore includes both racket sports and several ball games and movement-based activities. The following is also important for understanding the location: Býkev is approximately 30 km from Prague and can be reached via the D8 motorway. The approximate distance from Prague and the connection via the D8 help place the village between rural landscape and a larger urban context.

If you would like to expand your choice of destinations, you can also find Lobeč, Medonosy, Všetaty, Hostín U Vojkovic, Horní Počaply, Veltrusy, Mělnické Vtelno and Hořín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Mělník.