Koupě: History, Nature and Hiking Trails

Koupě offers three distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: the Gothic fortress, protected nature and marked hiking trails. Its history can be traced through a written mention and a fortified building, while its natural heritage is represented by the fire-bellied toad population in the Dražská Koupě protected area. There are also two hiking trails with clearly named markings and endpoints. When planning your stay, you can decide whether architectural history, nature conservation or hiking will be the deciding factor.

History and the Koupě Fortress

Koupě was first mentioned in writing in 1367, when Jindřich z Koupí was staying there. The Koupě fortress was probably built in the second half of the 15th century or at the beginning of the 16th century. These two dates refer to different historical points: 1367 relates to the first written mention of the village, while the later, approximate date relates to the construction of the fortress. If you are interested in the village’s history, you can view this sequence as two separate milestones rather than equating the mention of the village with the start of construction.

The Koupě fortress is a Gothic fortified building in a farmyard. Both features are important for understanding it: the name describes its architectural form, while the farmyard describes its setting. A notice from October 2024 reported that the Koupě fortress was closed to the public. If you are considering a visit, check the current access arrangements in advance.

There is also an old lime tree at house number 34, protected by the heritage protection authority.

Nature in Dražská Koupě

The Dražská Koupě protected area is home to a population of fire-bellied toads (Bombina bombina). The species is specially protected and highly endangered. This gives Koupě a clear connection to species conservation as well as its historical significance. For travellers weighing nature against culture, these are distinct points of interest: the fortress represents a building with an approximate date, while the fire-bellied toad represents an endangered species in a protected area.

Hiking trails through Koupě

Two marked hiking trails pass through Koupě, differing mainly in their markings and named endpoints. The red-marked trail runs from Březnice to Třemšín and passes through Koupě. The yellow-marked trail starts in Koupě and leads to Újezd u Skaličan. When choosing a route, you can first decide whether Koupě is relevant as a way point on the trail between Březnice and Třemšín, or whether the route from Koupě to Újezd u Skaličan is your main interest. This is more specific than a general recommendation to go hiking: the destinations and markings differ. Check the trail markings against the current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Modřovice, Milešov, Hvožďany, Dobris, Hlubyně, Buková U Příbramě, Ohrazenice, Štětkovice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Příbram.