Hostivice: Nature, Culture and Historic Routes

Hostivice combines a protected pond landscape with a remarkable history. If you would like to combine experiences in nature, walking routes and historical discoveries, the town offers different ways to do so: from the Hostivické rybníky ponds and an old pilgrimage route to listed buildings in the historic centre.

Water Landscape and Walking Routes

Outside the built-up area, the routes are concentrated mainly around the Hostivické rybníky ponds. For the town’s residents, they are considered the most important destination for walks. The protected area is also an important site for breeding, overwintering and bird migration. As a result, the landscape has a clear natural-history significance in addition to its recreational value.

The Hostivické rybníky nature trail is approximately 2.5 km long and accessible year-round. At its third stop, beside Litovický rybník, there is a birdwatching hide with an information board about the birds that can be observed there. This makes it possible to combine a short walk with a specific wildlife-watching opportunity, rather than viewing the landscape merely as a backdrop.

Historic Routes for Walking and Cycling

The historic Hájek–Strahov pilgrimage route ran through Hostivice from Prague’s Strahov Gate to Hájek Monastery west of the town. Three niche chapels of the original 20 remain within the Hostivice area. The section around these three chapels was reconstructed in 1998–1999 and planted with a lime-tree avenue. The route therefore combines historic landmarks with a clearly recognisable section within the town.

A longer cycling connection runs through Hostivice: the first stage of the Kladenská cycling route follows a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists from Prague via Hostivice to Hájek. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider in advance whether your trip should focus more on the routes around the ponds, the historic buildings, or the combination of cycling and cultural routes.

Castle, Church and Historic Buildings

Hostivický zámek Castle was built at the end of the 17th century on the site of older farmsteads. Anna Maria, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, remodelled it into its present form in 1732–1734. In addition, the Church of St James was founded in the 13th century. The Baroque Hostivická fara vicarage was built in 1734–1737.

The Litovická tvrz fortress is also part of the older building fabric. The originally Gothic structure was built around 1330 by Bishop Jan IV. z Dražic and later converted into a granary in the Baroque style. The historic centre of Hostivice is designated as a heritage conservation zone. This means that different historical layers coexist in the town, from medieval origins to later alterations.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Plan

When searching for accommodation in Hostivice, the desired balance of nature, culture and activity is particularly important. The passenger rail services departing from Hostivice are integrated into Prague Integrated Transport (PID). Therefore, in addition to the specific accommodation options available, the way you plan to spend your days is also a useful selection criterion.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Hostivice, you can also include Číčovice, Únětice, Okor, Hvozdnice, Lety, Libčice Nad Vltavou, Červený Újezd and Třebotov in your further research.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Praha-Západ.